THE LAST REFUGE OF BIGOTS:

Kids movie 'Cars' needs retooling, critics say (ANDREW HERRMANN, 6/24/06, Chicago Sun-Times)

Disney's new film "Cars" is a winner with kids. But the nation's railroads, nudged by a west suburban physician, say the movie sends a losing message.

Their objection: a scene in the G-rated cartoon where a cocky young race car named Lightning McQueen tries to beat a train at a railroad crossing, ignoring the flashing lights and clanging signals.

The railroads and the national safety group Operation Lifesaver acknowledge it's too late to cut the scene from theaters but want it snipped from future DVD versions.

The McQueen character beats the train, but the scene could leave the impression that "ignoring warning signs is OK when in a hurry" or that "racing a train is thrilling, good, clean fun,'' Operation Lifesaver officials wrote Disney execs in a letter, which was also signed by the Association of American Railroads, the CEO of Norfolk Southern and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Despite the prejudices of carophiles, the train always wins.

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 24, 2006 9:18 AM