Heart Like a Wheel (1983)
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Heart Like a Wheel stars Bonnie Bedelia as real-life racing champion Shirley "Cha Cha" Muldowney. Overcoming sexist hurdles, Shirley works hard to qualify for the major auto race competitions of America. Firmly in her cheering section is her dad (Hoyt Axton), and--at least at first--her husband, mechanic Jack Muldowney (Leo Rossi). When Jack, jealous of Shirley's success, leaves her, she casts her lot with troublesome banned racer Connie Kalita (Beau Bridges). The film comes to a head at the 1966 National Hot Rod Association World Championship, which Shirley eventually wins three times. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bonnie Bedelia, Beau Bridges, (more)
- Director(s):
- Jonathan Kaplan
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG
- Format(s):
- DVD
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Synopsis of Heart Like a Wheel
Heart Like a Wheel stars Bonnie Bedelia as real-life racing champion Shirley "Cha Cha" Muldowney. Overcoming sexist hurdles, Shirley works hard to qualify for the major auto race competitions of America. Firmly in her cheering section is her dad (Hoyt Axton), and--at least at first--her husband, mechanic Jack Muldowney (Leo Rossi). When Jack, jealous of Shirley's success, leaves her, she casts her lot with troublesome banned racer Connie Kalita (Beau Bridges). The film comes to a head at the 1966 National Hot Rod Association World Championship, which Shirley eventually wins three times. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 113 mins
Complete Cast of Heart Like a Wheel
- Bonnie Bedelia - Shirley Muldowney
- Leo Rossi - Jack Muldowney
- Bill McKinney - "Big Daddy" Don Garlits
- Dean Paul Martin - Sonny Rigotti
- Missy Basile - Angela
- Ellen Geer - Mrs. Marianne Kalitta
- Tiny Wells - Tiny
- Brandon Brent Williams - John, age 5-8
- Leonard Termo - Good Joe
- Sam Posey - Himself
- Harry Northrup - Trooper
- Paul Linke - Reporter
- Mark Dawson - Guitar/Harmonica, Tex's Band
- Creed Bratton - Photographer
- Bob Minor - Ralph, NHRA Official
- Bruce Barlow - Bass Player, Tex's Band
- Jill Carroll - John's Girl Friend
- Sam Laws - Piano Player
- Martin Casella - Repoter #1
- Beau Bridges - Connie Kalitta
- Hoyt Axton - Tex Rogue
- Anthony Edwards - John Muldowney, Age 15-23
- Paul Bartel - Chef Paul
- Michael Cavanaugh - NHRA Boss
- Nora Heflin - Nurse North
- Jesse Aragon - Carlos
- Byron Thames - John, age 10-13
- Michael Talbott - Englishtown Announcer
- Catherine Paolone - Mrs. Good Joe
- Dick Miller - Mickey White
- Robert Ridgely - Bob Morton, "Sportsline"
- Sally Dennison
- Tim Kimber - Buddy
- Thomas A. Duffield
- Paul Bryar - Matt, Card Player
- Mitzi Hoag - Shirley's Mother
- Terence Knox - Jack's Friend
- Diane Delano - Shirley's Sister
- Director(s):
- Jonathan Kaplan
- Writer(s):
- David E. Peckinpah, Ken Friedman
- Producer(s):
- Martin F. Katz, James L. Stewart, Rich Irvine
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG(Adult Situations, Questionable for Children, Violence, Adult Language)
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