A landmark film of 1950’s rebellion, The Wild One was loosely based on an incident that occurred over the Fourth of July weekend in 1947 in Hollister, California, (publicized in an issue of Harper’s Magazine in a January 1951 article titled “The Cyclists’ Raid” by Frank Rooney) when roughly 4,000 motorcyclists and other assorted types roared into the town, and over a two day period, ransacked it. Produced by Stanley Kramer—a man who made a career out of bringing attention to topical social issues—and directed by László Benedek, The Wild One was the first film to examine motorcycle gang violence in America.
Dated, and decidedly tame by today’s standards, things get rolling as a group of forty leather-jacketed motorcyclists roar down a lonely country road straight at the camera. The bikers, who call themselves the Black Rebels, are led by the swaggering Johnny Strabler (Marlon Brando). They invade a motorcycle race and attempt to join the competition, but they are thrown out by the organizers and cops. Before leaving, a gang member manages to snatch the second place trophy (the first place trophy was two feet tall) and presents it to Johnny.
The bikers move on to Wrightsville, a town with only one older conciliatory lawman, Chief Harry Bleeker (Robert Keith) charged with maintain order. Though the townspeople are nervous about having the bikers around, they’re willing to put up with them. When their antics cause an elderly resident to swerve and crash his car, the resident wants something done, but Harry is reluctant to take action. These bikers realize their dealing with a weak man and take full advantage of it, getting louder and increasing their rowdy activity. Things only get worse when Chino (Lee Marvin), a former member of the Black Rebels shows up with his own gang, looking to stir things up.
While Johnny’s minions amuse themselves by causing trouble, Johnny finds himself falling for a pretty, young girl named Kathie (Mary Murphy), whose father happens to be the daughter of Chief Bleeker. Both are forced to deal with feelings they’ve never experienced in the face of increasing pressure and distrust in the town.
While many of the characterizations in The Wild Ones are laughable today, there’s no denying Marlon Brando’s charisma. This Blu-ray is worth buying just to see the young actor at work. It’s easy to see why he became the poster boy for youth rebellion in the 1950’s. Here, Brando laid the groundwork for generations of moody antiheroes that would follow.
Presented in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio, Mill Creek Entertainment has delivered a solid 1080p transfer. The image has a fine level of grain throughout, and contrast is proficient. While black levels aren’t what you would call inky, they are more than acceptable. The transfer offers some depth, and a nice thickness to the overall presentation.
The English 2.0 DTS-HD audio track is clean, if nothing special. The dialogue is perfectly clearly, but the countless motorcycle engines aren’t given much heft with this particular arrangement.
English subtitles are included.
There are no extras available.
