Downhill Racer: Hometown Hero Redford’s Wrangler Denim and ’57 Chevy

Robert Redford as David Chappellet in Downhill Racer (1969) Vitals Robert Redford as Dave Chappellet, U.S. Olympic ski team star Idaho Springs, Colorado, Summer 1967 Film: Downhill Racer Release Date: November 6, 1969 Director: Michael Ritchie Costume Designer: Edith Head (uncredited!) Wardrobe Credit: Cynthia May Background To coincide with the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary today, let’s launch this summer’s Car Week with an all-American star driving an all-American car while sporting all-American denim. Robert Redford starred in three films released in 1969, arguably a breakthrough year for the late screen icon. His most notable would be the latter role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, though the contemporary sports drama Downhill Racer gave the ambitious future producer/director a taste of production as he wielded some of his newfound influence to recruit both screenwriter James Salter and director Michael Ritchie after Roman Polanski left the project.…