Thunder Alley (1967)

Sure, the story is trite and Warren Berlinger is embarrassingly bad, but "Thunder Alley" manages to be a fairly decent flick. Credit Richard Rush ("The Stunt Man") for getting pretty good performances from Annette Funicello and Fabian. Diane McBain is always good, as is Jan Murray. Maureen Arthur gives the movie a poignant edge as the bubbleheaded "Babe," who can't really grasp the tragedy which has just taken place around her.

The stock racing scenes are pretty good, but never really integrate into the story, due to AIP's unwillingness to match the color and resolution.

Annette does a surprisingly good version of "What's a Girl to Do." Couldn't believe she could really sing. Annette also demonstrate some comedic skills which, sadly, neither AIP or Disney ever really put to full use.

This is one of AIP's better efforts. I saw it on FLIX, which, apparently has the extended version which includes Annette's song.