585. THREE CHEERS FOR THE BIKE ON FILM: MARLON BRANDO IN THE WILD ONE

For this third in our trilogy of tributes to the bike on film, we take the meaning of “bike” as it applies to motorcycles in order to feature Marlon Brando and Lee Marvin in this wildly influential film produced in 1953 by Stanley Kramer and directed by László Benedek. Inspired by a short story and by an article in Life Magazine, it’s about Johnny Strabler, a character that Brando said was closest to himself. When Johnny enters a quiet California town as the leader of the Black Rebels Motorcycle Club, things heat up after Johnny’s rival, Chino (Lee Marvin), wheels into town with his own club, the Beetles (the club from which the Beatles took their name). Brando rode his own bike, a Triumph, throughout the film, which is best known for this immortal exchange:
Mildred: “Hey Johnny—what’re you rebelling against?”
Johnny: ”Whaddaya got?”

A lively discussion will follow the screening.

Details:
Three Cheers for the Bike on Film: Marlon Brando in The Wild One
Professor Peter Josyph
1 session: Thursday, August 27
12:30 – 3:00 pm* 
Fee: $50

*Please be aware that this is a time change due to the Museum’s requirement for access to certain galleries for docent-led tours. We do apologize for any inconvenience.