The Wild One
A motorcycle gang's disruptive visit to a quiet town turns tense when its leader becomes drawn to the sheriff's daughter and a rival club arrives.
Where to watch online
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About the film
Hot feelings hit terrifying heights in a story that really boils over!
What it’s about
The Black Rebels Motorcycle Club crashes a legal race, and one member steals the second-place trophy for leader Johnny Strabler. Johnny leads the gang into Wrightsville, where they crowd into the bar owned by Sheriff Harry Bleeker. The sheriff is overwhelmed and does nothing while the bikers drink heavily and intimidate the townspeople. Johnny notices Kathie, the sheriff's daughter, and follows her into the bar. He offers her the stolen trophy, but she refuses it. Tension rises when a second gang, led by Chino, roars into town.
What hooks you
Marlon Brando plays Johnny Strabler, and his preparation included spending time with real bikers and choosing his own wardrobe. The film is based on the 1947 Hollister motorcycle rally, where biker gangs caused disturbances. Lee Marvin, who plays Chino, was reportedly drunk during some scenes, and his rivalry with Brando extended off-screen. A line from a real biker—"Well, what ya got"—was incorporated into the script.
Who it’s for
It is a good pick for those who like stories of youthful rebellion and small-town friction, with a brooding outsider at the center. It will suit viewers drawn to the origins of biker culture on screen.
- Country
- United States
- Year
- 1953
- Running time
- 1h 19min
- Age rating
- NR+
- MPAA
- NR
- World premiere
- Dec 25, 1953
Ratings
MOVIE․ONE · 554 votesCreative team
All 10
Trivia
- The Triumph motorcycle ridden by Marlon Brando is actually his own.
- The film is based on the events in the town of Hollister in 1947, when several biker gangs rioted during the annual motorcycle rally.
- The American rock band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is named after the motorcycle club from the film.
- Stanley Kramer (1913-2001) hired real bikers. When one of them was asked what exactly they were rebelling against, he replied: "Well, what ya got" — and this slang expression was added to the script.
- Lee Marvin (1924-1987) was actually drunk during the filming of some scenes, and his on-screen rivalry with Marlon Brando (1924-2004) extended beyond the set as well.
- While preparing for the shoot, Marlon Brando became interested in motorcycles and the corresponding lifestyle again; he diligently practiced his motorcycle riding skills and picked out his wardrobe himself. In addition, the actor spent a considerable amount of time in the company of real bikers, observing how they behaved and talked.
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The Wild One
1953
The Wild One
1953
The Wild One
1953