In 1973, “Curt” was chasing a spell-binding woman in a white Ford Thunderbird, “John” was drag racing in a duel and “Terry” cruised around trying to pick up girls before the end of the summer heat, with roaring engines and teenage angst at every turn.

Thirty-five years later, the cast of the unforgettable 1960s-style summer flick, filled with cars, youth and some of rock and roll’s finest hits, “American Graffiti” is reunited for Hot August Nights, surrounded with the atmosphere only revved engines can bring.

Signing autographs and available for photos, the cast has been out all week since Wednesday at the Peppermill Hotel and Casino and will be there until Saturday. Those in attendance include Candy Clark, or “Debbie,” Bo Hopkins, or “Joe the Pharaoh,” Cindy Williams, or “Laurie,” Paul Lemat, or “John Milner,” and Lynne Stewart, or “Bobbie.”

But the line really started to fill the overcrowded vending space as Richard Dreyfuss, “Curt,” was set to arrive Friday afternoon.

Nearly 70 people lined up in front of the American Graffiti tent, many saying they had been looking forward to Dreyfus’ arrival for several days.

“I heard he was coming a week ago, last Monday,” said Kim Altamiranel of Freemont, Calif. “We’ve been in line for about an hour and 15 minutes and I just want to tell him how much I enjoy his movies.”

Many others like Altamiranel followed suit, toting photographs of the cast, “American Graffiti” t-shirts and even small replica model cars from the movie itself.

Slightly bigger cars were around at the tent with Bo Hopkins himself and his classic 1951 Mercury. Pharaoh gang leader, “Joe,” was signing autographs and taking pictures with fans, but the car was off limits.

“I slept in the Merc last night,” Hopkins said with a laugh. “I love that woman.”

Such a classic car lover like himself, Hopkins told the Sparks Tribune he was pleased to come out, often coming out to Hot August Nights, if for nothing else, to enjoy the cars.

“Anytime I can get a chance to come up here, I do,” Hopkins said. “I like the people and the cars here.”

Crowd tension grew as Dreyfuss entered the tent, hugging former cast members, many of which he admitted he hasn’t seen in awhile.

“It’s one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Dreyfuss told the Sparks Tribune, with his signature sarcastic wit.

Although “American Graffiti” has become a classic film over the years, Dreyfuss admitted he was a little unsure during its filming filming.

“I didn’t believe in the film,” Dreyfuss said, when asked what made the movie still popular today. “But we have made a great movie though.”

Fans are encouraged to come down between 2 and 10 p.m. Saturday for the last chance to meet the cast and see some of the cars. “American Graffiti” paraphernalia is on sale at the tent, however only cash is accepted.