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The Great Race vs Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines

posted 10 years ago by elsa-reinsch
5 replies | jump to latest

I don't know if anyone has brought up this subject but if not. I was wondering which of these is most loved. I ask this because they are so similiar; they both came out in 1965, both are about huge races taking place in the early years of the 20th century, both are comedies, and both end in Paris (If anyone can think of any other similarities it would be appreciated). I personally love The Great Race better for many reasons which include 1. The Cast is in my opinion far superior I mean you can't beat Jack Lemmon, Natalie Wood, Tony Curtis, and Peter Falk, 2. The Music is done by the great Henry Mancini, you can't beat that :), 3. The comedy in my opinion is far better, 4. It is more epic, 5. The great costumes, and 6. The pie fight and the huge bar room brawl. So what is everyone else's opinion?

[–] puirt-a-beul 10 years ago

I agree with everything you've said, elsa-reinsch! ;-)

I'd really like to be able to say I love this one as well, but sadly it just doesn't give me reason to. It has none of the same flair or inspiration as The Great Race.

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] kevin-bergin 8 years ago

Saw both movies soon after they hit TV; late 60s early 70s? At that time it seemed very close. Now, having seen them both again this past year, I think The Great Race holds up much better.

"It's the system, Lara. People will be different after the Revolution."

[–] SevernSarge 8 years ago

Both of these films rank among my favorites. If I had to choose between the two, I'd choose The Great Race. The two main things TMMINFM has going for it are Ken Annakin (whose films I have a taste for) and the magnificent aircraft flying footage. The Great Race has a better story, is better written and acted, and is, to me, just plain funnier, and it holds up well to repeated watching.

And, Jack Lemmon is incredible. No performance in Flying Machines can match his Professor Fate.

Push the button, Max!

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[–] Rheli 8 years ago

Another vote for The Magnificent Men! The care they took in presenting those various aircraft is just too good and those national stereotypes just too funny!

Both are quite a bit better than
Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies.

Any other movies you would put into this genre by the way?

[–] etsis 7 years ago

They're both very entertaining, but I have to give the edge to The Great Race, simply because of Jack Lemmon and Peter Falk as Professor Fate and Max. They were hilarious. "Push the button Max!"