One of Steve McQueen’s signature films, Le Mans, was recently released on Blu-ray by Paramount Home Entertainment, and the flick features the late actor as an American racer who participates in France’s 24 Hours of Le Mans car race.  The film, shot on location, has McQueen doing most of his own driving (the picture has very little dialogue, as the story’s cinematography and sound propel the narrative.)

Hollywood Outbreak talked to the actor’s son, Chad McQueen, who recalls the impact Le Mans had on his life.   “I was a 10-year-old kid and race cars had always been around our house, our family,” said McQueen who had a career in racing for 24 years.  “When I got to France in June of 1970, there was five 917 Porsches in a row, five Ferrari 512s in a row and it just burnt something in my heart and soul forever.  Those cars, to this day, I can smell them. I can feel them.  It had a big part in my life and like an idiot I went on to race.  I just didn’t learn.”

As for the movie itself, Le Mans continues to grow in popularity.  “It’s got a huge following or else Paramount wouldn’t be putting it out on Blu-ray,” added McQueen, who is hosting The Friends of Steve McQueen car show on June 4th.   “Every auto racer, for 40 years now, have watched that film.  Young Go Kart racers that my son races with, they ask me about the film.  It’s got a cult following.”

Click on the media bar and listen to McQueen talk about The Friends of Steve McQueen car show, which benefits The Boys’ Republic:

The Le Mans Blu-ray (Rated G, 108 minutes) also contains the featurette “Filming at Speed: The Making of the Movie Le Mans.”

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posted by Greg Srisavasdi