The Lively Set
The Lively Set is a 1964 American In Color action drama sport film directed by Jack Arnold and starring James Darren, Pamela Tiffin, Doug McClure and Joanie Sommers.[1]
| The Lively Set | |
|---|---|
 1964 theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Jack Arnold |
| Produced by | William Alland |
| Screenplay by | Mel Goldberg William Wood |
| Story by | Mel Goldberg William Alland |
| Starring | James Darren Pamela Tiffin Doug McClure Joanie Sommers |
| Music by | Bobby Darin |
| Cinematography | Carl E. Guthrie (as Carl Guthrie) |
| Edited by | Archie Marshek |
Production company | Universal Pictures |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 95 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
Casey Owens (James Darren), a young mechanic, has developed a design for a turbine car engine, paving the way for a jet-powered auto certain to set a new land speed record. Wealthy playboy Stanford Rogers (Peter Mann) hires Casey to build the car for him to race in the Tri-State Endurance Run. Chuck Manning (Doug McClure), an engineering student Casey met in a drag race, discovers potential flaws in the car's design. After an unsuccessful test run, Rogers abandons the turbine-powered car for a traditional racing model, but Casey and Chuck rework the turbine vehicle to compete with Rogers in the endurance run. Pamela Tiffin plays Eadie, Chuck's sister who becomes Casey's love interest.
Cast
- James Darren as Casey Owens
- Pamela Tiffin as Eadie Manning
- Doug McClure as Chuck Manning
- Joanie Sommers as Doreen Grey
- Marilyn Maxwell as Marge Owens
- Charles Drake as Paul Manning
- Peter Mann as Stanford Rogers
- Carole Wells as Mona
- Frances Robinson as Celeste Manning
- Greg Morris as Highway Patrol Officer
- Ross Elliott as Ernie Owens
- Russ Conway as Dave Moody
- Martin Blaine as Prof. George E. Collins
- Max Schumacher as Himself (as Captain Max Schumancher)
- Dick Whittinghill as Himself
- Mickey Thompson as Himself
- James Nelson as Himself
- Duane Carter as Himself
- Billy Krause as Himself
- Ron Miller as Himself
- Dave McDonald as Himself
Production
Filming started January 1964.[2] Bobby Darin was hired to write three songs for the film but Universal were so pleased with the results they got him to do the whole score.[3]
The film's release, originally set for July, was delayed until October and the film heavily edited. Dave MacDonald, who played himself and was a stunt driver in the film, died May 30, 1964 during the Indianapolis 500 in the fiery crash that also killed Eddie Sachs (who had also been in scenes of the movie) during the second lap, and owing to concerns over both families, scenes featuring Sachs and all but one scene featuring MacDonald was removed from the film. Neither driver's names were in the credits, and MacDonald's name only appears in film databases regarding the film after Rich MacDonald (Dave's son) contacted James Darren, who was able to put MacDonald's name in the credits.
In the set of filming done to remove Sachs and MacDonald from scenes, Chrysler mechanic George Stecher re-recorded scenes for the film that featured Dave MacDonald. [4]
The Turbine Car
The turbine car used in the film is the famous 1963 Chrysler Ghia Turbine Car developed by George Huebner and his team. The car's engine is realistically described in the film, particularly Chrysler's use of heat regenerators which cooled the turbine car's exhaust to a temperature even lower than that of a traditional piston engine.
The Chrysler Turbine Car is mentioned in the opening credit of the film. Chrysler had to participate in the film's development, since the car was the exclusive property of the corporation and its patented engine design was extensively advertised as the "engine of the future."[5]
Reception
The Los Angeles Times called it "the most awful little time waster".[6]
Awards
The Lively Set was nominated at the 37th Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing (Robert Bratton).[7]
References
- LIVELY SET, The Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 32, Iss. 372, (Jan 1, 1965): 25.
- Ex-Tribunite, Too: Pamela Tiffin a Busy Actress, Model, Student and Housewife Pauley, Gay. Chicago Tribune 19 Dec 1963: e1.
- Churchmen's Look at 'Far-Out' Urged: Films 'Can Reveal Values'; 'Lady L' Back in the Running Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 21 May 1964: C11.
- Facebook post by Rich MacDonald
- Racing Cars Get Stellar Treatment Los Angeles Times 16 Sep 1964: C11.
- 'Lively Set' Anything but That Harford, Margaret. Los Angeles Times 30 Oct 1964: C16.
- "The 37th Academy Awards (1965) Nominees and Winners". oscars.org. Retrieved 2014-03-15.