Just wondering aloud…

So many road movies of the times ended with a explosive fire and deadly conclusion, often with an almost angelic song at the end.

Vanishing Point

Easy Rider

Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry

Come to mind, all produced within a few years of each other.

Love that song at the end of Dirty Mary:

“Time ((is such a funny thing)”

Such an era of artistic thought…

I can only recall one crash, and no music, in "Hot Rods to Hell".

Vanishing Point: Car explodes after hitting bulldozers

Easy Rider: Motorcycle explodes after being shot gunned

Dirty Mary Crazy Larry: Car explodes after being hit by freight train.

All three followed immediately by serene, spiritual music.

Actually in "Dirty Mary Crazy Larry" car explodes BEFORE it contacts train just slow it down and watch

Never really thought about it, but I do believe you’re right…

I was thinking about this in a different way not too long ago.

The movies you mentioned, death was the final, the end, no more, done.

Now with Hollywood, there is no death. Oh sure, you see people getting blown up and killed in all manners, but if there's a buck to be made, are they really dead? How many times has a character been killed off just to show up again in a sequel?

Was there ever a sequel to the movies you mentioned? No. Done.

VERY TRUE John.

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot - ending has Clint Eastwood driving off into the distance of an empty Montana super highway in a red early 70s Caddy Eldorado convertible with a dead Jeff Bridges in the passenger seat with a great song in the background
Where Do I Go From Here - Paul Williams ...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_and_Lightfoot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2JRySPVol0

I like the "California Kid" ending. Martin Sheen being chased by Vic Morrow (same guy play the cop in Dirty Mary Crazy Larry) in the '57 Plymouth cop car. Some obscure instrumental song plays during the ending crash scene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c66P_U2FA10

No votes for "Thelma and Louise"?

Blue's Angels. Awful movie, don't remember the end but do love the song for the opening.

Dave Allen and the Arrows, Blues Theme.

None

And here I thought someone would say.
As far as Cult I know it had a big following.
I saw it once that was enough.

Just came across this. Song at end of Dirty Mary Crazy Larry

Beautiful performance! Would have loved to have been there.

https://youtu.be/PII0MTx6fjU

Most definitely RHPC. Meatloaf!

and in Vanishing point they crashed a white 69 Camaro into the bulldozers and not the white Challenger.

1967 Camaro

Rocky Horror is an awesome show. But yeah, it's very polarizing. You either love it or you hate it.
Thunderbolt & Lightfoot is awesome because there's just SO many classic actors in it as side players! Gary Busey, Burton Gilliam, Vic Tayback, Dub Taylor, Catherine Bach.... it's almost a who's-who of upcomers in Hollywood at the time. It's crazy to think of all the super-famous actors from back then who were actually friends! Hollywood certainly has changed and not really for the better.

Thunder & Lightning with David Carradine, Roger C. Carmel, & Chuck Napier is a pretty good flick.
Gumball Rally is amazing
Cannonball! is Ok, but is your typical cheap Corman flick
Death Race 2000 - the original. The Remake blows chunks.

I'm hoping that somebody does whatever they can to dig up a few more more obscure classics.

We need a proper DVD or Blu-Ray release of "Moonrunners".... though I hear there's some issues with Waylon Jennings' estate on that one since all the music is his.
Would LOVE to see Joe Don Bakers' "Speedtrap" get a release. I've suggested that one to Vinegar Syndrome and they are looking into it.
"Stingray" with Chris Mitchum, Les Lannom, Sherry Jackson & William Watson HAS been restored using a pre-release print and even includes two or three scenes not included in the theatrical print. However, legal issues is tying this one up as nobody seems to know who owns the rights anymore. It's another I've suggest to Vinegar Syndrome and they may look into it since the leg work is already done!
"Double Nickles" by Toby Halicki's buddy Jack Vacek is another that needs to find release, but that's tied up in legal BS with the Halicki estate.

Is Christine considered a cult movie? Probably not.