Winning (1969)

50% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
42% of users liked it
(1,161 ratings)

Successful racecar driver Capua (Paul Newman) falls in love with Elora (Joanne Woodward). The two marry and settle down with Elora's 13-year-old son Charley (Richard Thomas). The honeymoon is short-lived as Capua must spend his time away from home on the racing circuit. Soon the racer's luck begins… More Successful racecar driver Capua (Paul Newman) falls in love with Elora (Joanne Woodward). The two marry and settle down with Elora's 13-year-old son Charley (Richard Thomas). The honeymoon is short-lived as Capua must spend his time away from home on the racing circuit. Soon the racer's luck begins to change as his main rival Luther Erding (Robert Wagner) begins to best him at every race. Capua has a one-track mind and realizes too late that his wife is being lapped by the rival racer not only on the track but in the bedroom as well. He comes home to find his wife in bed with Luther, and he promptly leaves. Young Charley hitchhikes across country in an attempt to bring the couple towards a reconciliation. Richard Thomas, who would later star in the television series "The Waltons," makes his film debut. Spectacular footage from Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin and Indianapolis is used, including a 17-car pile-up. Cameo appearances are made by racers Bobby Unsur and Tony Human. After doing all his own driving during filming, Paul Newman would develop a lifelong passion for auto racing beginning with this film. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr.
Directed By: James Goldstone
Written By: Howard A. Rodman
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: May 22, 1969 Wide
On DVD: Mar 16, 1999

Critic Reviews

Howard Thompson, New York Times
THe effect of Winning, an auto-racing drama, is so refreshingly graphic and intelligent that Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward have earned a long vacation, should they so choose.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Well of course he wins the race and gets the girl.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
The racing sequences are fun to watch nut the family melodrama is rather dreary, despite the presence of Paul Newman and wife-actress Joanne Woodward.
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
The film goes nowhere except in circles.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The footage in the Indy race is of the awesome 17-car crackup that began the 1968 festivities. Its insertion lends the picture even greater authenticity.
, Film4
Newman's knowledge and experience in top-class racing helped him identify with the Formula One racing driver he plays, and a genuine passion for the sport shines through those blue eyes.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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

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

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Excellent performers are stuck in this draggy inert drama. Both Newmans do their best and look great but this is a dull movie.

Cast

            Paul Newman as Capua

            Joanne Woodward as Elora

            Robert Wagner as Erding

            Richard Thomas as Charley

            David Sheiner as Crawford

            Clu Gulager as Larry

            Barry Ford as Bottineau

            Toni Clayton as The Girl

            Maxine Stuart as Miss Redburne's Mother

            Robert Quarry as Jagin

            Paulene Myers as Cleaning Woman

            Ray Ballard as Trombone Player

            Charles Seel as Eshovo

            Alma Platt as Mrs. Eshovo

            Harry Basch as The Stranger

            Allen Emerson as Desk Clerk

            Marianna Case as Motorcycle Girl

            Carolyn McNichol as Party Girl

            George Mason as Indianapolis Policeman

            Mimi Littlejohn as Indianapolis Queen

            Pat Vidan as Starter

            Bruce Walkup as Driver No. 1

            Timothy Galbraith as Drivers

            Lou Palmer as Indianabpolis Interviewer

            Jay Reynolds as Indianapolis Interviewer

            Tony Hulman as Himself

            Bobby Unser as Himself

            Eileen Wesson as Miss Redbum 200

            Karen Arthur as Miss Dairy Queen
See full cast

Winning (1969)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Cast