Review of The Last American Hero

Lamont Johnson directed this critically-lauded, though under-appreciated stockcar drama (often referred to as "Hard Driver") concerning a young hellion (Jeff Bridges) in North Carolina who's into racing cars and "hot doggin' the law!" It isn't Shakespeare, though the William Roberts script (adapted from Tom Wolfe's short stories) is literate and bracing, and the film has built up a cult-following in the last thirty years. Performances by Bridges, Valerie Perrine and Gary Busey are all solid, with Bridges' powerful scene in a recording booth the emotional centerpiece of the film. The soundtrack prominently features Jim Croce's song "I Got a Name". Interesting, well-made lower-budget item marketed as a quickie B-flick but actually offering something more substantial. ** from ****