Dragstrip Riot (1958)

Dragstrip Riot Poster

An adolescent arrives in a new town where he tries to join the drag-racing crowd.

Introduction
"Dragstrip Riot" is a 1958 American drama movie directed by David Bradley and produced by Albert Zugsmith. The lead character of the motion picture, Rick Martin, is portrayed by Gary Clarke while the villains, Tommy and his gang, are played by Yvonne Lime and Steve Ihnat. The film's property focuses on the wild teenage world of racers and rock & roll, sensationalizing the youth culture of that age.

Plot Summary
Rick Martin, the protagonist, is a clean-cut teen who enjoys his peaceful life as a trainee and a fan of auto racing. Rick's world is tipped upside down when a racer gang, led by the defiant Tommy, gets in the scene triggering a ruckus. Tommy and his gang love triggering problem, and their antics cause the closure of the local drag strip.

When Rick challenges Tommy's gang about their behaviour, a battle takes place. This eventually leads to Rick and his friend, Buddy, getting blamed for starting the brawl. The authorities close the regional drag strip as a response to the increasing violence, causing prevalent dissatisfaction among the teenagers who have actually no place delegated race.

Main Conflict
Tommy's gang continue their disruptive behaviour, annoying Rick further. To add fuel to the fire, Yvonne, who initially harbours sensations for Rick, ends up being laced with Tommy, causing her to drift apart from Rick. This ends up being an uncomfortable situation for Rick, not just since his love interest has changed loyalties to his arch-rival but likewise the further weakening of their serene lives.

Climax and Resolution
Dealing with considerable antagonism, Rick decides to stand up to Tommy's gang. In retaliation, they abduct Rick's girlfriend. A primary climax happens when Rick, together with his buddy Buddy, saves her, resulting in a high-risk car chase.

Tommy passes away after he inadvertently drives off a cliff, solving the primary conflict. Afterwards, the police finally understand that Tommy and his gang were the actual offenders the whole time. They applaud Rick and Buddy for their bravery and restore the drag strip to its original status. With Tommy gone and peace restored, Rick finally revives his love with Yvonne.

Conclusion
"Dragstrip Riot" depicts the generational conflicts of the late 1950s, with the defiant hot rod culture standing in plain contrast to the more conservative social values of the age. It represents the clash between order and disruption, duty and rebellion, ultimately concluding that care and lawfulness are the keys to an unified coexistence. The film, with its action-packed narrative, adrenaline-pumping vehicle races and rock & roll soundtrack, presents a genuine representation of the low and high of teenage life of that time.

Top Cast

  • Yvonne Lime (small)
    Yvonne Lime
    Janet Pearson (as Yvonne Lime)
  • Gary Clarke (small)
    Gary Clarke
    Rick Martin
  • Fay Wray (small)
    Fay Wray
    Norma Martin
  • Bob Turnbull
    Bart Thorsen
  • Connie Stevens (small)
    Connie Stevens
    Marge
  • Gabe Delutri
    Silva (as Gabe DeLutri)
  • Stanley Dyrector
    Cliff
  • Ted Wedderspoon
    Gramps
  • Barry Truex (small)
    Barry Truex
    Gordie
  • Marilyn Carroll
    Rae
  • Marlo Ryan
    Helen (as Marla Ryan)