Just seen The World's Fastest Indian

**Beemer** · 17th October 2005, 10:35

Originally Posted by MTrousers

And also how he was a genuinely nice guy by, among other things, calling a bloke named Tina Love. As mentioned, it also showed off the number 8 wire mentality perfectly.

Definitely one I'm buying. And the Kim Newcombe one as well.

That was a laugh - but in one scene, did you notice he called her Gina? Nice legs, but HUGE beefy arms!

I'd definitely watch it again, and I'd also like to see the Kim Newcombe one. I loved the "brakes? I want to go, not stop!" line!

**Bartman10** · 19th October 2005, 10:34

Just saw the movie last night. It was awesome!

Action packed, heaps on fun. Good laughs. Good stuff!

If you haven't seen it I suggest you have a look.

Thanks to Loopy for organising the special screening!

**kerryg** · 19th October 2005, 11:12

Saw it yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Anthony Hopkins was terrific, very credible in the role. Some very funny and touching little moments and details, and I thought Donaldson captured the spirit of the Kiwi-number-8-wire-mentality really well.

But I guess I would be being less than honest if I didn't say that I found some elements in it very trite and other things very implausible. Because I don't know the true Burt Munro story I can't be sure what was true and what was made up to give the movie more interest (so I stand to be corrected if I'm out of line) but here are a few things that jarred:

The bikies: what a mean nasty bunch (but surprisingly clean shaven, attractive and nicely attired) of jokers, making a special trip just to mock old Burt (and on his birthday too), knocking drinks out of people's hands (nobody seemed to react either...thought those guys on the deep south were a harder bunch).. and the same nasty guys give Burt beer money for his trip AND give him a motorcycle escort. WTF? Why the turnaround?

The race tyres and the safety gear: was that for real? He really cut the tread off old road tyres with a kitchen knife? And the Bonneville authorities REALLY let him run on those, and allowed him to wear just a woollen shirt and a pair of suit trousers tucked into his socks? If it's true it's bloody remarkable

The big black transvestite: please tell me that was made up!

The casual sexual encounters: REALLY?

And lots of other stuff. Burt getting all dewy-eyed all the time ( I thought he was a hard old bugger). The cops all came straight off CHIPS. What about that old Red Indian? Or the mean taxi driver? Or the hookers? All simple caricatures. I know the movie doesn't claim to be a detail-perfect biography, and that some creative latitude is only to be expected, and that's fine if you know what to expect, but for my money the Kim Newcombe film was a lot more satisfying.

**SlowHand** · 19th October 2005, 15:58

I watched it last night too, was smiling through the whole thing. I dont know the history either and dont think the movie portrayed him as well - I get the feeling he was a lot more of a charismatic/go easy kind of fella.

The accent I thought was all over the place, and those 'hard' biker gang made me cry -hahaha! man I love dropkicks. (seen a few around lately, tho not bikers)

**Slingshot** · 19th October 2005, 16:58

Must have been cheap night at the movies last night...I too saw it last night.

I though some of the quotes through the film were brilliant and I really enjoyed it, as far as to say it's one of the best films I seen in some time.
One of the quotes I liked the most was along the lines of "living more life in 5 minutes on the bike, than some people live in a life time".

It puts the efforts at the South Wairarapa Sprints recently to shame though, an 80odd year old bike pulling faster top speeds than brand new litre bikes

I know that you can't compare but it gets you thin

king.

**froggyfrenchman** · 19th October 2005, 17:06

It was the best bike movie i have ever seen. Beats the shit outa biker boys and torque

**R6_kid:Me** · 19th October 2005, 21:05

Originally Posted by kerryg

The race tyres and the safety gear: was that for real? He really cut the tread off old road tyres with a kitchen knife? And the Bonneville authorities REALLY let him run on those, and allowed him to wear just a woollen shirt and a pair of suit trousers tucked into his socks?

not sure on the socks/clothes thing but i spoke to person whos father used to hang out know burt, they tyres were rated to 35mph! And yes he did actually cut the tread off with a knife then sand them smooth (tristan does the sanding thing but it dont make him fast!) and fill in the cracks with shoe polish!

**Motu** · 19th October 2005, 21:09

Originally Posted by kerryg

The race tyres and the safety gear: was that for real? He really cut the tread off old road tyres with a kitchen knife? And the Bonneville authorities REALLY let him run on those, and allowed him to wear just a woollen shirt and a pair of suit trousers tucked into his socks? If it's true it's bloody remarkable

I can't find it anywhere,well only hard copy in one of my prized Motorcycle Sports Quarterlies - but there is a well known photo of a famous Bonneville rider who cut weight and wind resistance down to a minimum by just wearing some tight swimming togs and lying flat on the bike - stomach on the seat and legs straight out behind,head down looking at the ground.In those days America wasn't nowhere as restrictive as NZ is these days...we've all lost something along the way....

**Kickaha** · 19th October 2005, 21:16

Originally Posted by Motu

there is a well known photo of a famous Bonneville rider who cut weight and wind resistance down to a minimum by just wearing some tight swimming togs and lying flat on the bike - stomach on the seat and legs straight out behind,head down looking at the ground.

Rollie Free on a Vincent

http://www.myvincent.co.uk/rfree.php

**Mental Trousers** · 19th October 2005, 21:28

"Your names McFarlane eh. You must be related to the McFarlane back home, cos he's a prick too" ....... or something along those lines. Classic kiwi quote that one.

**Motu** · 19th October 2005, 21:56

Originally Posted by Kickaha

Rollie Free on a Vincent

http://www.myvincent.co.uk/rfree.php

Thank you!!

I knew the name and googled it,but got nothing sensible.So,Burt wasn't so bad after all eh.All the anal safetly gear types will freak when they see Rollie...I mean,he hasn't even got an open face...or a T shirt...but,but,but.I'm sure he's dead,he's gotta be dead ...right?

**SlowHand** · 20th October 2005, 09:25

my fav. part was when it started getting the wobbles - he stuck his head down lower and went harder - what giant sized dog balls!!
fav. quote - "one for me, one for the girl"

**TLDV8** · 20th October 2005, 10:13

Originally Posted by Motu

Thank you!!

I knew the name and googled it,but got nothing sensible.So,Burt wasn't so bad after all eh.All the anal safetly gear types will freak when they see Rollie...I mean,he hasn't even got an open face...or a T shirt...but,but,but.I'm sure he's dead,he's gotta be dead ...right?

It was a last resort to break 150mph since they were so close... and dead for 30 or so years.
>
http://www.thevincent.com/RussellWrightReunion-BH.html

http://www.thevincent.com/RussellWright.html