King of the Mountain 1981

In the dim light of the San Fernando Valley, Steve (Harry Hamlin), known as the “King of The Mountain,” dominates the steep roads, a title that underscores his unmatched skill on the twisting Mulholland Drive. By day, he dedicates himself to working at a Porsche repair shop, but as darkness falls, his beloved 356 Speedster transforms into a battleground for adrenaline junkies, where he faces off against both seasoned racers and up-and-coming challengers alike. His pursuit isn’t fueled by a mere thrill-seeking mindset but rather by a deep-seated obsession with the excitement of the race.

While Steve embarks on his nocturnal adventures, his friends Buddy (Joseph Bottoms) and Roger (Richard Cox) shift their focus from racing to music, hoping to carve out their own niche in the industry. This change leaves Steve to reign solo, as he quells his driving ambitions with a relentless desire for speed. Cal (Dennis Hopper), his colleague and former racing champion, continuously stokes the fire of competition. His own desperation to regain his former title acts as a potent motivator for Steve to push boundaries.

Things take a compelling turn when Steve meets Tina (Deborah Van Valkenburgh), a gifted young singer who is working alongside Buddy and Roger. Captivated by her allure and charisma, Steve strives to draw her into his electrifying world of street racing. However, Tina remains indifferent, uninterested in joining him in these reckless pursuits or dating someone whose very existence revolves around high-speed escapades. As he wrestles with the idea of leaving the racing life behind for a more settled future, Cal is quietly focused on resurrecting his vintage Corvette, driven by an unyielding desire to reclaim his past glory.

As rivalries intensify, the stage is set for a breathtaking confrontation between Steve and Cal. Their competition builds to a thrilling climax, significantly reshaping their futures and defining their legacies in the fast-paced world they inhabit. > “It’s not just about speed; it’s about the thrill of the chase.”