James Dean only starred in a handful of films, but what movies he did have remained powerful examples in the media. This Triumph Thunderbird advert puts a twist on one such title with the promotion of uncompromising motors. “You’re tearing me apart!”
Cheyenne- he was a big dude with mellow baritone voice and perfectly cast as Cheyenne Bodie for 8 seasons back in the late fifties. Clint Walker, who passed away a couple of days ago at the sturdy age of 90. enjoyed riding, either equine or moto. Here he makes his BSA B40 single look like a pony on the trail. That’s Andra Martin who portrayed an Arapaho captive in another Clint Walker movie Yellowstone Kelly, about an Indian tracker.
Boon – gravel voiced and surly: that was the typical characters portrayed by Michael Elphick. As retired fireman in this particular role he rode around on a ’68 BSA Lightning in a Lone Ranger like fashion carrying out courier work as well as private eye shenanigans.
Dad’s Army – classic BBC comedy from the seventies. Currently being repeated on Netflix; well written, and superbly acted. Captain Mainwaring and his second in command Sergeant Wilson in charge of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard which includes Lance Corporal Jones, Privates Frazer, Walker, Godfrey and Pike…
Hilts – March 24th . Today would have been Steve McQueen’s 88th Birthday. The Great Escape is my favorite film.
Wonder Woman – Friday’s Femme Moto is Gal Gadot who is the current Amazonian Princess superhero from DC Comics. She looks the part by her black Ducati.
Shooting Stars – Funnyman Vic Reeves recently told the story of racing legend and hero Barry Sheene’s life of speed and triumph on a BBC documentary. As Jim Moir, his real name, he gets to ride the early mount, a 125cc Suzuki, which our Baz cut his teeth on around the GP circuits of the early seventies. The other machine on show is the world beating XR14 it’s red, yellow, black and white livery the very thing of boyhood dreams. The screaming demonic 500cc Suzuki was the ideal foil to Kenny Roberts Yamaha.
We have all the time in the World – Double Oh Seven actor George Lazenby only played James Bond once; however feeling that the Cold War misogynistic spy was a dated character he didn’t sign on for further adventures. He took the role to heart however enjoying a sixties lifestyle knowing he was the coolest fellow in a tux toting a Walther PPK. The superbike of the day was the Trident/Rocket 3 from the Triumph/BSA stable. He got hold of one to commute to Pinewood Studios when filming began.
Stormin’ Norman – here’s Walking Dead’s Daryl looking proud astride a beautiful black Triumph Tiger. No crossbow but the wax Belstaff jacket may keep the zombies at bay.
The Driver – today is primo stunt driver Bill Hickman’s Birthday. Born in 1921 he is most known as the assassins getaway driver in Bullitt. Driving a ’68 Dodge Charger 440 Magnum R/T through the streets of San Francisco whilst being chased by Steve McQueen in his Highland Green ’68 Ford Mustang 390 GT . Here is Bill keeping an eye in the rearview mirror for Frank Bullitt. Considered one of the greatest car chases in moviedom it could never be achieved in this day and age as modern action scenes are created with unreal CGI tomfoolery. The second greatest chase is in William Friedkin’s 1971 The French Connection which was also helmed by Hickman.
Hickman was friend and driving master to James Dean. Being was first on the scene to Deans fateful crash in his 550 Spyder, and sadly the one who was at his side when he died.
Undercover Hero – “Soft Beds, Hard Battles” a little known Peter Sellers movie from 1974. He takes on several roles, including a very convincing Hitler, but the main character is Major Robinson who, due to his BSA M20 WD breaking down, ends up as an an Intelligence officer in a Paris brothel. Thank Zarquon for his last film “Being There”.
Murder is Easy – Agatha Christie jape with multi-talented actor Benedict Cumberbatch as the lead detective in a 2008 television adaptation. Originally published in 1939 it was the successful mystery writers first step away from Hercule Poirot, though this TV show rolled in Miss Marple as the main protagonist with Benedict’s character Luke Fitzwilliam as a younger less-experienced ‘sidekick’. More to the point: what’s ‘e ridin’? Well a marvelous 1950 or 51 Triumph Speed Twin in glorious amaranth red. When are Triumph bringing that color back? It would look smashing on their new Bobber.
The blue car, tell us about the blue car! Well, that’s in the story too, the love interest, Bridget Conway, drives a powder blue 1960 MGA open top roadster.
Leather driving gloves, silk scarves and cases lashed to the parcel rack… how very English!
On Any Sunday (1971) by Bruce Brown, who passed away yesterday at the age of 80, is considered the very best documentary that covers motorcycle racing action in Dirt Track, Road Race, Moto Cross, Hill Climbs, Bonneville Salt Flats World speed records and more. The movie stars Steve McQueen (who also backed its production), Malcolm Smith, Mert Lawill and Gene Romero. At nearly 50 years old, it still remains as a “MUST SEE” required viewing if you have anything to do with motorcycling.
Alien – on the return flight home over the Atlantic I watched the latest film in Ridley Scott’s space epic where: “no one can hear you scream.” A small but pivotal character Sir Peter Weyland who funds the Prometheus expedition to the Engineers system. Played by the quietly talented Guy Pearce he is the creator of Android David a critical character that proves to be a key player in the entire Alien series. Here’s a motorcycle sitting portrait of the British born antipodean on a classic Matchless. Photo by Robert Ascroft
¡Ay Caramba! – The voice of Bart Simpson is 60 today. Nancy Cartwright vocalizes this cheeky misbehaving brat.
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