Heart Like a Wheel (1983)

100% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
59% of users liked it
(2,011 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 husband,… 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

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: Jonathan Kaplan
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Apr 1, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Aug 15, 2006

Critic Reviews

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
Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
A solid entry in the overcoming-great-odds-to-become-a-champion biopic.
Kevin A. Ranson, MovieCrypt.com
... and there STILL ain't many girls in NASCAR.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A spunky, well-crafted movie about the first woman to succeed in big-time drag racing

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

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

Fantastic!

Cast

            Bonnie Bedelia as Shirley Muldowney

            Beau Bridges as Connie Kalitta

            Leo Rossi as Jack Muldowney

            Hoyt Axton as Tex Rogue

            Bill McKinney as "Big Daddy" Don Garlits

            Anthony Edwards as John Muldowney Age 15-23

            Dean Paul Martin as Sonny Rigotti

            Paul Bartel as Chef Paul

            Missy Basile as Angela

            Michael Cavanaugh as NHRA Boss

            Ellen Geer as Mrs. Marianne Kalitta

            Nora Heflin as Nurse North

            Tiny Wells as Tiny

            Jesse Aragon as Carlos

            Paul Bryar as Matt Card Player

            Jill Carroll as John's Girl Friend

            Martin Casella as Repoter #1

            Diane Delano as Shirley's Sister

            Mitzi Hoag as Shirley's Mother

            Terence Knox as Jack's Friend

            Sam Laws as Piano Player

            Paul Linke as Reporter

            Dick Miller as Mickey White

            Harry Northrup as Trooper

            Catherine Paolone as Mrs. Good Joe

            Sam Posey as Himself

            Michael Talbott as Englishtown Announcer

            Leonard Termo as Good Joe

            Byron Thames as John age 10-13

            Brandon Brent Williams as John age 5-8

            Bruce Barlow as Bass Player Tex's Band

            Thomas A. Duffield
            
            Bob Minor as Ralph NHRA Official

            Tim Kimber as Buddy

            Creed Bratton as Photographer

            Sally Dennison
            
            Mark Dawson as Guitar/Harmonica Tex's Band

            Robert Ridgely as Bob Morton "Sportsline"
See full cast