Speed

Directed by Edwin L. Marin, Speed follows auto mechanic Terry Martin (James Stewart) as he attempts to woo a new employee (Wendy Barrie’s Jane) at the car-manufacturing company at which he works – with complications ensuing after a co-worker (Weldon Heyburn’s Frank) sets his sights on Jane. Filmmaker Marin, working from a screenplay by Michael Fessier, delivers a meandering endeavor that’s generally only compelling in starts and fits, although it remains clear, certainly, that Stewart’s winning performance goes a long way towards sustaining the viewer’s interest through the movie’s more overtly lackadaisical stretches – with, as well, the inclusion of a few stirring sequences (eg Terry takes Jane on a tour of the factory, Terry gets drunk at a company shindig, etc) elevating the proceedings on a recurring basis. And while it’s difficult to work up much enthusiasm for the characters’ romantic entanglements, Speed builds towards a relatively exciting race-focused climactic stretch that cements its place as a hit-and-miss yet watchable piece of work.

**1/2 out of ****