Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

'The World's Fastest Indian'

Started by Vicuna , Oct 15 2005 08:53

Page 3 of 6
1
2
3
4
5

Please log in to reply

272 replies to this topic

#101 Ray Bell

Member

80,238 posts
Joined: December 99

Posted 30 July 2006 - 05:50

Originally posted by dretceterini
I thought transexuals were called he-las

I wouldn't want to have any 'luck' with them!

#102 cosworth bdg

Member

1,350 posts
Joined: December 04

Posted 30 July 2006 - 06:49

Originally posted by dretceterini
Have now watched it and still think it is the best racing movie ever made!

#103 Stephen W

Member

15,582 posts
Joined: December 04

Posted 31 July 2006 - 19:16

Spotted the DVD whilst on holiday in Devon last week so it will be on my shopping list later this month.

:wave:

#104 dretceterini

Member

2,991 posts
Joined: May 02

Posted 31 July 2006 - 22:01

Originally posted by cosworth bdg

I am also a big fan of the RACING scenes in the move "The Racers", but the plot and story line are rather silly. The same goes for the movies "Grand Prix" and "Le Mans".

#105 275 GTB-4

Member

8,274 posts
Joined: February 03

Posted 31 December 2006 - 09:25

Originally posted by dretceterini
I thought transexuals were called he-las

Nah...Shemales :cool:

#106 275 GTB-4

Member

8,274 posts
Joined: February 03

Posted 31 December 2006 - 09:30

A recuperating friend loaned me the DVD today....is McGuire listening ???

One of Burts helpers in the film at Bonneville had an "Iskenderian Poly Dyne Profile Cams" yellow Tee Shirt....anyone know what was so special about Isky Poly Dyne cams???

Great to see some of the old Bonneville hands proudly talking about their role in the making of the film :up:

#107 Stephen W

Member

15,582 posts
Joined: December 04

Posted 31 December 2006 - 09:56

Originally posted by Stephen W
Spotted the DVD whilst on holiday in Devon last week so it will be on my shopping list later this month.

Well I did buy the DVD, what a cracker! Super film and well worth the wait!

I just wonder why my local multiplex didn't run it? :confused:

#108 275 GTB-4

Member

8,274 posts
Joined: February 03

Posted 14 January 2007 - 12:18

In Australia the film is being sold on DVD in a two disk "collectors edition".

Includes the original documentary by Roger Donaldson made 20 years ago that was the inspiration for the film (Donaldson the Australian producer of the current film - born in Ballarat http://tribute.aol.ca/bio.asp?id=5231)....just fantastic.

Also includes a lengthy interview with Roger Donaldson by Paul Holmes, a Kiwi TV personality who makes and absolute goose of himself by asking the same questions 7 different ways...oh well.

A travelogue on Inver-caaar-gil

#109 JSF

Member

678 posts
Joined: June 05

Posted 14 January 2007 - 14:48

Originally posted by 275 GTB-4
A travelogue on Inver-caaar-gil

Spelt with one L to save Ink, so on here should be Inver-caaar-gill ;)

Great film that portrays the spirit of what motor racing is about for me.

#110 David Birchall

Member

3,291 posts
Joined: March 03

Posted 14 January 2007 - 17:02

I missed this thread (and the movie) the first time around but got to see it recently on DVD--I have to agree with all the enthusiastic response--even my wife was transfixed by it! I find it strange that I have never heard it mentioned in the press or on tv?

As an aside; while at Wilkinson's Automobilia, our local car book and model shrine, I heard a local bike racer giving his views on it. This guy was at Bonneville during some of the filming apparently and was also running his own bike, a supercharged 750 BSA I think. This guy said he has done 200mph on the salt and that the 'speed wobble' that Munro experienced is caused by the salt and that it was perfectly represented in the movie. He said the rider just had to relax and not hold the bars too tightly trying to fight the wobble.
I am surprised some of the members of this forum dislike it-perhaps their expectations were too high? It gets a 10 out of 10 from me :up:

#111 David Beard

Member

4,997 posts
Joined: July 02

Posted 14 January 2007 - 18:39

In my opinion, this is the most enjoyable film with a motor sport leaning ever made .....but of course the subject matter was amazing. I've watched it about three times, loaned it to a number of friends who agree with me, bought and devoured the Tim Hanna book, bought old mags with Burt content on Ebay. Burt has real hero status for me. I'm now looking for the George Begg book.

If the Tim Hanna book is to be believed, Munro was a mate of everyone who mattered on the salt flats...including the incredible Art Arfons. I'm ashamed to have got through so much of my life without having heard of him. It must be because DSJ never mentioned him, which is even more amazing. They would have been true soul mates, surely?

The really sad thing is that my dad died before seeing this film. He was a little bit like Burt in his shed. Not the same sort of craftsman, by a long chalk, but Burt was certainly my dad's sort of hero.

#112 David Birchall

Member

3,291 posts
Joined: March 03

Posted 14 January 2007 - 18:53

Originally posted by David Beard

The really sad thing is that my dad died before seeing this film. He was a little bit like Burt in his shed. Not the same sort of craftsman, by a long chalk, but Burt was certainly my dad's sort of hero.

Ditto

#113 Vicuna

Member

1,607 posts
Joined: March 02

Posted 14 January 2007 - 20:18

Originally posted by David Beard
I'm ashamed to have got through so much of my life without having heard of him. It must be because DSJ never mentioned him, which is even more amazing. They would have been true soul mates, surely?

David a lot of New Zealanders had never heard of him!

Agree with you on the soulmate with Jenks comment. I hadn't put that together before - you're a genius.

#114 D-Type

Member

9,704 posts
Joined: February 03

Posted 14 January 2007 - 22:24

I failed to cath it at the cinema but the family got me the DVD for Christmas. Excellent film which i will have to watch a few more times.

Now I've got to find where I put the "Making of ..." DVD that Richard gave me - I put it away in a safe place until I'd seen the film.

#115 cosworth bdg

Member

1,350 posts
Joined: December 04

Posted 15 January 2007 - 03:52

Originally posted by Keir
This is a very good movie ! It's what racing used to be about !!

Yes a good movie and brings back memories of a very different era..........

#116 Gerr

Member

696 posts
Joined: April 00

Posted 16 February 2007 - 01:45

Originally posted by 275 GTB-4
A recuperating friend loaned me the DVD today....is McGuire listening ???

One of Burts helpers in the film at Bonneville had an "Iskenderian Poly Dyne Profile Cams" yellow Tee Shirt....anyone know what was so special about Isky Poly Dyne cams???

Iskenderian "Polydyne" camshafts were the first ever to be designed with a computer, an IBM 704 (one of only 123, built).

From the Isky cataloge:

"The Polydyne Profile

In the mid 1950s, with the aid of an electronic computer, the "Polydyne" formula was employed by iskenderian engineers.This revolutionary camshaft profile combined the advantage of the polynomial equation with the dynamics of the valve train.In the operation of high speed, highly flexible systems, interior performance may be attributed to the difference between what the cam commands the valve to do and what the valve actually does. This erratic action is caused by elasticity, or by the varying degree of stiffness or rigidity of the valve train components.Therefore, the valves do not always follow the dictates of the cam profile under all conditions.

By applying the "Polydyne" formula, it was possible for the first time to design the ca shape to provide the desired valve action. This revolutionary system of cam design recognizes the fact that flexibility cannot be reduced or eliminated but, can be compensated for.

However, with the advances through the years in Cylinder Head porting and induction system design, the "Polydyne" Camshafts eventually reached their design limitation."

Very advanced tech for the mid 50s hot-rodder. Very special.

#117 275 GTB-4

Member

8,274 posts
Joined: February 03

Posted 16 February 2007 - 05:07

Thanks Gerr....wow!!

#118 Paul Rochdale

Member

1,281 posts
Joined: September 04

Posted 16 February 2007 - 10:44

"I just wonder why my local multiplex didn't run it?"

I'm tempted to say that this is because it wasn't an awfully good movie, but then they play plenty of other rubbish, so that's not the answer. I could say that the film only appealed to 'anoracs' but that would be insulting to members of this message board. Nevertheless when people describe the movie as "great", "superb" and "fantastic", I can't help but feel that their love for motorsport has clouded their judgement of it. I really, really wanted the movie to succeed and be good but it just fell short. At the end of it, the four lonely souls in the cinema got to our feet in silence and walked out through the foyer, and how many eager punters were waiting for the next performance? Zilch.

I personally know no one else who saw the film and it's already become yesterday's news

#119 cosworth bdg

Member

1,350 posts
Joined: December 04

Posted 17 February 2007 - 05:05

Originally posted by Catalina Park
Just a little note, did you know that Bert Munro raced in Australia (Penrith and others)

No, please tell us more, it was a good movie. I have it on DVD and have viewed it several times............

#120 David Birchall

Member

3,291 posts
Joined: March 03

Posted 17 February 2007 - 16:13

Originally posted by Paul Rochdale
"I just wonder why my local multiplex didn't run it?"

I personally know no one else who saw the film and it's already become yesterday's news

I polled my car enthusiast friends and with one exception they all raved about this film. The one exception has never shown any interest in racing. Since my wife, a former ballet dancer, was very impressed as well I would suggest it has wide appeal but was promoted poorly.

#121 Paul Rochdale

Member

1,281 posts
Joined: September 04

Posted 17 February 2007 - 17:28

Poorly promoted? You're right there David. Other than motorsport enthusiasts, I know no one who went to see it. I was surprised as with such a good leading actor, I thought the film would have been reviewed in the papers and on TV. Very odd that.

#122 ghinzani

Member

2,027 posts
Joined: October 01

Posted 22 February 2007 - 16:54

Originally posted by Stephen W
Spotted the DVD whilst on holiday in Devon last week so it will be on my shopping list later this month.

DVD? Super 8 surely, or maybe Betamax at a push....

ps just got it delivered on DVD and myself and the wife are currently halfway through but have had to stop because theres a carpet salesman coming. It must be a good film, she cant wait to get back to it!

#123 ghinzani

Member

2,027 posts
Joined: October 01

Posted 22 February 2007 - 18:53

Superb, I know a few people who will want to be lent that as it just typifies the racing ethic.

#124 simonlewisbooks

Member

2,118 posts
Joined: January 02

Posted 23 February 2007 - 11:15

I thought it was a great film, very warm, funny and enjoyable. The sort you can enjoy rewatching without it being spoiled by the fact you know what the ending is!
Quite a change from the unrelenting bleak misery that so often passes for 'drama' these days and also featuring some beautifully shot scenes and great use of landscape.
The original documentory which came out on the magazine freebie DVD is superb. Old Bert seemed like even more of a character in real life than portrayed in the film!
Shame on the studios for seling this movie so short. It deserved much better promotion than it recieved.

#125 taylov

Member

624 posts
Joined: February 05

Posted 24 February 2007 - 10:10

There's a great write-up on the true story of Burt Munro at Bonneville '62 in the November 1962 issue of "Hot Rod" Magazine and a picture of Burt with his Indian along with Danny Eames of Autolite (spark plugs).

Burt's first trip to Bonneville captured a 162.149 mph class record and the racers' collection for him which features in the film netted over $300 - a considerable sum of money in 1962.

I read on the landracing.com website that a recent change in the motorcycle classes at Bonneville means than one of Burt's old records will now stand forever.

#126 Limits

Member

3,480 posts
Joined: December 06

Posted 24 February 2007 - 11:02

Originally posted by Ivan
http://www.indianmot...munro/munro.htm
Saw it today, that was a very good movie

Good read

Some of it could have been in the movie I think. It was too easy to get the impression that he was just a garage freak that had no actual skill or history in actually riding a motorcycle. The scenes involving him driving sure did it's best to hide the fact that he knew what he was doing.

But overall, a great film I think. About what seem to have been a great man.

#127 Patrick Fletcher

Member

775 posts
Joined: February 04

Posted 24 February 2007 - 11:11

Originally posted by taylov

Burt's first trip to Bonneville captured a 162.149 mph class record and the racers' collection for him which features in the film netted over $300 - a considerable sum of money in 1962.

I read on the landracing.com website that a recent change in the motorcycle classes at Bonneville means than one of Burt's old records will now stand forever.

The US$300 would have netted Burt around NZ150 pound in 1962 - not a huge amount of money - maybe 8 weeks wage for a tradesman in 1962.
However great news that one of Burt's old records will stand forever.

At the Victorian State Historic Titles at Road Broadford today some of the riders said they want to travel over the Tasman and take part in the 2007 Burt Munro Memorial Event in New Zealand.

#128 taylov

Member

624 posts
Joined: February 05

Posted 24 February 2007 - 15:28

Just spotted that Don Francisco's report of the 1962 Bonneville event in "Hot Rod" (November 1962) states -

" ...Things that happened to him (Burt Munro) between New Zealand and Bonnevile would make a script for a movie" !!!!!!

It only took 40-odd years.

#129 Martin Roessler

Member

351 posts
Joined: November 02

Posted 04 July 2007 - 14:45

Just got the dvd today,actually a 2 dvd set which is worth buying!!!
On the second dvd is a 1971 documentary called "Offerings to the god of speed" from Roger Donaldson about Burt Munro.
I watched that before the movie to get an idea of the character....he sure was a character!!!
Absolutely great movie....even got watery eyes when they all got him the money at Bonneville (shut up Marty :cry:

)
Great movie!
cheers Marty

#130 Sisyphus

Member

242 posts
Joined: May 07

Posted 05 July 2007 - 00:24

Originally posted by Gerr

Iskenderian "Polydyne" camshafts were the first ever to be designed with a computer, an IBM 704 (one of only 123, built).

Ed Iskenderian is still around--I believe he is about 90. His sons run the business. I had the great pleasure last year to attend an SAE tour of his shop in Gardena, CA. Ed himself held court and spent several hours telling tales and swapping stories. A great guy!

We toured his shop and it is definitely old school--none of this "minimize the inventory stuff". If you need a left hand camshaft for your 57 Gogelmobile chances are he has a blank in inventory somewhere.

Some of the cam grinding machinery looks quite old but has been retrofitted with CNC controls or otherwise to be able to produce precise parts. Very impressive.

And I second all the positive comments on the Burt Munro movie and documentary--both were fantastic! I loved that shot when Burt was in his garage fiddling with that red hot piston in the old vice with the vice grips and his fingers--great stuff!

#131 Nanni Dietrich

Member

1,433 posts
Joined: February 04

Posted 13 July 2007 - 07:40

I have watched this movie just yesterday.

I voluntary missed this thread and now I've read all your postings.

It is very enjoyable and inspiring movie, but... I'm with Paul Rochdale: something left me unsatisfied.
Good images, great character, good good A.Hopkins as usual, but... I've seen too much "telefilm-stuff" (don't know if I'm able to explain in English, sorry).

For example I totally disagree the last speed attempt scene:
- ... five miles... 164 mp/h...
- ... six miles... 172 mp/h...
- ... seven miles... 186 mp/h...
...
- ... nine miles... 201 mp/h
:clap:

HAPPY END HAPPY END

naaaah

Too much "telefilm-stuff" in my opinion. Perhaps real life is more and more hard.

#132 Jack-the-Lad

Member

2,466 posts
Joined: March 03

Posted 20 January 2008 - 03:36

Just saw it. Wonderful movie. Hopkins was excellent.

Jack.

#133 David Birchall

Member

3,291 posts
Joined: March 03

Posted 20 January 2008 - 05:06

The funny thing is, in the last few months I have talked with a couple of guys here in Vancouver who go to the Salt Flats every year with streamliner motorcycles. They both said how impressed they are with the movie and how realistic it is: The shimmy that Munro (Hopkins) experienced is there for all high speed motorcycles -on the salt-apparently the only solution is for the rider to relax his grip on the bars and ride through it!

I really enjoyed the movie and so did my wife-who knows and cares nothing about motorcycles....

#134 Andrew Kitson

Member

2,535 posts
Joined: July 03

Posted 20 January 2008 - 07:37

A tremendous movie, very moving and also very amusing in places. I can see a lot of my late Dad in Burt's character...besides living in his workshop/shed, his solution to cutting the tall grass is so familiar!

My other half insists on taking the 'Mail on Sunday' for some reason. Each week in their TV magazine they have these top ten lists..last week was 'The top-ten motorcycle movies you must own'. I couldn't believe this wonderful film didn't even make it.

#135 GD66

Member

2,237 posts
Joined: December 07

Posted 20 January 2008 - 07:54

Really ? What made it onto the list, then ? Little Fauss and Big Halsy ? :smoking:

#136 Andrew Kitson

Member

2,535 posts
Joined: July 03

Posted 20 January 2008 - 08:29

Originally posted by GD66
Really ? What made it onto the list, then ? Little Fauss and Big Halsy ?

Here is the 'Mail on Sunday' list:

1. The Wild One (1953)
2. The Great Escape (1963)
3. Quadraphenia (1979)
4. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
5. Mad Max (1979)
6. Girl on a Motorcycle (1968)
7. Easy Rider (1969)
8. Wild Hogs (2007)
9. The Wild Angels (1966)
10. Ghost Rider (2007)

The guy who compiled this (Struan Robertson) has obviously not seen this Hopkins film.

#137 sterling49

Member

10,917 posts
Joined: September 06

Posted 20 January 2008 - 08:50

hmmmn, I used to do the same rallies as Struan all those years ago.... I have the film, but yet to watch it :

#138 ex Rhodie racer

Member

3,002 posts
Joined: February 07

Posted 20 January 2008 - 09:38

Originally posted by Andrew Kitson

Here is the 'Mail on Sunday' list:

1. The Wild One (1953)
2. The Great Escape (1963)
3. Quadraphenia (1979)
4. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
5. Mad Max (1979)
6. Girl on a Motorcycle (1968)
7. Easy Rider (1969)
8. Wild Hogs (2007)
9. The Wild Angels (1966)
10. Ghost Rider (2007)

The guy who compiled this (Struan Robertson) has obviously not seen this Hopkins film.

Those are hardly "motorcycle movies", but rather, movies that featured motorcycles. A subtle difference.
A typical example of a motorcycle movie, IMO, would be, On any Sunday.

#139 sterling49

Member

10,917 posts
Joined: September 06

Posted 20 January 2008 - 18:27

Just watched the film, a great way to spend a cold sniffling (headcold or maybe even manflu :eek:

)afternoon.
I really enjoyed it, might just dig out "Long Way Round" now or maybe even Le Mans, fact is, these discs are cheap as chips now, great for the library :up:

#140 carbonfibre

Member

6,787 posts
Joined: February 05

Posted 20 January 2008 - 19:16

Saw it a while ago on a pay channel i have for movies and yes a very very nice movie. Great acting from Hopkins. I would also recommend it.

#141 Stephen W

Member

15,582 posts
Joined: December 04

Posted 21 January 2008 - 09:48

Originally posted by carbonfibre
Saw it a while ago on a pay channel i have for movies and yes a very very nice movie. Great acting from Hopkins. I would also recommend it.

One of the few motorcycle films that can be enjoyed by people who do not have an affinity for the stinking beasties!

:wave:

#142 Fr@nk

Member

158 posts
Joined: August 04

Posted 21 January 2008 - 14:11

I've seen the film last week on a DVD.
I enjoyed it very much, a beautiful story and a great Hopkins.
Thank you, I knew about it in this forum, it's also useful for my family!!!

#143 Doug Nye

Member

11,534 posts
Joined: February 02

Posted 05 October 2008 - 19:45

Like Frank, Just now - wet Sunday - got around to seeing this much-recommended piece on DVD. What a lovely, engaging, hugely enjoyable movie. Not entirely an age thing I hope...? Hopkins just superb - but writer, director and especially editor no slouch either.

DCN

#144 bradbury west

Member

6,096 posts
Joined: June 02

Posted 05 October 2008 - 23:00

At this year's Revival

Roger Lund

#145 simonlewisbooks

Member

2,118 posts
Joined: January 02

Posted 06 October 2008 - 11:02

Isn't that a superb looking machine... :smoking:

#146 timbo

Member

535 posts
Joined: December 07

Posted 07 October 2008 - 06:22

Originally posted by Andrew Kitson

Here is the 'Mail on Sunday' list:

1. The Wild One (1953)
2. The Great Escape (1963)
3. Quadraphenia (1979)
4. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
5. Mad Max (1979)
6. Girl on a Motorcycle (1968)
7. Easy Rider (1969)
8. Wild Hogs (2007)
9. The Wild Angels (1966)
10. Ghost Rider (2007)

The guy who compiled this (Struan Robertson) has obviously not seen this Hopkins film.

What, no mention of Silver Dream Racer starring (?) David Essex?

#147 simonlewisbooks

Member

2,118 posts
Joined: January 02

Posted 07 October 2008 - 08:58

The Hopkins film easily rises above every other film on the list in more or less every way. Andrew's right, the reviewer obviously hadn't seen it.

Having read THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES (but not seen the film) I must confess I thought the title somewhat of a misnomer. The Norton used by Che Guevara & his mate dies of over-work about a third of the way into the story and the rest of their trip through South America is a series of lifts taken on the back of various trucks and the odd bus and train ride. The Motorcycle content is fairly minor.