Review of The Wild One (1953) by Anthony S — 19 Dec 2008
The Wild One is about a motorcycle club (apparently "gang" wasn't used back in 1953) that rolls into a small town and upsets the locals with their over zealous behavior. The leader Johnny (Marlon Brando) falls for a local girl whose father also happens to be the local constable.
The Wild One is your basic 1950's exploitation film just with better actors. It's message: rebels without a cause can wind up in big trouble even if they don't mean it. The script is rather droll with Brando's Johnny jumping back and forth from should we stay or should we go.
Brando is the main reason to see this film. He radiates when he's on screen and buries his co-stars in the dust. Everyone except Lee Marvin, who does a great job as the drunken leader of a rival gang called The Beatles. Yes, the Beatles. Sadly, Marvin's was underused even though later press materials played him up as the chief antagonist to Brando's Johnny.
The Wild One is basically a film to watch if you A) enjoy 1950's shake their finger at you tales or B) a look at a great actor rising above the drivel he's been given.
This review of The Wild One (1953) was written by Anthony S on 19 Dec 2008.
The Wild One has generally received positive reviews.
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