Big Chuck’s Retro-Review: “Bullitt” (1968; VIDEO)

This movie was positively startling when it first came out in 1968.  Not for the acting.  I mean, lets face it, nobody would accuse Steve McQueen of being one of Hollywood's most exciting actors.  No, the star of this move is the car chase.

McQueen plays San Francisco police officer Frank Bullitt, the "good guy" who really had a need for speed.  The always excellent Robert Vaughn played the greasy politician Walter Chalmers.  They make a great pair of film antagonists.  There are Mob witnesses, shoot outs, dames in distress (the delicious Jacqueline Bisset), a stunning back drop of the city of San Francisco and much more.

The movie gives us perhaps the quintessential car chase.  McQueen drove a 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback in the 10 minute and 53 second roller coaster trip over the winding, steep streets of the city.  Although McQueen was a recognized professional race driver in real life, but he is seen in the close-up shots only and stunt men took over in the harrowing chase scenes and crash scenes.

The scene is the definition of the phrase "thrill ride."

I give this flick FOUR MEATBALLS, my highest rating in Big Chuck's Retro Reviews.

Take a look at the famous car chase here: