Americana: materials concerning or characteristic of America, its civilization, or its culture.

      Not too hard to understand that definition. And what could be more American than Drag Racing? It's definitely an American invention, and deeply rooted in our post-WWII culture! Which brings us to what Jay Cocks of Time called "...One of the most ambitious and interesting films of the year." And it also qualifies as a Road Picture on two-counts; "it" being 1971's "Two-Lane Blacktop", a story of two drag racing drifters, (singer/songwriter James Taylor as the Driver, and The Beach Boy's Dennis Wilson as the Mechanic, in their first and only film roles) who tool through small town America, in a gray-primed, 1955 Chevy, custom-built for racing for "pink slips" and the money to keep on keepin' on, in what might seem to be an aimless life style, but one they're best suited for. In early 70's hippie culture, these two might look the part, but they are totally committed to the road and their "trade."

      The pair pick up a young girl hitchhiker (Laurie Bird) who seems just as dedicated to her life style of drifting as they are. The trio meet a would-be playboy and fellow racing enthusiast (the great Warren Oates) known as GTO for the shiny-new yellow "goat" he drives. He is as mysterious as the girl is, but for different reasons. The girl changes from car to car, man to man, as the story progresses, but always it's the next race that matters to these men. This film is a love affair with the road and with racing. The performances for the most part are low-key, except for Oates' GTO, whose emotions are always on the surface, while he wishes he could be as cool as the others.

      The music score comprises contemporary hits by The Doors, Kris Kristofferson, etc. Taylor and Wilson do not sing in the film. Two-Lane Blacktop is directed by "cult legend" Monte Hellman, but what I know about him and 89-cents will get you a cup of coffee at the 7 Eleven. Other accolades for this road picture are: "Our nomination for movie of the year..." from Esquire Magazine and "***1/2" from Leonard Maltin. It carries an "R" rating, which I think in today's light would be more suitably reduced to PG-13, if not just PG.

      So rev it up to about six-grand and pop the clutch on over to the video store and rent this one, or add it to your collection of Americana/Cult Flicks, as I have!