Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)

Jeff Bridges stars as Preston Tucker, a pioneer of automobile manufacturing in the 1940s. The Tucker Torpedo was well ahead of its time, with disc brakes, seat belts and fuel injection, all new innovations.

The big three auto makers plotted against Tucker, not thrilled with the new competition. A real life courtroom drama ensues with a David vs. Goliath like battle with crooked politicians, bad journalism and a man with a big dream. Coppola put his heart and soul into the making of Tucker, much like the subject did into his car. This film is a fine example of bringing to life a man with a dream who never gave up; very inspirational.

Fmovies: Francis Ford Coppola first thought of making Tucker as a dark Brechtian musical back in the 70s and went so far as to have Leonard Bernstein think about the music. When he actually made the film in 1987, Joe Jackson provided the hopped-up big band licks and gave Mr. Coppola his best score since Rumblefish. No matter -- it's as much a director's biography in hidden form as ever there was, Fellini, Bergman, and Woody Allen notwithstanding. Mr. Coppola is the visionary who tried to buck the system and almost succeeded only to be brought down by forces, real and imagined, that control the way things run. Preston Tucker had a rocket ship of a car with turnable headlights and seat belts; Mr. Coppola had great movies about wiretappers, the nightmare of war, and a silly bit of off-beat stuff about lovers in Vegas. The specific points of such a parallel biography need not be driven into the ground here -- suffice it to say that one can imagine a young Francis telling his younger, equally visionary associate and design nut George Lucas (executive producing here) to grow a beard -- just as Jeff Bridges, in a career-highlight performance, tells his engineer played by Elias Koteas. Lovely Joan Allen plays Tucker's devoted, whip-smart wife -- an Eleanor substitute -- and Christian Slater is Tucker's eldest son, perhaps a stand-in for Coppola's son, Gio, who died before the film was made and to whom it is dedicated. Brash, fun, funny, melodramatic -- a visual feast that plays on 40s and 50s conventions -- Tucker: the Man and His Dream couldn't be a better collaboration between visionaries: Coppola, Lucas, and Preston Tucker.

This is one of the best films that take place during that key period just after the conclusion of World War 2. It was a period of unbridled optimism about the future of the United States and a time where almost anything seemed possible.

The film tells the true story about Preston Tucker(played by Jeff Bridges) and his attempt to create the perfect car for the future, the "Tucker". This car would have everything in it from a rear engine to fuel injection. However, as he gets started building the cars, he realizes that his goal may have been an unrealistic dream as the big three automakers use their power and political influence to try and block him from creating something that would compete with them. The Tucker character is one you cant help but cheer for as he never gives up on his dream.

The 1940's feeling of the film is perfectly captured by a zippy score by Joe Jackson and Joan Allen perfectly plays Tucker's supportive wife who stands by him every step of the way.

This is a terrific film about a man who never gives up.

Tucker: The Man and His Dream fmovies. A beautiful film which captures the spirit of a man's struggle to make his dream come true. Jeff Bridges is invincible in the role of Preston Tucker and effortlessly pulls the viewer inside the mind and spirit of this maverick entrepreneur who brought to the automotive industry seat belts, fuel injection, pop-out windows and most of all a legend called the Tucker Torpedo.

Acting just oozes out of this fine actor and id consider it as his best performance ever. Excellent direction,screenplay and soundtrack. great duologue's too. especially "can any one in this room look me in the eye and say we cant do it" and on hearings a non-affirmative he replies "except you".

The courtroom speech is something which recharges your spirit and fills your body with passion. Very true as he puts it " fifty or fifty million...thats only machinery..its the idea that counts..the dream.."

Underrated film about dreams and desire in the mind of Preston Tucker as he looked to create the car of the future. He faced hardship and defeat at the hands of politicians and other automakers. (Namely the Big Three) Bridges delivers Tucker with great heart and devotion while Landau (Oscar nominee) stands out as Tucker's friend and partner. Dean Stockwell makes a small cameo as Howard Hughes.

Preston Tucker was a man with a dream. He actually advertised his new car and even took advanced orders for it. But the truth is that there was never a chance that Tucker would ever be able to deliver on his promises. Jeff Bridges plays the would be automotive tycoon with an Oscar going to his co-star Martin Landau for his portrayal of "Abe" Tucker's business manager. You will enjoy seeing most all of the remaining Tuckers in this film. This is a good film and I recommend it.