Leo Beebe


The film leaves a very strong impression that Leo Beebe knew that if he was able to convince Ken Miles to cross the line with the other two Fords he would not win the race. I guess we'll never know the truth as Beebe died 18 years ago.

reply

While possible, I doubt that is true. Not even experienced racers seemed to be aware of that rule, so I doubt some corporate suit would be. The actual reason probably was just for a promotional picture.

reply

The finish was utterly orchestrated by Corporate. Those of us who watched the actual race saw Ken Miles BRAKE to let the other 2 Fords level up. What a bastardization of the sport. Ford did not give a shit about the sport of prototype sportscar endurance motor racing.

reply

lol, wtf?

they were all going to finish in the top 3, anyway, and they still did

reply

yeah, because, after all, he never spoke to anyone at all.

Or...

"A book about the race called Ford: The Dust and the Glory by Leo Levine, which includes extensive interviews with Beebe, quotes him as saying (when he learned that a tie would relegate Miles to second place) 'Oh my God, that’s not what we wanted it all.'"

https://www.inquirer.com/news/leo-beebe-ford-ferrari-k-tron-ron-jaworski-20191114.html

Is no one capable of doing a little god damned research?

reply

nice work

reply

You don't think Beebe lied?

His animosity towards Ken Miles verged on hatred.

Lying after the fact proves nothing.

reply

Beebe was certainly portrayed as an ignorant ass in the movie. It made me wonder what Henry Ford II saw in him because early on we learned that Ford’s sales had plummeted and their production cars were poorly engineered.

reply

He saw someone who was very like himself. Birds of a feather . . .

reply

Beebe was a thundercunt - just pissed off because Miles shat all over his precious Mustang at Cloverfield. Miles certainly became a team player by slowing down and all, but what's fucked is that smarmy smile that Beebe has when they all crossed - like giddy as fuck because he got to please "The Deuce". Piss off, you fuckwhistle.

Although, being a huge fan of the movie American Psycho does make me enjoy Josh Lucas and Christian Bale being on screen together again.

reply


I think we need to be careful about forming opinions of real life people based on movie portrayals. There have been many instances in very highly regarded films that were unfair to many people.

Now, if Beebe was indeed a thunderc*nt, then it's good his flaws are outed, but I want to be sure one way or the other.

reply

Totally agree - I am talking solely about the movie portrayal. It's the mark of a good actor if they can get you to want to punch them through the TV because of what a shitbag they are. It's maddening because of how talented Miles is behind the wheel and they want to tone him down.

reply

I did some reading after I posted that, and there is some very interesting information about Leo Beebe by his friends and coworkers. Most seem to think he wouldn't have made that call to run all three cars across the line together, but it was more likely the Deuce himself who made that call.

And you're so right about the actor's portrayals. Some people can't separate the actor from the character. I mean, who didn't hate Stu's girlfriend in The Hangover, yet Rachel Harris is supposedly a really nice person.

reply

Haha, I have heard the same thing about Rachel Harris. She was hilarious in The Hangover. When Zach tells her he's going to get his bartending license she says, "suck my dick". I still crack up every time I watch that. Although, her character is soooo insufferable that I was hoping Stu instead of getting tongue-tied, told her to go fuck a bedpost or something.

As far as Beebe, yeah, he could have been a douche-donut or maybe it was Henry Ford II. Both characters were played to perfection by their respective actors. My favorite scene is still the fight between Miles and Shelby and Miles's wife pulling up a chair.

reply


Watching the Deuce crap his trousers when Shelby takes him for a small "demonstration" tour in the GT was my favorite!

reply

Hell yes - that's up there too. That coincides with the hilarious way they kept Beebe locked in the room so Shelby can get the Deuce out there unobstructed.

reply