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Plot

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.
MPAA Rating:
Genre(s):
Drama
Run Time:
113min.
DVD Release Date:
08/15/2006
Director(s):
Themes:
Underdogs,Car Racing,Questioning Gender Roles,Hotshots,Tomboys
Tone:
Rousing,Warm,Wry
Keywords:
Equal-Rights,car,divorce,drag-racing,marriage,racing,sexism,sports
Language:
English