Boys of Bonneville
Unrated (probably G)
Narrated by Patrick Dempsey.
Written by Michael Chandler and Jennifer Jordan.
Directed by Curt Wallin.
GRADE: B+
REVIEW:
When it comes to famous Utahns, most people think of Osmonds and sports heroes, but it takes a real old timer to reminisce over Ab Jenkins, who set all kinds of speed and endurance records while racing his cars on the Bonneville Salt Flats in the 30s, 40s and 50s.
Jenkins is the subject of the documentary Boys of Bonneville, in limited release this week (and available on DVD)
The film follows Jenkins' early years in Utah, where he discovers his love for speed on Utah's Salt Flats, even before there were roads way out there in the West Desert. Jenkins' life as a cross country racer, hill climber and wood track racer lead him to develop a race track on the Salt Flats and begins driving a Pierce Arrow to try and set some records.
Interviewees for the film include Ab's son Marvin, The late Larry H. Miller, racing historians and automobile aficionado Jay Leno, all of whom offer a unique perspective on the first man to put Utah on the popular culture map.
The first half of the film is centered on Ab Jenkins and his legacy. The second part covers the restoration of Jenkins Mormon Meteor car.
Boys of Bonneville is a priceless reminder of an important and perhaps forgotten part of American history and the man who brought international attention to a lifeless, desolate patch of salt in Utah.
