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Autofest kicks off with ‘Duel’ drive-in movie

By Fritz Busch 2 min read
Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Autofest ‘18 Committee members pose around a 1954 Chevrolet, left, owned by Larry Frederickson, New Ulm; a 2011 Harley-Davidson Convertible, owned by Mark Dauer, New Ulm; and a 1972 Heavy Chevy Chevelle, owned by Jan DeLeo, New Ulm. The photo, taken behind the Brown County Fairgrounds grandstand, includes a sign from the former Starlite Theater of New Ulm. A free drive-in movie showing of “Duel” starring Dennis Weaver, directed by Steven Spielberg, begins at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23 in a grassy area east of the fair grandstand. Autofest’s car and motorcycle show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 24 at the fairgrounds.

NEW ULM -- Considered by some vehicle enthusiasts as one of the best shows in southern Minnesota that gets better every year, the 18th Annual New Ulm Autofest 2018 Cycle and Car Show begins with a free drive-in movie at about 9:30 p.m. today (June 23).

"Duel," a 1971 road thriller film, starring Dennis Weaver and directed by Steven Spielberg, will be shown in the grassy area just east of the Brown County Fairgrounds grandstand.

Weaver portrays a terrified motorist on a business trip, driving a Plymouth Valiant, who is stalked on remote California canyons in the Mojave Desert by the the mostly unseen driver of an unkempt 1960 Peterbilt 281 tanker truck.

The movie script, written by Richard Matheson from his own short story, was inspired by his own driving experience on Nov. 22, 1963, the same day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Matheson, on the way home from a golfing match with a friend, was tailgated by a trucker.

The end of the movie, awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Film Sound Editing in 1972, is frightening and dramatic.

The movie was an ABC Movie of the Week television installment. It was later shown as a movie in some United States venues and in Europe and Australia. The show's success, rated 7.8 out of 10 by the "Rotten Tomatoes" website, established Spielberg as a movie director.

Hot dogs, popcorn, water and soda pop will be available at the drive-in movie. No dogs, alcohol or bicycles are allowed on the show grounds.

The car and motorcycle show at the fairgrounds is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Registration and admission is free. In addition, free drawings will be held all day. Food and refreshments will be served.

Free calendars, can coolers and more items will be given to the first 300 participants. Other events include the South Central Modelers Model Car contest, a swap meet and Pink Ladies Garage including crafts and wellness items.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ pg/newulmautofest/

fbusch@nujournal.com

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