The Last American Hero is a 1973 film based on the life of Junior Johnson, a real-life bootlegger who became a NASCAR driver. The movie follows Johnson's journey from an outlaw moonshiner to a professional racing driver.
Jeff Bridges portrays the protagonist, Jackson "Junior" Jackson, a young man from rural North Carolina who makes a living running illegal liquor. Jackson's driving skills, honed by years of evading the law, attract the attention of a local garage owner and former driver, Elroy "Pop" Burns (played by Art Lund), who sees potential in him.
Pop introduces Jackson to the world of stock car racing, and before long, Jackson is making a name for himself on the local dirt tracks. He catches the eye of a big-time racing team owner, Burton Colt (played by Gary Busey), who offers him a spot on his team.
Despite resistance from his family and friends, who see racing as a dangerous and frivolous pursuit, Jackson accepts the offer and begins to compete in the NASCAR circuit. He quickly becomes one of the most successful drivers in the sport, winning race after race and becoming a fan favorite.
But success doesn't come without a cost. Jackson's rising star attracts the attention of the law, who launch an investigation into his past. Meanwhile, he also struggles with the demands of racing, including the grueling schedule, the ever-present risk of injury, and the politics of the sport.
As Jackson fights to stay on top, he must also confront his own demons and decide where his loyalties lie. Will he stay true to his roots as a backwoods moonshiner, or embrace his new life as a racing superstar?
Overall, The Last American Hero is a thrilling, character-driven drama that offers a unique perspective on the world of NASCAR and the American South in the 1960s.
