Famous voices in animated tribute to Big Daddy and his Rat

Canadian filmmaker Ron Mann has been making lively countercultural documentaries since 1978, and "Tales of the Rat Fink" is his masterpiece. Rarely has the combination of technique and subject matter been presented with such symbiotic perfection, and Mann's obvious affection for Ed "Big Daddy" Roth will be instantly shared by anyone who recalls the glory days of hot rods and custom cars.

Roth pioneered customizing in the late '50s, taking his cue from the legendary Von Dutch (whose automotive pinstripes "flowed like jazz") to become the first hot-rodder to sculpt custom cars out of fiberglass; the first to airbrush custom "monster" designs on T-shirts; and the inventor of Rat Fink, the "anti-Mickey Mouse" adopted as the drooling mascot of rodders, surfers, model-building hobbyists and assorted misfits throughout the '60s.

Movie review

Showtimes and trailer

"Tales of the Rat Fink," with the voices of John Goodman, Ann-Margret, the Smothers Brothers, Jay Leno, Paul Le Mat, Matt Groening, Tom Wolfe. Written and directed by Ron Mann. 76 minutes. Not rated; suitable for all ages. Grand Illusion.

With his bulging, bloodshot eyes and sickly green color, the humorously repulsive Rat Fink was the rebellious symbol of Southern California's gearhead lifestyle. And Roth's best-known custom cars — The Outlaw, The Beatnik Bandit, Mysterion and others — drew the attention of writer Tom Wolfe, whose milestone essay, "The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby," remains the definitive statement on custom-car culture.

It's a pity Roth (1932-2001) didn't live to witness Mann's exquisite collaboration with animator Mike Roberts, whose dynamic contributions bring Rat Fink to life in all his wretched glory. John Goodman splendidly narrates as a posthumous Roth, looking back at his creations as numerous pop-cultural icons (Ann-Margret, the Smothers Brothers and even Wolfe) lend their voices to custom cars that "talk" with flashing headlights, similar to (but more reverent than) Pixar's "Cars."

It's a perfect way of honoring Roth, the culture he created and the enduring legacy of his "weirdo" ingenuity. Mann's playful tribute makes it perfectly clear that Roth and Rat Fink embody a creative spirit that will live forever.

Jeff Shannon: j.sh@verizon.net