Court Speech by Preston Tucker?

[KittyKatKhan]

Greetings Tucker fans! I'd like to know if anyone out there knows anything about the speech given by Preston Tucker in the famous courthouse scene of the movie. I am searching the internet in hopes of finding something about this, as those words certainly came to pass! I hope to use his speech in an upcoming class project. Can anyone help me here? Can you tell me where this case went to court? Are there any records? I need some help folks...I'm a big fan myself (having once been passed by a Tucker!) that was on its way to a car show! I'd love to have the speech if anyone could assist me in obtaining it!
Many thanks!
KittyKatKhan

[TuckerCar]

Unfortunately, Preston Tucker never made that address to the court in reality.

http://www.tuckerclub.org/html/movieinfo.html

[Tuckerfan1053]

The open letter of Preston Tucker's, which appeared in several newspapers (and can be found here: http://www.hfmgv.org/exhibits/showroom/1948/letter.html ) is of similar tone to the speech given in the film, and I find this part of it particularly telling:

When the day comes that anyone can bend our country's laws and lawmakers to serve selfish, competitive ends, that day democratic government dies.

[KittyKatKhan]

Thank you very much...this would explain why I cannot locate the information, wouldn't it? LOL I've read the letter, and perhaps I'll use that instead, as it seems to serve the same purpose, however, I really liked the 'version' in the film where PT makes the statement, or forecast ...(and no, I cannot quote it exactly) "if we continue down this path, someday we'll actually be buying our goods from the Japanese!" and this was during the time period when we were at war with them! The
courtroom loved it, but the day certainly came to pass...of course, the filmmakers had the reality of hindsight in their hands! I sincerely appreciate your help with this one...it has saved me countless more hours of useless searching for something that wasn't there, as the 'facts' tell me PT never spoke in court...
KittyKatKhan

[Larry Clark]

Preston Tucker said essentially what Jeff Bridges says in the movie in a SEC hearing on June 16, 1947. He ended his comments by saying, "If we can't start a business, free enterprise is at stake." The federal criminal indictment was returned against Tucker and his co-defendants on 6/10/49. For all practical matters, the effort to produce the Tucker car ended by late fall in 1948.

Larry

[KittyKatKhan]

Jeff Bridges did a wonderful job in the movie, which IS one of my favorites...I'd love to be able to read the remarks made by PT at that Senate hearing if you could tell me where to locate them. Please be gentle, I'm a blonde, and not especially 'puter literate'. I grew up in a three stall garage where my Pop was always busy (he is a Master mechanic), and my mother always worked right along beside him. My first job was was hand seating valves...LOL ! So my appreciation for the Tucker and its unique features stem from a lifetime love of the automobile industry. My hubby and I have a used car dealership today, and believe it or not, although I just turned the big five oh (ouch), I am starting college Up to this point, my only formal education has been a certification in auto mechanics which I earned when I was 18, in a class of 40 gentlemen, but I proudly finished first in my class! The fans here at this club have been tremendous help to me, as I admire PT and intend to use his work in one of my classes. His ideals were supreme, and he was 'absolutely right!' I think he should be remembered and shown to the present generation, especially in light of our current oil situation...his ideals certainly shine right now!
KittyKatKhan

[Larry Clark]

Preston Tucker made his remarks at a Securities and Exchange Commission hearing, not before the Senate. The SEC hearing began on Monday, June 16, 1947. Preston took the stand on June 17 (I incorrectly said the 16th on my last post). I do not have a copy of the SEC transcript. I have been unable to secure a copy- I have tried Freedom of Information Requests and have otherwise searched for it. If you go to your public library (or a university library) you will probably be able to get access to past editions of the New York Times (either by using a viewer of old newspapers or web access to the NY Times archives). You will be able to read about the hearing.

Larry

[KittyKatKhan]

Thank you Larry...I'll do as you suggest. My local library is rather small, but I think I may be able to get somewhere online...you've been a great help!
KittyKatKhan

[bootsykowan]

I'm still going through the DVD. I just listened to the commentary about the speech. It didn't happen. He added that it could never happened. Wouldn't be allowed. But he wanted the film to voice what Tucker might have said. He did say that Tucker did request the jury to look out the window to see all the cars and it was not allowed. Even to know that is true. Another interesting comment in this scene. He said that today it's different (1988) because now everyone is allowed to innovate. wellll, that's only because our enemies took over. I'm in a Prius because I wanted a hybrid. I did have a Ford Taurus before that. I think even the Taurus was collaboration with the Japanese but I'm not sure. In the film it didn't say "Japanese", it said "enemies".