HOT ROD RUMBLE

Richard Hartunian as Arnie Crawford 

HOT ROD RUMBLE (1957). Director: Leslie H. Martinson. 

Arnie Crawford (Richard Hartunian) belongs to a racing gang called the Road Devils but is treated like an outsider, possibly because of his sullen nature or out of jealousy over his effect on women. His best buddy, Ray (Wright King), is an Arnie-wannabee who makes a play for Terry (Leigh Snowden), Arnie's girl, although the two are having a rough patch. Terry goes off for a drive with Hank (Larry Dolgin), and someone runs them off the road, killing Hank. Fellow Road Devil Jim (Brett Halsey of High School Hellcats) is convinced that Arnie is responsible, and the whole town turns against him, except, seemingly, for Ray, who may have his own agenda. Meanwhile Arnie hopes to raise the entry fee so he can race and win some cash ... 

Wright King and Hartunian

Hot Rod Rumble is an exploitative title for a melodrama that with a little more care and a more thoughtful screenplay might have emerged as an effective dramatic piece. With presence and sex appeal as well as genuine acting ability, Hartunian makes a solid impression as Arnie, and he gets good support from King and Snowden, among others. Hartunian certainly had all the ingredients for a major career, but he had only four credits, with his last being in 1961. He lived another ten years and died too young at 39. Wright King lived to 95 and amassed 114 credits. Also in the cast is John Brinkley [T-Bird Gang] as a gas station attendant and friend of Ray's. A strange aspect to Hot Rod Rumble is that in the climactic car race not a single car remotely resembles what one would call a "hot rod." Leslie H. Martinson also directed Hot Rod Girl.

Verdict: Some good acting makes this more compelling -- albeit in a minor way -- than you might imagine. **1/2.