Speedway (1968)

Racing driver Steve Grayson (Elvis Presley) owes a debt to the US government of $145,000 and is pursued by attractive tax inspector Susan Jack (Nancy Sinatra).

Grayson has been generous with his winnings helping people in need, including a motherless family comprising a down-and-out father (William Schallert) and his four little daughters, including six-year-old Ellie (Victoria Meyerink).

His bumbling manager, Kenny Donford (Bill Bixby), has also been losing the racing champ’s winnings by betting on the horses.

Spectacularly in arrears with his income tax, Steve decides the only way to pay the bill is to win the Charlotte 500 race and he enters determined to triumph and win the heart of IRS agent Susan in the process.

The race footage at the Charlotte Speedway is superb, with authentic race footage filmed by ten cameras in Panavision and Metrocolor.

Recently wed to Priscilla Beaulieu, the King seems to be going through the motions and the songs sound as though very old men had written them.

There was certainly little here to interest youngsters in 1968 and the film was released on the second half of a double bill with a Man from UNCLE adventure.

Steve Grayson
Elvis Presley
Susan Jacks
Nancy Sinatra
Kenny Donford
Bill Bixby
RW Hepworth
Gale Gordon
Abel Esterlake
William Schallert
Ellie Esterlake
Victoria Meyerink
Paul Dado
Ross Hagen
Birdie Kebner
Carl Ballantine

Director
Norman Taurog

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