Bike Boys
Film critic Neil Norman introduces the original controversial 50s biker movie, together with a stylish homage from the 80s.
The Wild One starring
Marlon Brando Lee Marvin
The Black Rebels are a gang of 40 leather-jacketed motorcyclists who are a law unto themselves. When they terrorise the small town of Wrightsville, their leader Johnny becomes interested in the strong-minded girl working behind the bar.
Based on a real incident, this film helped create the Brando legend and was banned in this country for 16 years.
Screenplay by JOHN PAXTON based on a story by FRANK ROONEY Produced by STANLEY KRAMER Directed by LASLO BENEDEK (Blackandwhite) and at 11.35pm
The Loveless starring
Willem Dafoe Robert Gordon
1959: Vance, lone motorcyclist, joins a group of bikers at a small-town diner where they kill time by making repairs in preparation for the Florida Races. But the locals resent their presence and are quite prepared to resort to violence.
This stylish tribute to the era of The Wild
One was co-directed by Kathryn Bigelow , maker of the recent vampire movie Near Dark.
Produced by GRAFTON NUNES and A. KITMAN HO
Written and directed by KATHRYN BIGELOW and MONTY MONTGOMERY
(First showing on British television)
* IN THE PICTURE: page 42