The Original

THE FAST & THE FURIOUS-1955-Roger Corman's second production (after THE MONSTER FROM THE OCEAN FLOOR) is a low budget hot rod crime drama.

John Ireland (who co-directed with the film's editor Edward Sampson) wrongly convicted of murder escapes from jail and is the subject of a state wide manhunt. At a diner run by Iris Adrian he meets Connie Adair (Dorothy Malone). He beats up Bruno Ve Sota and steals Malone's Jaguar (taking her as hostage in the process). After arguing and avoiding the police and roadblocks he realizes the only way he can escape to Mexico is by joining a hot rod race that ends south of the border. Unfortunately he knows nothing about racing. Fortunately his hostage does. Her "boyfriend" (Bruce Carlisle) is suspicious and Ireland strong arms Malone several times but eventually they fall in love. He locks her in an old shack and joins the race. He and b.f. duel it out and later the lovers are reunited and Ireland decides to give himself up. Former silent screen comedian Snub Pollard has a brief role. It's very shoddy and preposterous but lives up to half it's name and moves along fast enough. Corman and Jonathan Haze have cameos.

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