Days Of Thunder
Adventure, Drama, Romance
Paramount Pictures  (1990) 107 mins PG-13

5.4 (21,124 votes)
Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) is a hot shot driver with a big mouth and a desire to drive in the big leagues. He gets his chance when he meets up with Harry Hogge (Robert Duvall), a washed up pit crew chief who promises to teach Cole the ropes. Unfortunately, Cole doesn't seem to interested in doing it any way but his own, but over time, Harry finds a way to tone down Cole's cocky attitude and get him focused on real racing. All in a short period of time, Cole finds himself on top of the pack, with the beautiful Dr. Claire Lewicki (Nicole Kidman) at his side winning races. Can he keep up this pace and stay on top or while his old habits come back and sending him crashing out of the ratrace?...

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Cast and Crew
Tom Cruise  ......  Cole Trickle
Robert Duvall  ......  Harry Hogge
Cary Elwes  ......  Russ Wheeler
Nicole Kidman  ......  Dr. Claire Lewicki
Randy Quaid  ......  Tim Daland
J.C. Quinn  ......  Waddell
Director  .....  Tony Scott
Producer  .....  Jerry Bruckheimer; Don Simpson
Writer  .....  Tom Cruise; Robert Towne
Cinematography  .....  Ward Russell
Notes
Goofs:
Continuity: At the end of the Daytona 500, Cole's face is heavily blackened with oil, yet the windshield and interior of the care are spotless. (more)

Trivia:
Harold Faltermeyer turned down scoring duties on the film. FHe recommended fellow German composer Hans Zimmer to the producers. Zimmer was also recommended to director Tony Scott by his brother Ridley Scott and star Tom Cruise. (more)

Filming Locations:
Bristol, Tennessee, USA (more)

Quotes:
[During a pit stop]
Harry Hogge: All right. While we're still under a caution, I want you to go back out on that track and hit the pace car.
Cole Trickle: Hit the pace car?
Harry Hogge: Hit the pace car.
Cole Trickle: What for?
Harry Hogge: Because you've hit every other goddamned thing out there, I want you to be perfect.
(more)

Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win (more)