Grand Theft Auto (1977)

A rich girl steals her dad's Rolls Royce and heads off to Las Vegas to get married. However, her angry parents, a jealous suitor, and a bunch of reward seekers are determined to stop her.

Director:

Ron Howard

Writers:

Rance Howard, Ron Howard

Stars:

Ron Howard, Nancy Morgan, Elizabeth Rogers

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ron Howard	...	Sam Freeman
Nancy Morgan	...	Paula Powers
Elizabeth Rogers	...	Priscilla Powers
Barry Cahill	...	Bigby Powers
Rance Howard	...	Ned Slinker
Paul Linke	...	Collins Hedgeworth
Marion Ross	...	Vivian Hedgeworth
Don Steele	...	Curly Q. Brown
Peter Isacksen	...	Sparky
Clint Howard	...	Ace
James Ritz	...	Officer Tad (as Jim Ritz)
Hoke Howell	...	Preacher
Lew Brown	...	Jack Klepper
Ken Lerner	...	Eagle I
Jack Perkins	...	Shadley

Storyline

Paula Powers, daughter of wealthy gubernatorial candidate Bigby Powers, decides to reject her parents' attempt at matchmaking and run off to Vegas to marry her sweetheart, Sam Freeman. As they drive away in a stolen Rolls-Royce, spurned suitor Collins Hedgeworth follows behind in hot pursuit, along with a cadre of goons hoping to get the $25,000 reward that's been offered for Paula's return. Can the young lovers make it to Vegas for a quickie wedding before the forces of conformity and privilege arrive to put a stop to their romance?

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Plot Keywords:

goofball | grand theft auto | cult film | dynamite | watermelon | 

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Taglines:

See the greatest cars in the world destroyed!

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

Roger Corman: The Official DVD Website

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 June 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Attenti a quella pazza Rolls Royce

Filming Locations:

Victorville, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$602,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

New World Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Ryder Sound Services)

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

'Ron Howard' asked Roger Corman to hire more extras for the crowd scene at the end of the film. Corman said no because he did not want to go over budget.

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Goofs

The white foam or water that is sprayed on the window of the Rolls Royce completely disappears minutes after.

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Quotes

[first lines]
[Paula has brought Sam to her home]
Priscilla Powers: Aagh! Paula, how could you do this?
Paula Powers: Come on, mom, PLEASE don't be so dramatic!
Priscilla Powers: I have been planning for months the weddings of you and Collins Hedgeworth.
Paula Powers: No, mother! He didn't ask me, he asked *you*!
Bigby Powers: Shut up, young lady! Just sit down and sit your lips. You are engaged to Collins Hedgeworth.
Bigby Powers: [to Sam] Did you know, that she was engaged to Collins Hedgeworth?
Sam Freeman: Sir, I realize, that there is a conflict, but...
Bigby Powers: [to Priscilla] You see, he understands...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Full House: Grand Gift Auto (1993)

User Reviews

The King of car crash films

Nutty, non stop laughfest depicting 2 idealistic, love struck teens determined to make it to Vegas to be wed against the wishes of the bride's parents. This sets off a huge manhunt for the pair by any and every breed of looney, each intent on cashing in on the 25K reward. Never have I seen this many wrecks; dozens and dozens, maybe more. Kooky comedy at it's best.