Winning

Director: James Goldstone (1969)

Cast:  Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Robert Wagner, Richard Thomas

If ever a romance was on display, it was Paul Newman’s love affair with Indy Racing. Newman’s lifelong passion for the sport is infectious in this 1969 film.

This was really a winning combination! Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward married in real life at the top of their game working together. Newman plays Frank Capua, an up-and-coming driver in the Pro racing circuit, who wants to make a name for himself by winning the Indianapolis 500.His drive and ambition scares his wife Elora, played by Woodward and his stepson Charley, played by Richard Thomas in his film debut. And just to make matters worse, Capua’s biggest rival in the race, Erding, played by Robert Wagner, has his eyes on Elora. One must wonder how this story plays out.

The original script was for a TV movie, but Newman saw more and bult it up for theatrical release.

Fun Fact:

This is the movie that changed Paul Newman’s life. After making the film, Newman trained to be a professional racer and had a very successful career on the racing circuit, juggling his acting and racing work as well as the philanthropic projects that he and Joanne supported together.