An undistinguished film but important historically as it was an early Roger Corman production - his second as producer (after The Monster from the Ocean Floor - prior to that he wrote and associate produced Highway Dragnet). He provided the story and produced but did not direct.
John Ireland co-directed and played the lead, a man on the run from the cops determined to prove his innocence. He kidnaps Dorothy Malone on the way, they fall in love, he enters a speed race. This sort of story is clichéd for a reason – it’s got good dramatic basis, with an innocent man on the run, a squabbling relationship with a girl he picks up; it does lack a prominent baddie to act as a threat. Also things could be a little confusing at times - there are lots of scenes where support actors come on and give exposition in big dialogue lumps.
Ireland isn't very likeable but Malone is, and both are very professional.
It starts with a bang (literally) and moves at a fair clip with some decent race scenes (albeit with silly 50s racing hats). Holds up surprisingly well.
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