39 replies to this topic

[David McKinney]

This announcement is being made in NZ as we speak….

A proposed feature film about the life of internationally celebrated Formula One racing driver Bruce McLaren (1937-1970) has taken another step further today with Barrie M. Osborne - Academy Award® winning producer of The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy - confirming he will be the producer of the film.

Osborne, who has produced or executive produced several other major movies including The Matrix and The Big Chill, said the McLaren story was a truly inspiring and highly emotional story that simply had to be told.

"McLaren, a New Zealander, was one of the world's pre-eminent sportsmen. His name is still synonymous with the international motor sport scene through Team McLaren."

This film will capture the inspiring, highly emotional true story of how McLaren, who was crippled with a hip joint problem as a child, rose through energy and skill to establish the most successful professional racing team in the history of world motor sport.

The film has all the ingredients of an international blockbuster: a fast-paced drama set against the competitive and glamorous world of international motor racing, and is set to tap into motor racing's vast, established global fan base.

Osborne is working with co-producer and motor sport enthusiast Michael Garlick. Garlick has designed, built and driven racing cars and has produced and directed over 350 television broadcasts for major international broadcasters including Cox Cable in the United States. Throughout his production career, Garlick has been formulating the Bruce McLaren Film project.

Osborne and Garlick have bought together a number of high profile New Zealanders and international personalities to advise on the film.

They include Amanda, Patty and Janice McLaren (daughter, widow and sister of Bruce McLaren respectively), Phil Kerr (McLaren's friend and commercial manager), Chris Amon (friend and contemporary racing driver), the Hon. Jim Anderton (friend and College schoolmate) and Chris Abbott (New Zealand motor sport leader and corporate lawyer).

Garlick and Osborne believe the film will attract international attention as well as local support because of McLaren's profile and the continued interest in motor sport and the McLaren Team.

"We have been really pleased with the interest shown so far in this project both in New Zealand and internationally. We have just begun the work of logistics planning and production research. Bruce McLaren is such an important subject that painstaking care is being taken in portraying him in an accurate and authentic manner and attention to detail will be critical for the film's success."

Continued development of the film and pre-production will take up all of 2007, with a projected filming commencement date of early 2008.

[Barry Boor]

This movie is being launched at the A1GP race in New Zealand this weekend.

Here is an interesting piece of info from the A1GP website:

" the movie about the only driver to have won the Formula 1 World Championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Indianapolis 500, and CanAm and Tasman championships."

Really!!!!

[JohnS]

Originally posted by Barry Boor
This movie is being launched at the A1GP race in New Zealand this weekend.

Here is an interesting piece of info from the A1GP website:

" the movie about the only driver to have won the Formula 1 World Championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Indianapolis 500, and CanAm and Tasman championships."

Really!!!!

Oh dear! That does not bode well.

[Manfred Cubenoggin]

Hmmm...the way that quote shapes things up, surely Sly Stallone has a part in it.

[LittleChris]

Probably stating the obvious but meld driver and team, hey presto - quote !!

[David Shaw]

And the supposed link to the story on the A1GP site doesn't work either. :

Try here instead: http://www.thebrucemclarenmovie.com./

[2F-001]

That quote would almost work, if you could substitute driver with constructor - although Bruce was only around to witness one of those achievements.

[Huw Jadvantich]

Never mind citicising the mainstream media getting it wrong - they always have and they always will - hell, the specialist media get it wrong too. The person that wrote the press release probably wasn't born when Bruce died. Lets concentrate on the positives.
A great concept, with some knowledgeable people on board who hopefully will make sure that the film gets it right. Most people were happy with "the Fastest Indian", so if they come close to that we have the best motor racing movie since LeMans on our screens.
The Fastest Indian has done wonders for the motor cycling world, record breaking and the Indian marque in particular, as well as showing New Zealand in a reasonable light.
I hope that we can get behind this production and do everything we can to ensure that it does Bruce and his family credit.
So, who to play in the staring roles - Who looks like Bruce?, Black Jack and John Cooper?
Who is going to build the cars? What will they be made from?
Lots to speculate on. I'm looking forward to it.

[Tom Thomas]

One of the greatest quotes I've ever heard from one of the greatest drivers I ever watched.

"To do something well is so worthwhile that to die trying to do it better cannot be foolhardy. It would be a waste of life to do nothing with one's ability, for I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone."

-Bruce McLaren

[Stefan Schmidt]

Bruce McLaren 1962 - Interview

[ranbo38]

In regards to the incorrect quote, I heard Michael Garlick interviewed during coverage of A1GP qualifying and his words were "the man who masterminded victories in the...... etc etc". Even that is pushing it a little bit but its still substantially different than saying he was the driver that won all five as the A1GP site reports.

[Doug Nye]

As something of a fan for New Zealand movies let's hope they make a really good one about a really great man - it's so sad that we know the ending.

DCN

[Gerr]

The McLaren/McKay YouTube interview that Stefan posted reminded me of a question I had been wanting to ask the TNF. This seems like a good thread for it as it involves Bruce McLaren and film.

The 1963 Roger Corman release "The Young Racers", was shot in 1962 at Monaco, Rouen, Spa, Zandvoort and Aintree. Lotus and Cooper assisted the production.

At ...
http://www.imdb.com/...706/fullcredits

.....McLaren and Jim Clark are listed in the cast. I have seen other cast listings that include Colin Chapman and Trevor Taylor, and McLaren credited with the role of "Lotus Team manager".

I haven't seen the film and I have found next to nothing about it in period motor sport publications. R&T did have one uncaptioned pic of Trevor Taylor at Monaco with actress Marie Versini, but no mention of the filming.
TNFer, TEJ has a pic of Versini with Clark, again at Monaco.

Corman's autobiography has some info and pics of actor Bill Campbell in Clark's Lotus.

That's about all I've found. Anyone seen this movie ?

[David Beard]

Originally posted by Barry Boor
This movie is being launched at the A1GP race in New Zealand this weekend.

Here is an interesting piece of info from the A1GP website:

" the movie about the only driver to have won the Formula 1 World Championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Indianapolis 500, and CanAm and Tasman championships."

Really!!!!

Well, A1GP itself is a load of nonsense.........

[Huw Jadvantich]

Why? Compared to what?

[WGD706]

Originally posted by Huw Jadvantich
So, who to play in the staring roles - Who looks like Bruce?, Black Jack and John Cooper?
Who is going to build the cars? What will they be made from?
Lots to speculate on. I'm looking forward to it.

A big budget film of the life of New Zealand motor-racing icon Bruce McLaren was announced on Saturday and his wife, Patty McLaren-Brickett thinks Hollywood star Tom Cruise would be the best choice to play the part of her late husband. "I was talking about who could play the part this morning with my daughter, Amanda, and I thought Tom Cruise would be a good choice," Mrs McLaren-Brickett said.
"He looks very similar to Bruce -- he is dark, he is the same height and has a similar build -- he is the only person I thought of at the moment -- but he would be too expensive."
http://xtramsn.co.nz...6835988,00.html

[canon1753]

I hope this gets off the ground. I wasn't born when Bruce died. Yet, I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for Bruce, both from his own words and from those who have written about him- DCN, Karl L, Eoin, JYS (Jackie has some very nice things to say about Bruce in Faster ), Sirs Stirling and Jack. So, I hope it will be a great film to remember Bruce.

[LOTI]

I don't like bio-pics as such and trying to get this one even close to right is going to be difficult, Lucky they have Goodwood still looking right for no other circuits are usable without major computer aided modification. Perhaps they won't try and show any of the cars working in the present. For anyone here who knows anything it will be just really irritating. I was trying to cast it and came up with no one except the guy who was a hobbit and then went on to Lost, can't remember his name. Who looks even slightly like Graham, Jackie, Jack, Denny or for matter Pat, Bette, Helen, Nina, Sally......I'm not feeling very hopeful.
Loti

[Barry Boor]

I'm not feeling very hopeful.

Much though it pains me to say it, I am afraid that I am inclined to agree with Loti.

[Huw Jadvantich]

Its a shame it wasn't done a few years ago I'd have Terry Thomas down for Graham Hill

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by WGD706

A big budget film of the life of New Zealand motor-racing icon Bruce McLaren was announced on Saturday and his wife, Patty McLaren-Brickett thinks Hollywood star Tom Cruise would be the best choice to play the part of her late husband. "I was talking about who could play the part this morning with my daughter, Amanda, and I thought Tom Cruise would be a good choice," Mrs McLaren-Brickett said.
"He looks very similar to Bruce -- he is dark, he is the same height and has a similar build -- he is the only person I thought of at the moment -- but he would be too expensive."
http://xtramsn.co.nz...6835988,00.html

So will Nicole play Mrs Patty McLaren-Brickett....you know, because of her experience as the wife of a good ole boy racer on and off screen

[RA Historian]

Originally posted by Huw Jadvantich
Its a shame it wasn't done a few years ago I'd have Terry Thomas down for Graham Hill

And David Niven as Chunky.

[Keir]

Word from downunder is that a Bruce McLaren movie is to start filming. One of the advisors is Chris Amon, who, I believe was the suject of a rather lengthy thread right here on this forum !!!

Anyone else have more details ???

[Vitesse2]

http://forums.autosp...&threadid=92497

;)

[Rob29]

Originally posted by Gerr
The McLaren/McKay YouTube interview that Stefan posted reminded me of a question I had been wanting to ask the TNF. This seems like a good thread for it as it involves Bruce McLaren and film.

The 1963 Roger Corman release "The Young Racers", was shot in 1962 at Monaco, Rouen, Spa, Zandvoort and Aintree. Lotus and Cooper assisted the production.

At ...
http://www.imdb.com/...706/fullcredits

.....McLaren and Jim Clark are listed in the cast. I have seen other cast listings that include Colin Chapman and Trevor Taylor, and McLaren credited with the role of "Lotus Team manager".

I haven't seen the film and I have found next to nothing about it in period motor sport publications. R&T did have one uncaptioned pic of Trevor Taylor at Monaco with actress Marie Versini, but no mention of the filming.
TNFer, TEJ has a pic of Versini with Clark, again at Monaco.

Corman's autobiography has some info and pics of actor Bill Campbell in Clark's Lotus.

That's about all I've found. Anyone seen this movie ?

Fairly sure I did see this movie at the time,though I can't remember much about it.Anyone know where a video/DVD copy can be found? According to the IMDB it was never released in UK so maybe I imagined it?

[paulhooft]

Love to see a video or DVD version of The young racers!!

Paul Hooft

[maxr]

(My first post to this forum) - I saw "The Young Racers" when it came out, and although I can not call it a good movie, I would love to see it again. I remember it had some excellent footage and I remember hearing the race announcer calling one of Bruce's pitstops - one of the only moments in the film where a real racer's name was heard.

[Rob29]

Think what must have happened with 'The Young Racers' is its production was reported by Autosport but it never did appear in UK.This was of course long before home VCRs.Perhaps some of our American friends can track down a copy somewhere?
Re,1962 season and Bruce,I have tape copied from my own 8mm footage shot at Aintree British GP.Also the film 'Rouen Round' Remember seeing Monaco & Monza live on TV.

[Gerr]

Trying to find a copy, but I'm interested in finding out more about the filming and the Lotus/Cooper connection. Little has been written about it.
There is a bit in Doug Nye's "Story of Lotus"......

"..........and on the Saturday Team Lotus were embroilled in film-making which rather annoyed Jimmy. Towards the end of the session BRM and Graham Hill started to get involved in the film, and Jimmy nipped out in anger and stole pole position from the Bourne team by 0.4 second !"

Can't find very much else.


This link has some stills, lobby cards and posters from the film....

http://www.sd455.com...youngracers.htm

[Macca]

Another poster of this forgotten masterpiece...............how could the driver be flung out of a barely-damaged Lotus 25 and land right beside it?



And does anyone know anything about this one? Interesting exhausts...................




Paul M

[Vicuna]

No script yet and who knows how much of the budget, if anything, has been raised.

We all hope it happens - but only if it's good.

[Rob29]

Originally posted by Macca
[



And does anyone know anything about this one? Interesting exhausts...................




Paul M

Research via IMDB-This was first CBS TV Movie- released in 1970.Only has cinema certification in Sweden & Finland.English title 'The Challengers' Never heard of it before-I doubt I would have missed it if it had been seen in UK.

[zakeriath]

Does anybody know anything further about this project?

http://uk.youtube.co...h?v=EJhEVMsNoJw

[Gerr]

More here.....

http://www.imdb.com/...568/fullcredits

[Vitesse2]

And here (here ;) )

[Squire Straker]

Dear Huw
Over recent months I have found that some prats like yourself feel that you have to say someting smart on threads like this important one, why do you bother with a totally inane remark about Terry- Thomas? If you really thought about what was coming out of your posterior old T-T would have been in his early 60s when the much lamented Bruce was killed at Goodwood in June 1960. Huw go away.
SS, Totallly p......ed off from Ulster.

[MCS]

Originally posted by Rob29
.......Re,1962 season and Bruce,I have tape copied from my own 8mm footage shot at Aintree British GP.Also the film 'Rouen Round'......

Rob - Forgive my ignorance, but what is Rouen Round ?

[Alan Cox]

"Rouen Round" is an excellent Castrol film made about the 1962 French GP, still available on DVD. Well worth seeing, Mark, I would venture to suggest.

http://www.dukevideo.....1964 DVD.aspx

[bradbury west]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Alan Cox
[B]"Rouen Round" is an excellent Castrol film made about the 1962 French GP, still available on DVD. Well worth seeing, Mark, I would venture to suggest. Quote

Agreed

RL

[MCS]

Splendid - thanks chaps. I'll take a look at it!