The 1970s were the Golden Age of New Hollywood Cinema. It was also arguably the Golden Age of the classic American road film. Some of the most definitive films of the sub-genre were released during the decade, including Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, Wanda, Badlands, and Duel, to name but a few. However, the reigning king of them all is Two Lane Blacktop, the 1971 cult classic directed by Monte Hellman and starring James Taylor and Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson as a driver and his mechanic who race across the United States in their beloved 1955 Chevy. Along the way, they pick up a young blonde played by Laurie Bird (at a diner, of course), who comes along for the ride, inciting a tense, unspoken jealousy between the two men. From its music to its fashion to its famous musician co-stars, Two Lane Blacktop is pure 1970s cinema at its finest, enhanced by several memorable scenes in road side diners. Unfortunately, the only one of these still open is Mary’s Cafe, where the Girl first climbs into the backseat of the Chevy, located 7136 North US Highway 89, just northeast of Flagstaff.