Greased Lightning (1977): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Greased Lightning is a 1977 action drama directed by Michael Schultz, starring Richard Pryor, Beau Bridges and Pam Grier. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes. Critics gave it 57 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 36m (96 min)
- Director
- Michael Schultz
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Warner Bros.
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Greased Lightning About?
The premise of Greased Lightning without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Richard Pryor portrays Wendell Scott, a captivating moonshiner who becomes a pioneering NASCAR driver in this biographical comedy. Scott defies expectations and challenges convention as he pursues his passion for racing in the 1950s. Facing prejudice and danger in the competitive world of stock car racing, he demonstrates remarkable courage and determination, inspiring those around him and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Greased Lightning Themes & Keywords
· 35 tags- car racing
- stock car racing
- automobile racing
- based on real person
- husband wife relationship
- motorsports sport
- car
- nascar
- bicycle race
- younger version of self
- n word
- wedding
+23 more Show fewer
- silver dollar
- bootlegger
- sheriff
- racism
- taxi cab
- taxi driver
- racial slur
- confederate flag
- drunk
- trophy
- slashed tire
- danville virginia
- car crash
- hospital
- hospital visit
- reference to the daytona 500
- reference to the civil rights movement
- mayor
- year 1965
- year 1970
- jim crow laws
- african american
- racial
Greased Lightning Cast
Richard Pryor leads the cast, with Beau Bridges and Pam Grier. Directed by Michael Schultz; 10 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Michael Schultz
Also Starring in Greased Lightning
· 6 moreMore from Michael Schultz
More films directed by Michael Schultz, best-rated first: Cooley High, The Last Dragon, Woman Thou Art Loosed and Krush Groove.
Greased Lightning Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Greased Lightning 57 on Metacritic.
-
Metacritic 57 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 63% User score
See on TMDB
Greased Lightning Plot Summary
What happens in Greased Lightning from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 1930s Danville, Virginia, a young African-American boy named Wendell Scott catches the eye of local white boys with his fearless bike riding. Fifteen years later, after serving in World War II, he returns home to a warm family welcome and quickly falls for Mary Jones. Although society expects him to work at the cotton mill, Wendell harbors a bigger dream: to buy a taxi, open a garage, and, ultimately, become a champion racecar driver. The film features Beau Bridges among a strong cast, underscoring the sense that Wendell’s aspirations are both personal and historic.
Full summary
The whole story of Greased Lightning, scene by scene
Greased Lightning Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Greased Lightning.
How Well Do You Know Greased Lightning?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the film's protagonist, a pioneering African-American racecar driver?
Cars in Greased Lightning
64 cars on screen, including the 1940 Ford V8 De Luxe and the 1955 Chevrolet.
-
1940 Ford V8 De Luxe Main role -
1955 Chevrolet Important role -
1955 Chevrolet Important role -
1939 Chevrolet Master De Luxe Important role
Greased Lightning Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “Il circuito della paura” and “Stock Car Race - Höllenjagd auf heißen Pisten”.
- Also known as
-
- Il circuito della paura
- Stock Car Race - Höllenjagd auf heißen Pisten
- Un loco al volante
- 黑金刚勇闯三关
Seen Greased Lightning?
Movies Like Greased Lightning
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Burnout and Two-Lane Blacktop.
Greased Lightning FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Greased Lightning, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Greased Lightning?
Greased Lightning runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).
When was Greased Lightning released?
Greased Lightning was released on July 1, 1977.
Who directed Greased Lightning?
Greased Lightning was directed by Michael Schultz.
More films by Michael Schultz Who is in the cast of Greased Lightning?
Greased Lightning stars Richard Pryor, Beau Bridges and Pam Grier, among 10 credited actors.
How is Greased Lightning rated?
Greased Lightning has 57 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.
Does Greased Lightning have a post-credit scene?
No. Greased Lightning has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
