A 1968 erotic romantic drama film directed by Jack Cardiff, starring Alain Delon and Marianne Faithfull. It is based on the 1963 novel La Motocyclette by André Pieyre de Mandiargues. Released as Naked Under Leather, it was the first film to receive an X rating in the United States.
D’essence
She achieved popularity in the 1960s with the release of her hit single “As Tears Go By” and became one of the lead female artists during the British Invasion in the United States. Faithfull’s maternal great-great-uncle was Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, whose erotic novel, Venus in Furs, spawned the word “masochism”; also inspiring one of the best songs written by Lou Reed and John Cale for The Velvet Underground.
Famed racing legend Mary McGee who passed away a couple of weeks back at the age of 87 started her motorcycle racing career as a suggested sidetrack from her car racing shenanigans. In 1960, while she was racing a Porsche Spyder in Santa Barbara, California, the car’s owner, Czech race-car icon Vasek Polak, suggested to McGee’s husband that she should ride a motorcycle to improve her car-racing skills. When he told her, McGee responded with, “Okay. Why not?” She became the first woman to hold an roadcracing FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) licence. Friend Steve McQueen suggested she get into dirt bikes and attend SoCal desert races. She rode Husky’s well into her 70’s after moving to Nevada. Mary McGee nee Connor 1937-2024
We went to see this film tonight. Based on photography and recorded interviews from the late 60’s and early 70’s it follows a bike club in Chicago as they make their way through the Midwest on Harleys clad in oily leather jackets emblazoned with “Vandals”. Tom Hardy is leader, Austin Butler the too-cool-for-school member and Jodie Comer is marvelous at his wife. Two-Thumbs up!
Great film about a fictitious plan to kidnap Churchill during WW2. Donald Sutherland plays an IRA agent helping the Germans infiltrate a Norfolk village. Michael Caine is the Fallschirmjäger who parachutes in with his troops to undertake the mission. Jenny Agutter is Molly. A Royal Enfield Flying Flea is the motorcycle scooting around tge countryside. Sadly Donald passed away today aged 88.
Beautiful French singer François Hardy passed away yesterday. She was the epitome of gallic chic in music, film, and fashion. Regarded as an “égérie” ‘muse’ by the top French fashion designers of the time such as Chanel and YSL and later the upcoming women of fashion who rebelled against haute couture with the Yé Yé School. Well she looked good in leather with a moto nearby. François Hardy (1944-2024)
Long legged Triumph chopper lets a Seventies couple enjoy the fresh air of the open road. The S reg 245 Volvo estate in the garage dates this after ‘77. Good photo for the album!
Enough air? No nails embedded in the rubber tread? Make sure the wheels are running smoothly for the weekend lest the route takes on a bit more of a rugged track. These army couriers are certainly making sure!
Fotheringhaye is a small hamlet a few miles west of Peterborough. It is an unassuming spot that was pivotal in the history of England. It was the birthplace of Richard III (2 October 1452 – 22 August 1485) who was the last king of the three Century long Plantagenet dynasty. His defeat and death at the battle of Bosworth Field, the last decisive battle of the Wars of the Roses between the Lancastrian and York Houses marked the end of the Middle Ages in England. Thus commencing the House of Tudor and the creation of ‘modern’ England. Fotheringhaye Castle was also where Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded, another key moment in the formation of a nation.
This years biker gathering in the old meat packing district saw upper 80’s temperatures but a good crowd of folk out to listen to some rockabilly, look at some cool motorcycles and cars, drink some locally brewed ale, and chow of burgers. A good way to spend a summer Saturday afternoon in Chicago.
What a voice and charismatic presence the indefatigable Ms Turner had. Stretching from the 50’s into the 21st Century her impact in the music industry was colossal. She was also a motorcycle rider. A favorite bike being an Electra Glide HD. Though here is a younger gal with a sixties BSA.
Hardtail chopper using a pre-unit Triumph motor is photographed like a prized possession. Bikini clad model says its two-wheeled summer fun ahead. Weather is improving here in the Midwest and a Sunday ride is planned. Pina Colada anyone?
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