Heart Like a Wheel (1983)

"Winning."
-Shirley Muldowney when a reporter asks "What's a beautiful girl like you doing on a racetrack like this?".


This uplifting true story depicts how Shirley Muldowney (Bonnie Bedelia) became the first woman to be successful in the world of drag racing.
Her quest begins in 1956 New York when she convinces her husband Jack (Leo Rossi) to let her drive her sportscar on deserted roads at night, which is something Jack does in his spare time.

By the mid-1960s, Shirley prepares to officially enter the National Hot Rod Association. She goes through difficulty in getting the necessary signatures for her NHRA license in the male-dominated sport. But fortune smiles on Shirley when she encounters racer Connie Kalitta (Beau Bridges), who helps her get her license, and, later on, propositions her, despite the fact that they are both married.

Shirley's success on the road, naturally, prompts her compete year round. This desire leads to her divorce from Jack, although their son John (Anthony Edwards) continues to support his mom.

Eventually, Shirley and Connie become lovers and he becomes her fuel chief. But even their relationship becomes strained after he is suspended by the NHRA. Connie later gets reinstated and the film ends with the two competing in a 1980 race, which Shirley wins.

The film has a nice cast, with Bedelia giving a nice performance in the lead. Ironically, the real-life Muldowney, who was a consultant on the film, didn't much care for Bedelia's portrayal of her, citing how, in interviews, the actress stated her dislike for racing.

Regardless, Bedelia was rightfully nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her performance, but, today, she is best known for her roles in Die Hard (1988), Presumed Innocent (1990) and the TV series Parenthood.