Watch Boys of Bonneville

In the late 1930s, a young mechanic named Ab Jenkins (played by Patrick Dempsey) had a dream to break the land-speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. His obsession took him away from his family and drove him to spend countless hours in his garage building and perfecting a car he called the Mormon Meteor. Despite financial struggles and a lack of support from the community, Ab and his team of friends and family persevered. Among them were his loyal mechanic and right-hand man, Jim Smith (played by Ray Evans), and his daughter, Marvella (played by Jillian Batherson), who believed in her father's dream and worked hard to keep him going.

As they faced a number of challenges, including mechanical failures and poor weather conditions, Ab's determination and resilience never wavered. His faith in his vision brought the team together, and ultimately, they succeeded in breaking the land-speed record not once, but several times over.

Narrated by Jay Leno, Boys of Bonneville tells the inspiring and little-known story of Ab Jenkins and his team's incredible journey to conquer the Bonneville Salt Flats. It features interviews with Ab's relatives and friends, as well as historic footage and photographs that bring the story to life.

The film also explores the impact that the land-speed record had on American car culture, and highlights Ab's role in creating a legacy that continues to inspire people today. Larry H. Miller, a Utah businessman and car enthusiast, is also featured in the film, sharing his admiration for Ab's achievements and his own experiences at Bonneville.

Overall, Boys of Bonneville is a captivating and emotional tribute to a man who refused to give up on his dreams, and a celebration of the ingenuity and determination that made his success possible. It is a must-see for all fans of cars, history, and inspiring true stories.

Boys of Bonneville is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.