Archive for ‘Film and TV’

April 17, 2023

Breathe Easy

Fresh Air

Is one of the benefits of riding motorcycles. This TV commercial was for an asthma medication Fasenra, utilizing an old Triumph 750 being uncovered in a garage and ridden out along a sunny road.

March 12, 2023

Cut from a Different Cloth

Ooh, you are awful, but I like you.

Such was the catch phrase of comedian Dick Emery, whose ribald humor was very much of its day. He was also an avid motorcyclist riding big powerful machines such as this Kawasaki, BMW R90’s and Honda 750’s.

February 17, 2023

Cannes

Sidesaddle Elegance

Another photo of the gorgeous Ms Welch being taken care of by local motorcycle gendarmerie at the ‘66 Cannes film festival.

February 10, 2023

Hope Springs Eternal

Bob’s yer uncle

USO favorite Bob Hope looking smart on this well-travelled BSA with a lady friend- approximately 1950 so he’s well into the series of Road to… films with co-star Bing Crosby. Signs on the bike refer to riding 101 through the Redwood forested Mendocino County.

February 6, 2023

Go Pro

Outside Broadcasting

A BBC cameraman haring around a muddy scramble wearing the tech equipment of its day to capture the riders view of a race. BSA acting as dolly, I’m sure the transmission paraphernalia isn’t too lightweight either being strapped to his back mounted on some scaffolding.

February 5, 2023

Nos Vulpes vulpes

Vos Canis lupis

Mr. Fox on a motorcycle with Ash, Kris, and Kylie speaking to a wolf off on a distant ridge.

Mr. Fox: Where did you come from? What are you doing here? [to the others] I don’t think he speaks English or Latin. [to the wolf] Pensez-vous que l’hiver sera rude? [to the others] I’m asking if he thinks we’re in for a hard winter. [to the wolf] I have a phobia of wolves.

Through all this, the wolf has not responded.

Mr. Fox: What a beautiful creature. [to the others] Wish him luck boys.

Mr Fox raises his paw. The wolf mirrors the gesture in solidarity.

January 3, 2023

Thunderbird are Go!

Tracy Island Special

When a disaster occurs it’s time to call in International Rescue. I’d expect Aloysius Parker, Lady Penelope’s chauffeur, to turn up on it. “Yes M’lady”

December 31, 2022

Full of Woe

Addams Family Combination

Currently showing on Netflix is Wednesday. A version of the creepy family from the perspective of the teenage daughter in the titular role. Jenna Ortega plays the role in perfect razor sharp somber mood. Uncle Fester has an appearance too. Here Fester and Wednesday hare around on a BMW rig – Fred Armisen as the bald relative.

December 26, 2022

Whodunnit

Glass Onion

The latest “Knives out” offering from Rian Johnson sees Daniel Craig as the southern gentleman master detective Benoit Blanc. A quick motorcycle cameo has Dave Bautista arriving to the dock on a Triumph Rocket. The bike is suitably scaled for the big framed Mr Bautista.

December 7, 2022

Bond Girl Survey

One, two, three

It’s tough but I gotta do it:

1. Diana Rigg (Tracy Bond) OHMSS

2. Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore) Goldfinger

3. Lucian’s Paluzzi (Fiona Volpe) Thunderball

October 4, 2022

Killing Eve

Chic Assassin

Jodie Comer is the multilingual killer Villanelle. A Hit Woman ready to take on any job. A few scenes have seen her on two wheels; here in Tuscany with a Moto Guzzi. Her outfit : a custom Chloé blouse dyed a minty blue, Paige denim shorts, and Doc Martens (so she can scale walls easily)

July 11, 2022

Robbie Baby

Big Red

This evening’s Dick Van Dyke show was the episode when Rob Petrie brings home a motorcycle. Laura isn’t too happy; but he puts on the leather jacket given to him from Buddy and Sally and heads out onto the road. Sixties sitcom hilarity ensues.

Hardly Davidson

The bike used was a 50cc step through cycle based on many a European scooter of the day.

July 7, 2022

Rollerball

Johnathon E

– long sighted movie from 1975 starring the recently deceased James Caan (1940-2022). Ultraviolet corporate sport is the global entertainment and the individual personality is quashed. Inspired stories in my childhood comic 2000ad.

February 23, 2022

Olive Rudge

Arthur’s other ‘alf

– actress Anna Karen, known for her role in late 60’s sitcom On The Buses, passed away aged 85. Thick glasses, unattractive wig and extra padding gave her a dowdy look in her frustrated marriage to Arthur.

January 12, 2022

Flying Squad

The Sweeney

– the lineup on BritBox includes gritty seventies show starring John Thaw and Dennis Waterman as Regan and Carter; a pair of serious crime detectives. First episode screenshot of a pair of police motorcycles accompanying a prisoner transfer van. “You’re Nicked!”