The Green Helmet (1961)

Director:

Michael Forlong

Writer:

Jon Cleary (novel)

Release Date:

20 April 1961 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

All the Thrills of Le Mans, Silverstone, Sebring, Mille Miglia Races!

Plot Keywords:

Color In Title | Automobile | Based On Novel

Cast

Bill Travers	...	Rafferty
Ed Begley	...	Bartell
Sid James	...	Richie Launder (as Sidney James)
Nancy Walters	...	Diane
Ursula Jeans	...	Mrs. Rafferty
Megs Jenkins	...	Kitty Launder
Jack Brabham	...	Himself
Sean Kelly	...	Taz Rafferty
Tutte Lemkow	...	Carlo Zaraga
Gordon Tanner	...	Hastrow
Ferdy Mayne	...	Rossano
Peter Collingwood	...	Charlie
Roland Curram	...	George
Diane Clare	...	Pamela
Harold Kasket	...	Lupi

Runtime:

USA:88 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Finland:S | USA:Approved | UK:U

Filming Locations:

Portmeirion, Gwynedd, Wales, UK

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer British Studios

Goofs:

Factual errors: During the Sebring race, the two drivers fighting for the lead are Greg Rafferty, driving a birdcage Maserati; and Carlo Zaraga, driving a production Corvette - a much slower car that wouldn't have been competitive with the birdcage Maserati in a real race.

Enjoyable enough

Reasonably entertaining British film.

Follows the ups and downs of a fading champion race car driver and his antagonistic relationship with his younger brother who wants to take over the wheel.

Includes some solid racing footage from Sebring, Goodwood and various European tracks. Sid James portrayal of an Australian is a bit shaky (count the number of times he says "sport" .. it seems to be in every second sentence).

Special guest appearance by real life Australian world champ Jack Brabham adds a touch of nostalgic interest.

Not exceptional but enjoyable enough.