Electra Glide In Blue Reviews

this is not a comedy

Heading says it all. In know way is this a comedy. It is about a motorcycle cop who aspires to becoming a detective and is given the chance when a man is found dead/murdered by him and his parther. It's been a long time since I saw this film, but it was a well made, gritty, movie thriller as I recall and well worth a look if you like films like Fargo. But don't order this if you want a laugh!!!

[Highly rated reviewer]

One Film...One Dollar...

When an old man commits suicide in his run-down wooden shack, somewhere in a vast Arizona desert, Wintergreen - who has always dreamed of getting off his motorcycle and throwing away his speeding tickets to become a real cop - is convinced that it is murder. Impressed by this, and in agreement, a big-shot detective allows Wintergreen to chauffeur him while he investigates this crime. And Wintergreen will get to live his dream, for a while.

Electra-Glide In Blue is far from being as simple as this, though. It is the crushing story of a small man with big dreams that are destroyed in front of him, who then returns to the little he has, realising it is all there is. Depressing? Well...yes...but it has to be. This is not a Vietnam era, culture exploitation film, such as so many 70's flicks. It is a beautifully framed work of the human condition, acted superbly by Blake, and directed by James William Guercio, a man who has only this one movie to credit to his name, and was so dedictaed to achieving the look and unease of the film, he took only one dollar for his wage in order to afford the director of photography he wanted. Dedication to such a movie shows.

From its intreguing beginning to its crushing and surprising end, this is a film that has to be seen. And even if it bums you out, it'll stay with you a while. I guarantee it.

Five golden stars...

Great 70's Road Trip Film

This is a very good film from 1973 about an ex-Vietnam vet who becomes a cop and rides the Harley Davidson Motor Cycle the fim title comes from. He always tries to do the right thing and dreams of being a detective and then a murder provides the opportunity for him. It is a well shot cinematic film and has very good character building. Its almost the opposite of Easy Rider, another road film from the time, and has a very controversial ending. I never saw this until renting it in 2009 but its an extraordinary film and well worth watching.

Watched this earlier on tonight.

This was a great film, well acted and SO different to any biker movie made during the 70's. Dappled with Black humour but ultimately a serious movie with a fantastic ending which leaves you quite shaken, but very satisfied with what you have just watched. This was the only film made by this director which amazes me as he did such a good job, but I suppose managing a band appealed more to him. Any fan of biker movies, 70's cinema or of films which are beautifully shot with fantastic scenary should get a copy of this as you will NOT be dissapointed.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Must watch back-catalogue cult viewing

Look, if you're serious about movies, this is definitely one for the back-catalogue.

It captures the era well and even if a bit predictable in the finale, is worth a watch.

Don't sit too close to the screen if it's a large plasma - you'll feel the desert heat coming out!

I hadn't seen it for years and was glad of the opportunity. I won't watch it for another few years, but don't let that stop you grabbing a piece of cinematographic history.

A dated trip

Worth watching but very much a product of its time.

A proper cult movie

The acting ranges from histrionic to wooden. The characters are cliche-ridden and the plot is non-sensical. But Robert Blake is marvellous and the movie is all about the closing sequence and the cinematography. This definitely earns its place alongside Vanishing Point and Two Lane Blacktop, but like them it's a movie of its time and place.