Tucker : The Man and His Dream

Two Biopics back to back and both about the auto industry. I am that good. Last night was about the invention of the intermittent windshield wiper. Tonight is about the invention of a new automobile said to be "The future". Preston Tucker (Bridges) was a bit of a dreamer, but he also won't be denied his dream. He has an invention for a new car that will change the game entirely. He sells his idea to investors, and he eventually gets the funding to build his factory where among the terms of his loans, he must produce a minimum 50 cars that are entirely ready for sale to the public in every way by a certain deadline. To say he doesn't have issues and it goes smoothly would be the understatement of the century. Not only can he not get the engineering to work properly, but he has the big 3 coming after him trying to sabotage his work. Ford and GM bribe all the right people to get an investigation launched into the "doings" of Preston Tucker.  One of which is Senator Ferguson which was played by Lloyd Bridges due to a last minute casting decision. That was cool to see Father and Son at each other's throats in the name of entrepreneurship in 1940's America. Preston's son is played by a young, but very recognizable Christian Slater, who help his Father any way he can. The dream is hard fought and the opposite of easy or fun, but they stick together and stay the course. This movie gives me chills when I watch it. Rudy just came on the TV just now, and I proclaimed how over rated I think it is. That made me realize this movie is just as much of an underdog story, but way better in the terms of life fulfillment. Rudy may never play for the Irish (Waaaa - baby crying sound), but Tucker may go to prison for fraud. The movie is so stressful. When they are suppose to have a "car show", of sorts, to show their work to that point to the investors, it all goes badly including a fire, then the lawsuits, and above all, the familty matters. This is a movie that weighs on the heart. Because it is historical and it is 70 years old, I don't mind spoiling something for you. Tucker successfully manufactured 50 Tuckers before he was shut down, and 48 were still on the road at the time of the film release in 1988. That is impressive. It was also directed by Francis Ford Coppola, as if you needed any more reason to go out and buy this American classic.

NBM rates Tucker : The Man and His Dream - Phenomenal