The Last American Hero
Seen it?1973 | 95 min | Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved F1 or Rush, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1973: an older pace and style.
A young hell raiser quits his moonshine business and tries to become the best NASCAR racer the south has ever seen. Loosely based on the true story of NASCAR driver Junior Johnson.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
75% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
1 win and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$1 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 43K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
F1
Friday Night FlickAnother sports drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
Rush Saturday SpecialAnother sports drama, and a Saturday Special.
Ford v Ferrari Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed sports drama.
Days of Thunder
Weeknight WatchAnother sports drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
All the King's Men Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama that fewer people know today.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Lamont Johnson
- Jeff BridgesElroy Jackson Jr.
- Valerie PerrineMarge Dennison
- Geraldine FitzgeraldFrau Jackson
- Ned BeattyHackel
- Gary BuseyWayne Jackson
- Lane SmithRick Penny
- Ed LauterBurton Colt
- William SmithKyle Kingman
- Gregory WalcottCleve Morley
- Art LundElroy Jackson Sr.