Heart Like a Wheel (1983)
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100% of critics liked it
(7 reviews) -
60% of users liked it
(2,111 ratings)
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… More 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 1966 National Hot Rod Association World Championship, which Shirley eventually wins three times. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jonathan Kaplan
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- Apr 1, 1983 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
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
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Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
A solid entry in the overcoming-great-odds-to-become-a-champion biopic.
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Kevin A. Ranson, MovieCrypt.com
... and there STILL ain't many girls in NASCAR.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A spunky, well-crafted movie about the first woman to succeed in big-time drag racing
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Bonnie Bedelia
as Shirley Muldowney
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Beau Bridges
as Connie Kalitta
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Leo Rossi
as Jack Muldowney
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Hoyt Axton
as Tex Rogue
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Bill McKinney
as "Big Daddy" Don Garlits
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Anthony Edwards
as John Muldowney Age 15-23
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Dean Paul Martin
as Sonny Rigotti
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Paul Bartel
as Chef Paul
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Missy Basile
as Angela
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Michael Cavanaugh
as NHRA Boss
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Ellen Geer
as Mrs. Marianne Kalitta
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Nora Heflin
as Nurse North
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Tiny Wells
as Tiny
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Jesse Aragon
as Carlos
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Paul Bryar
as Matt Card Player
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Jill Carroll
as John's Girl Friend
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Martin Casella
as Repoter #1
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Diane Delano
as Shirley's Sister
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Mitzi Hoag
as Shirley's Mother
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Terence Knox
as Jack's Friend
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Sam Laws
as Piano Player
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Paul Linke
as Reporter
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Dick Miller
as Mickey White
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Harry Northrup
as Trooper
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Catherine Paolone
as Mrs. Good Joe
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Sam Posey
as Himself
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Michael Talbott
as Englishtown Announcer
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Leonard Termo
as Good Joe
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Byron Thames
as John age 10-13
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Brandon Brent Williams
as John age 5-8
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Bruce Barlow
as Bass Player Tex's Band
- Thomas A. Duffield
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Bob Minor
as Ralph NHRA Official
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Tim Kimber
as Buddy
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Creed Bratton
as Photographer
- Sally Dennison
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Mark Dawson
as Guitar/Harmonica Tex's Band
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Robert Ridgely
as Bob Morton "Sportsline"
