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Heart Like a Wheel (1983)

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100

Average Rating: 7.1/10
Reviews Counted: 7
Fresh: 7 | Rotten: 0

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Release Date: Apr 1, 1983 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 1,932

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Movie Info

Heart Like a Wheel stars Bonnie Bedelia as real-life racing champion Shirley "Cha Cha" Muldowney. Overcoming sexist hurdles, Shirley works hard to qualify for the major auto race competitions of America. Firmly in her cheering section is her dad (Hoyt Axton), and--at least at first--her husband, mechanic Jack Muldowney (Leo Rossi). When Jack, jealous of Shirley's success, leaves her, she casts her lot with troublesome banned racer Connie Kalita (Beau Bridges). The film comes to a head at the

PG, 1 hr. 53 min.

Drama

Directed By: Jonathan Kaplan

In Theaters: Apr 1, 1983 Wide

On DVD: Aug 15, 2006

Cast

Bonnie Bedelia
Shirley Muldowney
Beau Bridges
Connie Kalitta
Leo Rossi
Jack Muldowney
Hoyt Axton
Tex Rogue
Bill McKinney
"Big Daddy" Don Garlits
Anthony Edwards
John Muldowney Age 15-2...
Dean Paul Martin
Sonny Rigotti
Paul Bartel
Chef Paul
Missy Basile
Angela
Michael Cavanaugh
NHRA Boss
Ellen Geer
Mrs. Marianne Kalitta
Nora Heflin
Nurse North
Tiny Wells
Tiny
Jesse Aragon
Carlos
Paul Bryar
Matt Card Player
Jill Carroll
John's Girl Friend
Martin Casella
Repoter #1
Diane Delano
Shirley's Sister
Mitzi Hoag
Shirley's Mother
Terence Knox
Jack's Friend
Sam Laws
Piano Player
Paul Linke
Reporter
Dick Miller
Mickey White
Harry Northrup
Trooper
Catherine Paolone
Mrs. Good Joe
Sam Posey
Himself
Michael Talbott
Englishtown Announcer
Leonard Termo
Good Joe
Byron Thames
John age 10-13
Brandon Brent Williams
John age 5-8
Bruce Barlow
Bass Player Tex's Band
Thomas A. Duffield
Bob Minor
Ralph NHRA Official
Tim Kimber
Buddy
Creed Bratton
Photographer
Sally Dennison
Mark Dawson
Guitar/Harmonica Tex's ...
Robert Ridgely
Bob Morton "Sportsline"

Critic Reviews for Heart Like a Wheel

All Critics (10) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (7) | Rotten (0) | DVD (2)

This charming movie further expanded the roles allotted to women, chronicling the career of Muldowney (splendidly played by Bonnie Badelia), the only race driver (male or female) to have won three times the National Hot Rod Association World Championship

December 7, 2006 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

| Comment

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

A solid entry in the overcoming-great-odds-to-become-a-champion biopic.

October 2, 2006 Full Review Source: FulvueDrive-in.com

| Comment

Chuck O'Leary

FulvueDrive-in.com

... and there STILL ain't many girls in NASCAR.

March 1, 2005 Comment

Kevin A. Ranson

MovieCrypt.com

A spunky, well-crafted movie about the first woman to succeed in big-time drag racing

July 23, 2003 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice

| Comment

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality and Practice

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Audience Reviews for Heart Like a Wheel

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bonnie bedelia is always good but not usually given parts worthy of her talent, this one is however and she delivers an outstanding performance.

April 6, 2007

jay nixon

Super Reviewer

Fantastic!

January 3, 2008

Leo L

Super Reviewer

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