Car Talk’s Tom and Ray on 'Cars'

Fans of National Public Radio’s “Car Talk,” which stars Tom and Ray Magliozzi as Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers, can catch their voices on the big screen June 9 when Pixar’s latest animated movie, “Cars,” is released. Ray is the voice of Dusty Rust-eze (left) and Tom is the voice of Rusty. In this Q&A, the brothers answer questions about their roles in the film. Image © Disney Enterprises, Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios.  All rights reserved.

How and why did you get involved in the "Cars" movie project? Are these the first movie roles for you?

Ray: John Lasseter, the director and brains behind “Cars” and “Toy Story,” is a fan of our show, I guess. He tried to get us to play gas station attendants in “Toy Story,” but we were too lazy back then. Plus, we figured, computer animation? Toys that come to life? Who's going to watch that?

Tom: Despite the fact that we told them to flake off on “Toy Story,” John called again and said he had great parts for us. And he'd written them with us in mind.

Ray: We found out later that he had actually written them for Carrot Top and Art Garfunkel, but they turned him down.

Tom: These are our first movie roles. I mean, have you seen our faces? We could only work in animation.

So who are Rusty and Dusty Rust-eze? What are their roles in the film?

Ray: They're brothers who sell bumper ointment…

Tom: Don't ask!

Ray: CAR bumper ointment. They're a couple of old cars who dispense wisdom to the hotshot rookie racecar, Lightning McQueen.

Tom: We told them we wanted roles that would really stretch us professionally, ya know. So they cast us as decent, smart guys. We needed a lot of coaching for that.

What's it like doing voice work for a movie? How is it different from — or similar to — doing your radio show?

Ray: Well, you only get to do one take on radio. In other words...

Tom: ...this was a lot more work! We must have done dozens of takes of some of those lines. And not one extra doughnut. Not ONE! Isn't there some kind of actors' union?

Are there any surprises from you two that moviegoers can expect to see?

Tom: We don't know. We haven't seen the movie yet. They kept inviting us to all these premieres and special screenings, but one week I had a hair appointment, and the other time my brother was at the Seat Cover Convention in Toledo.

Ray: So it's all a surprise, at least to us. But given what a great job Pixar has done on everything they've touched, I suspect it's going to be a very good movie — despite the fact that we're in it!

Comments

[Joe Strike]

I didn't recognize Tom & Ray's voices when I saw the movie - for some reason they sounded different from what I hear every Saturday morning. But there was no mistaking their sign-off at the end of their scene - since it came out of nowhere, it really floored me. Very magical to see the brothers (not to mention all the famous racers whose voices were also heard) turned into cars themselves; mechanic, heal thyself?

[Michael Achilles Bellone]

Dear Tom & Ray, thanks for the "Cars" article. My nephew Jacob (Jake, critiquedupave@yahoo.com. I'm trying to make him aware of some of his ethnic back ground, and you guys to. He's Jewilsh but that is his mother fault. He needs to find out about about you but is stuck learning about philosophe at the American Univ. Paris. So please do what you can. Michele.

[Jack Martin]

I saw Cars when it premiered at the Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte. I was really floored when I heard the "don't drive like my brother" lines and even though I listen to you on the radio I did not recognize your voices. I had to check the credits at the end of the movie. Great job guys!

[Kristi]

Guys~
I was so excited to see that you are the voices of two of the cars! I can't wait to see it tomorrow. Just promise you won't quit Car Talk now that your big stars.

[William]

They need to release toys or matchbox cars for your two characters. I'd love to buy them to have on my desk. Congrats on the roles.

[Kris]

Hello, I just wanted to say, it was a treat to hear your voices in that movie. As soon as I heard you guys talk, I knew who you were, but i don't think the rest of the theater got it. You guys were great.
Thanks,
Kris

[Carrie]

It was wonderful to hear you two in the movie. I instantly knew who listened to NPR, because those ones all let out a giggle with me. Thanks. Carrie

[Troy]

Hey you two. I heard your voices and just couldn't put a finger on it until hearing the "don't drive like my brother" phrases. Needless to say it got me excited; I just thought it was the coolest thing to hear your two voices in the movie. Makes perfect sense to me though; you can't have a movie called Cars without the two Car Talk boys. Outstanding work gents.

[dusty]

You guys were awesome. from talking about cars to being talking cars. I recognized your voices right away. you were the second coolest part of the movie. come on, who doesn't love a Porshe. thanks for the great movie. dusty-who else

[Barbara]

There was something poetic about making the two of you rusty jalopies! I loved all of the creative nuances of the movie and seeing your characters laughing with each other was one of the best surprises. Great job guys!!!

[brionl]

I saw the movie yesterday, and Rusty & Dusty are great! I didn't recognize the voices at first, until I heard "Don't drive like my brother."

My parents used to own one of those Dodge vans, except ours was all white. If you watch Little Foss & Big Halsey you can see our van in the parking lot at Sears Point raceway.

[Lynda]

I saw Cars Friday... As soon as I heard the first word I knew it was you two.. You guys are awesome !!

[Adam]

Tom and Ray as soon as your voices I knew it was you!Then I saw that 64 Dart, is that what your real one looks like? And what about the Colt Vista how come that didn't make an apperance?

[kirstin]

Saw Cars yesterday and after your first lines I looked at my husband. Is that? Nah...
YES! It's Tom and Ray!
You guys were awesome!
I agree with the previous poster, they should release your cars from the movie. I'd buy your cars for for me and the Lightning McQueen for my son.

[cardumb]

You guy's were sensational! Lasseter sure hit the mark with those characters. Who wouldn't recognize that ever famous laughter? Was the ending line your idea or scripted? Will there be a Part 2? Luv'ya guys...your #2,358,923 fan

[Will]

Hey, it was such a wonderful suprise to hear you guys in Cars, it's a GREAT film! I recognized you immediately, as did my son, we listen faithfully each week! Once again, GREAT job!

will

[Glenn & Lynn]

It was nice to see the demised DODGE DARTRA back in its former glory (well sort of). My '62 beetle needs some rust-ease, but I can't find it on your website.

[Michael]

We took my son and his friends to see CARS for his birthday. As soon as I heard Dusty and Rusty, I turned to my wife and said: "It's the Cartalk guys!" She rolled her eyes unimpressed. When we got home, one of the other mother's was commenting on the voices of Bonnie Hunt, Paul Newman, etc. and she says, "It was really cool to hear the Cartalk guys. I love their show." Needlessto say my wife shot me a look & I just grinned.

[Grae]

WOW! I wasn't even sure that I wanted to go to this movie, but my three boys told me my reasoning was faulty so we went, and am I glad that I did! When Tom and Ray first started talking I thought, hey, they got two guys that kinda sound like Tom and Ray! Then when they said the "Don't drive like my brother..." lines, I knew it was really them. It was my favourite part of the whole movie!

[Diana]

My parents used to torture us as kids, making us listen to Click and Clack after every long Sunday mass. However, as I got older and started understanding the jokes I came to love the show. However, after not hearing the show for over a year I could still instantly recognize your voices in the movie. It was so exciting. So, there I am trying to explain to my friends who these guys are in the middle of the movie. Now I'm excited to start listening to you guys again!

[Len Kelley]

I purchased a new Chrysler Town and Country from Jin Click in Tucson, AZ. I immediatly discovered it would Klunk or thump in the front suspension or engine area when crossing a 2' wide x 4" SPEED BUMP @ 10 TO 15 mph. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE dept several times over several months and they replaced several suspension parts to no avail. The service mgr. finaly wrote on my invoice that all these vehicled would do the sane thing!! I wrote to Jim Click and never heard a word. I also wrote the Chrysler factory corp. and was only refered back to the dealer. Can you advise me if this problem can be corrected? Thanl you, LHK

[Jeff Peeler]

Hi Guys,
Yes I too realized it was the two of you in the movie scene pretty quickly, but I wasn't absolutely sure until the "don't drive like my brother" line. You two were perfect for this movie. I hope they make Cars Two & give you guys a lerger role! Maybe a chase scene around Harvard Square! Keep up the great work - and please send an autographed picture now that you two are Oscar contenders.

[Jay]

as soon as i heard you guys talk in the movie, i thought it was perfect. How could they NOT have you guys in the movie.

[Jim R]

When I heard your voices at first I first thought "..NAAH, that can't be them". Then I heard Tommy say "Don't drive like my brother!" and Ray echo the same, and I busted out laughing. I was the only one in the theater who did. I felt rather silly after that.

[Kathleen]

At first I wasn't too sure if I wanted to watch this movie, but now that I know you guys are in it, I definately will! You guys are great!

[Janice]

Dear Click and Clack
CARS had barely started. I turned to my husband and said," It would have been really funny and quite a coup to get Tom and Ray to do voices in this movie." The next second comes the dulcid tones we know so well! What an extra treat!And who knew I was clairvoyant?

[yolanda]

I am and have been for years a faithful listener..
what to my surprize ,very much delight .we settng there watching the movie and your voices and just that styles that could only be car talk!! looked at husband say click n clack.. he got this funny look on his face ,,tipper brothers..car talk silly .. he at moment got a smile on his face..because you bunch of old rust buckets cars..how very awesome...got to love you guys..then goes race car comes over does his little thing.. .there you guys are ..dont drive like my brother ..wow ..awesome ..
was thinking as fighting with 14 months old..
so I and rest of my family see the movie ..I WAS thinking it was well worth money I knew had to good ...
THE MOVIE TURN OUT DOWN RIGHT ..AWESOME ...
you guys have never lets us down .. your ADORING PUBLIC..,lol ..keep up GOOD WORK..
AGAIN DONT DRIVE LIKE MY BROTHER,,:)
yolanda ,biloxi,ms
one thing katrina didnot wipe way.. our public radio..boy are we thankful..

[andy]

guys- i have long wondered what kind of fine additives you guys were talking about.Rust-eze bumper ointmet takes 36 weeks to even think about taking effect. what kind of sick man would rip off poor inniocent customers by selling them an ointment for their car that might take 36+ weeks to even take effect. is it some kind of crule joke? what if your car dosent have 36 weeks? Rust-eze bumper ointment is obviously just as BOGUS as all the advice you guys give on car talk. Even though their animated, i pitty any and all cars scammed by Rust-eze bumper ointment.

[Edward]

I saw the movie Cars, and I loved it. I did not recognize your voices at all. Man, Hollywood can work wonders with film.

Now that you guys finally made it to the big screen, maybe they will let you continue doing radio.

I just hope to continue seeing you guys play inanimate objects, instead of yourselves.

Keep up the good work, love hearing you guys.

[brian bowie]

i just saw "cars" and know you have a 64 dart conv. do you also have a a-100 van if so please let me know i have a club, the a100 van association, thanks brian

[Giuseppe "Joe" Favaloro]

You guys in the film as old Mopars? A must see movie for me now!
As a proud owner of two A100 Vans (daily drivers) and a fan of all Mopars in general. I still can't take the smile off my face when I seen the picture of the old A100 Sportsman as the character of "Rusty".
Hey Tom, see if they will make toy models of your characters. Expecially the Van. : )

Ciao! - "Joe"

[FlyGuy]

Dear Tom and Ray,
Congratulations on your roles in the movie "Cars". I was a little embarrassed in the movie theater because I was the only person laughing at Rusty and Dusty when they appeared on the screen. It took a few shots of Rusty and Dusty before I realized that Tommy was a Dodge Dart. What a tribute to you guys! I agree with the others. They should make Rusty and Dusty action figures!

[James M]

I just saw Cars, and you two were the only reason i saw it. My brother said you guys were in it, and as soon as i heard you, i was laughing my ass off.

[robert]

My wife and I saw "Cars" yesterday. We both instantly figured out it was Tom and Ray when Rusty and Dusty came on. We both shot looks at each other and giggled, trying to not annoy those around us who obviously were not privileged enough to know who Tom and Ray are. If Rush Limbaugh has "Rush babies" I am definately a "Car Talk baby," having grown up listening to Click and Clack every Saturday. Great Job!!!

[Clarence G]

While I was out on a business trip, my wife took our kids to see "Cars". As soon as I got back she said I had to go see the movie because Click and Clack were in it. She said she recognized your voices immediately...must be from overhearing your show while I listened. Anyway, I said, No Way, and Boy was as I wrong! I can't wait for the weekend to go see the movie...my radio idols finally made it to the big screen of Hollywood! Way to go guys! Even though you are now big stars with bookoo bucks, I hope you'll still find time to do your lousy radio show.

[Kathryn Dunleavy]

Wow, what great roles for you guys, my husband and I recognized your voices right away in the movie!!! I wanted to know if you two were insturmental in getting to pick out which cars you played, because I know you both are quite opinionated about which cars are the best.

[Russell Senior]

WOW cars was such a good movie. I can't believe I didn't recognize Tom and Rays voice in the movie. It was riddled with sooo many stars! If you have not seen this movie... I recommend you go see it.

[Russell Senior]

I just read Kathryn Dunleavy's post. Thats really attractive when a woman listens to a show about cars! Your husband is LUCKY!

[Grace]

I was pleased to hear you two in "Cars"! I'm sad to say that my husband and I were the only two in the whole theater who recognized the two of you. Way to go!

[Jim Jett]

Hey guys,

You both look as good on the silver screen as you do on radio. I was amazed and pleased to hear your melodious voices and I was impressed that they even had Tom presented as a well worn Dodge Dart. However, I didn't catch why Ray was an old Dodge van. I would have thought a different car would have been more fitting. Maybe a Dodge Viper or ...

[Bill Manderfeld]

It took me a few seconds to recognize the voices...what did it for me was when I saw the '64 Dodge Dart, and made the connection. Very clever of Pixar Studios!

[Mark B. Morrow]

Tom your character is a '63 Dodge Dart right? My grandfather had a '64 Dart hardtop and it had a different grille.

[Mancho]

I took my nephews to see the movie yesterday. The moment I saw those two "intelligent looking" cars I knew I was going to hear your voices! Actually, when the movie began I was wondering if you guys would be in this movie. Anyway, you guys were a HUGE HIT! My two nephews know nothing about you so I had to sit there in hysterics all by myself. It was great! I knew I would love this movie and the fact that you guys were on it made it that much more fun to watch! But I'm still glad I got the student rate at the movie theater!

Mancho

[Ian DeLisle]

As soon as they said "dont drive like my brother", I knew it was you guys. Nice choice for your Hollywood debut.

[Johnny Wirth]

We saw the movie last evening and we knew it was you from the years of listening to you on the radio. We thought the movie was not just good it was GREAT and can't wait to get it on DVD. We know that once we have it on DVD we can pause it and take in all of the little signs, bumper stickers and posters that we miss in the fast paced movie.

What's your next big movie break????

[Gregg H.]

I have been debating about going to see "CARS" since my kids have outgrown animation movies. Now that I have learned that the Tappet Brothers are in the movie, it is a must see for me. I am so devastated when I miss their Saturday show on NPR. Been listening since 1998. Love you guys and the whole dang team!

[Morbious Fod]

I just saw cars and figured out it was you guys after about a second. First indicator was the voices then I made the connection with the '63 dodge dart. I nearly laughed out loud (which would have annoyed a lot of people). I think you guys did great. Maybe you guys will make an appearance in Cars 2. LOL!
Keep up the good work and I will keep listening.

[Jamie]

I had no clue that you guys were in Cars, must have missed the memo or something. My husband and I went to see it at some crazy time so there were very few people in the theater. I think we were the only ones to recognize your famous voices. As soon as your first lines were out I could't belive it was y'all. By the end of your first sceen, hubby and I were laughing so hard we were getting dirty looks because no one else had caught on! Y'all really made the movie for us.

[mike B]

me and my son (6yrs old) have seen the "CARS " movie 3 times. (I keep dragging to see it). The other day we were listening to your radio show and he picked out your voices as the "old ugly cars" in the movie. Great cameo Mike Ball Elma NY

[Jaenice Palmer]

Oddly enough, I knew in advance, but hearing the voices of you two jailbirds was still a lovely surprise. Yes, I KNEW it when I first heard you two chubby-cheeked charmers on the screen! (Well, not precisely ON the screen, but I'm sure you get the idea.) Well, that's all I have to say for now. Blah, blah, blah.