Script by George Kirgo, based on a story by director Howard Hawks, centers on three sets of characters as they go about their racing and lovemaking. Trio of racers are members of a team operating out of Daytona, Fla, their individual lives uncomplicated until three femmes fall in love with them. In a thrilling climax, one of the drivers, overcome with jealousy, causes another to crash but miraculously his life is saved.
Making excellent impressions are Laura Devon, Gail Hire and Marianna Hill, as girlfriends of the three daredevils of the track. James Caan, John Robert Crawford and James Ward in these roles are effective.
Hawks is on safe ground while his cameras are focused on race action. His troubles lie in limning his various characters in their more intimate moments. Title refers to an engine speed beyond which it’s dangerous to operate a race car, perhaps symbolic of what Hawks wanted to achieve in the emotions of his players.
