This film begins with a college student by the name of "Chuck Manning" (Doug McClure) admiring a hot rod in the parking lot of the university while his sister "Eadie Manning" (Pamela Tiffin) impatiently waits in their car. As luck would have it, while Chuck is studying the engine, the owner of the car "Casey Owens" (James Darren) comes back and, after sizing one another up, a challenge is issued between the two over which car can beat the other in a race. So, off they head to a nearby drag strip which ends, unfortunately, in both of them getting a ticket for trespassing. If that wasn't bad enough, Chuck's car is damaged during the race which requires Casey to tow it to his father's garage. It's then that Chuck learns how incredibly talented Casey is when it comes to mechanics as he is working on a new type of car engine which could revolutionize the automobile industry. Even so, being a student of engineering, Chuck doesn't believe Casey's theories will work and a lengthy discussion over the concept begins at that point and continues for hours afterward. Meanwhile, Eadie has become attracted to Casey and, being somewhat mechanically inclined herself, sparks begin to fly between the two of them which will have a lasting impact on all concerned. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this movie was a remake of the 1954 film "Johnny Dark" which featured Tony Curtis and Piper Laurie. Having said that, however, there are a few slight differences which, strangely enough, benefited both films equally. For example, the first movie focused more on the overall action coupled with some excellent camera work from the driver's point-of-view. This particular film, on the other hand, included a bit more comedy and romance than its predecessor, which worked nicely due to the sexual chemistry between James Darren and Pamela Tiffin. At least, that is how it seemed to me. Be that as it may, I enjoyed this film for the most part, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Review of The Lively Set
