The Limit (1972 film)

The Limit
Film poster
Directed byYaphet Kotto
Written by
  • Sean Cameron
  • Yaphet Kotto
Produced byYaphet Kotto
Starring
CinematographyFenton Hamilton
Edited byNorman B. Schwartz
Music byWayne Henderson
Production
companies
  • New Era Communications
  • Speed Limit Productions, Inc.
Distributed byCannon Film Distributors
Release date
  • November 10, 1972 (1972-11-10) (NYC)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$25,000

The Limit (a.k.a. Speed Limit 65) is a 1972 independent action-crime film, now considered a lost film, produced and directed by Yaphet Kotto, who also co-wrote it with Sean Cameron. Kotto stars in the lead role, alongside a supporting cast consisting of Virgil Frye, Quinn K. Redeker, Corinne Cole, Ted Cassidy, Pamela Jones, Gary Littlejohn, and Irene Cagen.[1]

Plot summary

Mark Johnson is a Los Angeles motorcycle cop who patrols rough neighborhoods alongside his partner and best friend, Jeff McMillan. After a run-in with a gang known as The Virgins, he soon develops a respectful acquaintanceship with the leader, Big Donnie. He advises Donnie not to allow his pregnant girlfriend, Judy, to ride on motorcycles in her condition. Kenny, the Virgins' second-in-command, reacts with envy and fury.[2]

Cast

Release

It premiered first in June of 1972, before being released theatrically on November 10, 1972.[3] This is now considered to be a lost film.[4]

Reception

Roger Greenspun of The New York Times stated that this "is an oddly pleasant, occasionally exciting movie to watch".[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Greenspun, Roger (1972-11-11). "Screen: Kotto's Limit: Subject of Moderation Comes to Criterion". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. LCCN 1553-8095. OCLC 1645522. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
  2. ^ "The Limit". The Grindhouse Cinema Database. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
  3. ^ "AFI: Catalog — The Limit". American Film Institute. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
  4. ^ Kidd, Alex (2023-11-21). "Lost Films: The Limit (1972) Will we ever see it?". The Duke Mitchell Fan Club. Retrieved 2025-09-25.