Lovesusti
The Worst Film Ever
AniInterview
Sorry, this movie sucks
Reptileenbu
Did you people see the same film I saw?
tavm
Oh, boy! This was quite an awful motorcycle gang flick I just watched on YouTube. It was also the second that featured a performance by the recently deceased Casey Kasem-of which The Glory Stompers was the first-and he was also a co-executive producer here with Mike Curb. They previously were associate producers on TGS. Casey played the pimp brother of Bruce Dern's Keeg-a cycle gang leader capable of great anger. It was a hoot seeing Kasem on the phone while entertaining some bikini-clad ladies at the pool! Unfortunately, that was his only appearance. The rest of the movie has sketch artist Chris Robinson being harassed by Dern and his gang until Robinson gets wounded and taken care of by Melody "Wrangler Jane" Patterson-who is one of Dern's female workers. The main thrust of the plot concerns Dern's attempts to make sure Robinson never draws pictures of them again-so he won't show them to the cops-by making sure his hands are crippled. But, really, there's just senseless brutality most of the time, or at the very least, some babbling dialogue about doing such. Oh, yes, there's also a couple of interesting female players playing types like Maray Ayres playing the tough woman who loves Dern despite his treatment of her and Karen Ciral as a big, brassy blonde who gets gang raped by the gang. (Dig the drilling noise that plays during that scene!) Ms. Patterson herself does have a nice nude scene whether posing for Chris or sleeping with him. Other than those scenes, I felt The Cycle Savages was a waste of time for me. Good thing Dern would go on to better things...
Scott LeBrun
Bruce Dern is at his psychotic best as Keeg, leader of a biker gang and a white slave trader to boot. He realizes that a newcomer to his neighbourhood, an artist named Romko (Chris Robinson) has been sketching them, and he doesn't like this, so he plans on doing some serious damage to the mans' hands. Meanwhile, Romko is falling in love with local gal Lea (Melody Patterson of 'F Troop' and the trash flick "Blood and Lace"), who feels much guilt about the part she plays in Keegs' schemes. The most interesting thing of all when it comes to "The Cycle Savages" is the fact that it was executive produced by record executive (and later lieutenant governor of California) Mike Curb and legendary D.J. Casey Kasem (who also plays a small role). The movie is written and directed by Bill Brame, and is rather crudely and awkwardly done in its fight scenes. It does have one extremely tasteless scene that kicks up the sleaze factor a notch and which will make it worth watching for trash film fans. The lovely Patterson does a nude scene, which is a nice bonus, but ultimately it's too tastefully done to really satisfy some viewers. Otherwise, it's fairly grim, gritty stuff, but does not stand apart from any other biker film of the era. It's mostly watchable because of Derns' marvellously scuzzy performance; Robinson is much too stiff, but Patterson is quite appealing, and there's more eye candy in the form of Karen Ciral as the naive Janie, who has to suffer some pretty awful treatment from Keeg and gang. Maray Ayres is good as pathetic biker mama Sandy, and veterans Scott Brady and Steve Brodie make uncredited appearances as vice detectives. You're not likely to remember this film for long after it's over, but it's passable enough stuff that kills 82 minutes fairly well. Even at 82 minutes, one can feel the padding on this thing, but all in all die hard fans of the Bikesploitation genre may get a kick out of it. Six out of 10.
internationaldave
I collect "cheap biker movies" and this qualifies. There is a lot to be said, but, most others out there covered it all. I thought I would throw in a few (of many) bloopers. When Romko's hands are in the vise, they are obviously loose (not being crunched). Check out how many times the cast accidentally bump the vise handle and spin it. If the vise was under tension, the handle would be tight. Another blooper was when a biker hops on his bike that is backed to the curb. Watch the exhaust pipes. Before he even "Kicks it over" there is a very obvious belching of smoke, indicating the bike was running at idle before he even got on it.(not to mention in need of valve guide work). Comical stuff. Thats why I love these cheap biker movies. Notice the sky high exhaust pipes on one bike? Cool. The leaders of most real outlaw biker clubs (not gangs) ride a Harley Sportster (for quicker handling and speed while being pursued by the law) not any English bike(s) like "Keeg" (what's a Keeg?) The purple Triumph of "Keeg" is cool, but not authentic. Outlaw clubs rode Harleys, not Limeys. It is just that cheap biker movies can't afford an all Harley cast, I guess. All in all, one great "Cheap Biker Movie". VERY racy for it's time. These movies were meant to terrify the viewers. Maybe at the time, but comical, now.
bootblk114
I think this movie will continue to be viewed and indeed will influence behavior of future bikers. So many of us were drawn into this scene because of these movies. This movie in particular has great shots of ratty motorcycles and the people who ride them. What more could a greasy biker ask for? Lee Marvin as Chino in The Wild Ones is a case in point. He rode a Harley and led the Beetles. Not much press on this, but bikers ate it up! Marlon was on various British iron, younger cousins to the Indians and Harleys and lesser known American mounts running the back roads of America back then. Keeg is a BAD mammajamma, but he has Harley oil running through his veins. Great portrayal by Bruce Dern. So many of us got started on two wheels just to express our displeasure with the crowd. Motorcycling is a solo act, outside the mainstream. Yeah, my doctor and my lawyer ride Harleys now, and I don't think they'd like this movie. It wasn't meant for them. It was to scare the mother of their children; it was to let their young sons know there is an avenue for them to express their fear and angst. Gitchyermotr runnin! Head out on the highway lookin for adventure, and whatever comes my way!' The future pimps of this country will continue to pay homage to the craft through the blaxsploitation flicks of the 60s and 70s. Old lure, slang, culture, etc is on display through these works of art. Long live the B movie!
