Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto is a 1977 American road action comedy film starring and directed by Ron Howard, in his feature film directorial debut. Howard also wrote the screenplay with his real-life father Rance Howard, who also co-starred in the film. As of 2025, this is the only film that Howard has both directed and starred in. The film takes its title from the crime grand theft auto, which is committed a number of times by several different characters.
Plot
In Los Angeles, wealthy couple Bigby and Priscilla Powers, want their daughter Paula to marry Collins Hedgeworth, who also hails from a wealthy family. Paula is really in love with classmate Sam Freeman, whom Bigby dismisses as a "fortune hunter." Bigby is running for governor and wants her to cooperate. However, Paula refuses to marry Collins and plans to elope with Sam to Las Vegas. Bigby threatens to disinherit her and take away her sports car (that she bought with her own money) if she disobeys him.
More details
| author | Joe Dante Ron Howard |
|---|---|
| director | Ron Howard |
| editor | Joe Dante |
| genre | action comedy crime thriller |
| keywords | call-in car phone demolition derby elope elopement fortune hunter hear honeymoon suite hotel owner ktnq las vegas los angeles married police car radio station red light reward rolls-royce silver cloud run sports car station wagon steal stolen car surround swimming pool tenq radio station wealthy couple wealthy family |
| musicBy | Peter Ivers |
| producer | Jon Davison |
| publisher | New World Pictures |
| recordedAt | California |
| theme | action comedy chase road movie romantic comedy |