Roadracers (1959 film)

Roadracers is a black and white American exploitation film released in 1959, directed by Arthur Dreifuss. It falls within the genres of juvenile delinquency and hot rod movies, prevalent in the late 1950s. The film tells the story of a young man named Danny, a hot rod enthusiast who finds himself in trouble with the law and a rival gang after a drag race goes wrong.

The plot typically revolves around Danny's passion for cars and racing, his rebellious attitude, and his relationships with his girlfriend and his troubled family. The film often features scenes of drag racing, street fights, and confrontations with authority figures.

Roadracers is considered a low-budget B-movie, and while not critically acclaimed, it is notable for its representation of the youth culture of the time and its place within the broader context of exploitation cinema. The film often depicted themes of teenage rebellion, car culture, and the generation gap. It serves as a time capsule, reflecting the societal anxieties and preoccupations of the late 1950s concerning youth delinquency and the perceived threat of rock and roll culture. The movie generally ends with a cautionary message about the dangers of reckless behavior.