I sent this out a while back. The subject keeps coming up. ;=) This
is one you probably won't find in the book about "Le Mans", but it's
the most likely reason the film "Le Mans" was made!
BTW, I'm happy to report that the Sonoma Theater is still in operation
as a theater. The benefit effort to save it was back in '96.
Here's another story about the movie "Grand Prix" by J. Frankenheimer.
I attended a private showing of a freshly restored copy of the film at
the Sonoma Theater. This was a benefit trying to save the theater. It
was part of the Wine Country Classic Vintage Auto Races (sister event to
Monterey). John Frankenheimer was on hand autographing reprinted movie
posters for all attendees. I have one. The race event was a Formula 1
reunion. I was racing my Formula Junior in the event.
The story he told while introducing the movie was great. It seems they
originally wanted Steve McQueen to play the lead. While Frankenheimer
was off in Europe lining up all the best drivers and tracks, his
co-producer had a meeting with McQueen. They almost came to blows. The
co-producer was an ex-boxer who was about to knock Steve McQueen's block
off. McQueen stormed out vowing to do a racing movie at the same time
to compete with Grand Prix. McQueen hooked up with a rival studio, who
gave them permission to go spy on what Frankenheimer was doing in
Europe. By this time, Grand Prix was well underway. When the spies
reported back on the work being done by Frankenheimer, their literal
comment was, "If Frankenheimer has film in those cameras, we're dead."
The rival studio scuttled the project. Grand Prix won 4 or 5 Oscars.
It was 5 years later that Steve McQueen did "Le Mans" based on the 1971
race.
LMR356@aol.com wrote:
>
> Greg, et al.....Something else to ask for from Santa....Michael Keyser's
> brand new book: A FRENCH KISS WITH DEATH....Steve McQueen and the making of
> LE MANS...the man...the race...the cars..the movie -- is absolutely
> fantastic! Over 450 pages...and 700 rare and exclusive photographs! At
> $59.95 ....it's gotta be the best buy for Xmas and 2000. See
> www.autosportsltd.com or contact Michael Keyser (1970's 'Toad Hall' IMSA
> driver and author /producer of THE SPEED MERCHANTS book/video) ) for a
> personal autographed copy at : autosports@mindspring.com and 410- 785-0813.
> Tell him you are a member of vintagerace@autotox.team.net.
>
> Lee Raskin (LMR356@aol.com)
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