In the 1950s, Marlon Brando became a cultural icon thanks to the character of Johnny Strabler, the protagonist of the film The wild onedirected by László Benedek and released in cinemas in 1953. The original title is The Wild One.
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A few hours ago, The wild one It has arrived in streaming on RaiPlay, the online platform of public TV, so it is available for viewing for free (or, to be precise, at the price of the license fee). A quiet town – this is the plot – experiences moments of tension with the arrival of a gang of young bikers led by Johnny. The situation worsens when the leader of another gang of bikers decides to clash.
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The cast includes Marlon Brando, Mary Murphy, Lee Marvin, Robert Keith, Jay C. Flippen, among others. The Wild One It is considered the first in a series of films about outlaw bikers and the first to examine the violence of American motorcycle gangs. The film’s screenplay is based on Frank Rooney’s short story Cyclists’ Raid, published in January 1951 in Harper’s Magazine and anthologized in The Best American Short Stories 1952.
The story is in turn based on the events in Hollister, when a 1947 motorcycle rally led to overcrowding, heavy drinking and street brawls, incidents accentuated by sensational media coverage.
As for RaiPlay, it can be viewed from your computer, tablet, smartphone, smart TV and other external streaming devices (e.g. Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, SkyQ decoder, Sony PlayStation 4 and Sony PlayStation 5 gaming consoles, Set top Box decoders). Remember, however, that to have free access to the on-demand catalogue, you will still need to register.
The unmissable, for the man of style
I watch movies and play video games, and at a certain point in my life I also started writing about them. I am fascinated by the remote corners of the internet, the graphics of the first 3D video games and the images that fall under the not at all defined umbrella of the term aesthetic, for which I carry out a compulsive cataloging activity that has as its point of arrival some Instagram profiles. The TV series with the best aesthetics (and the best one overall) is still X-Files, which I have never ended up not conceiving the thought “there are no other episodes of X-Files to watch for the rest of my life”. Same thing with Evangelion (the manga).
What themes are explored in the film “The Wild One”?
Table of Contents
The Wild One: The Iconic 1953 Biker Flick Starring Marlon Brando
The 1950s was a pivotal decade for American cinema, and one film that left an indelible mark on the industry was The Wild One, directed by László Benedek and released in 1953. Starring the incomparable Marlon Brando as Johnny Strabler, the leader of a gang of young bikers, this classic film is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the world of outlaw motorcyclists.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The Wild One was more than just a movie – it was a cultural phenomenon that captured the spirit of rebellion and nonconformity that defined the post-war era. Brando’s iconic performance as Johnny Strabler, the brooding and enigmatic leader of the Black Rebels Motorcycle Club, cemented his status as a cultural icon. His portrayal of the rugged, free-spirited biker has been emulated and admired by generations of moviegoers.
The Plot
The film’s plot revolves around a quiet town that is disrupted by the arrival of a gang of young bikers led by Johnny. The situation escalates when the leader of another gang decides to clash, leading to a series of intense confrontations. The Wild One is a gripping drama that explores themes of violence, rebellion, and the struggle for identity.
Influence on Biker Culture
The Wild One is widely regarded as the first film to explore the world of outlaw motorcyclists, paving the way for a series of biker flicks in the 1960s and 1970s. The film’s influence on biker culture cannot be overstated, with many motorcycle enthusiasts drawing inspiration from Brando’s iconic character.
Based on Real-Life Events
The screenplay of The Wild One was inspired by Frank Rooney’s short story “Cyclists’ Raid,” which was published in Harper’s Magazine in 1951. The story was based on real-life events that took place in Hollister, California, in 1947, when a motorcycle rally led to overcrowding, heavy drinking, and street brawls.
Cast and Crew
The film boasts an impressive cast, including Mary Murphy, Lee Marvin, Robert Keith, and Jay C. Flippen, among others. The direction by László Benedek adds to the film’s gritty, documentary-style realism, making The Wild One a gripping and intense viewing experience.
Now Streaming on RaiPlay
Good news for fans of classic cinema – The Wild One is now available to stream for free on RaiPlay, the online platform of public TV. To access the film, simply register on the website and enjoy this timeless classic from the comfort of your own home. RaiPlay is compatible with a range of devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and external streaming devices.
Conclusion
The Wild One is a landmark film that continues to captivate audiences with its raw, intense portrayal of biker culture. With its iconic performance by Marlon Brando, gripping plot, and influence on popular culture, this classic film is a must-watch for anyone interested in American cinema. So, register on RaiPlay today and experience the thrill of The Wild One.
What impact did Marlon Brando’s role in “The Wild One” have on youth culture in the 1950s?
The Wild One: How Marlon Brando Became a Cultural Icon in the 1950s
In the 1950s, Marlon Brando revolutionized the world of cinema with his iconic portrayal of Johnny Strabler in the 1953 film, The Wild One. Directed by László Benedek, this groundbreaking movie told the story of a rebellious biker gang that disrupts a small town, catapulting Brando to stardom and cementing his status as a cultural icon.
The Birth of an Icon
The Wild One was released in 1953, a time when American society was grappling with the emergence of youth subcultures. The film’s portrayal of a rough-riding, leather-jacketed biker gang resonated with the public, making it a box office hit. Brando’s mesmerizing performance as the brooding, troubled Johnny Strabler earned him widespread acclaim, establishing him as a leading man in Hollywood.
The Plot Thickens
The movie’s plot revolves around a small town that is rocked by the arrival of a gang of young bikers, led by Johnny Strabler. As tensions escalate, the situation worsens when the leader of another biker gang decides to clash with Johnny’s group. The film’s exploration of themes such as rebellion, nonconformity, and violence struck a chord with audiences, making it a landmark in American cinema.
Streaming Now on RaiPlay
Recently, The Wild One has become available for streaming on RaiPlay, the online platform of Italian public TV. This means that viewers can now access this classic film for free, with the price of a license fee being the only requirement. To watch, simply register on RaiPlay, and you can enjoy The Wild One on your computer, tablet, smartphone, smart TV, or external streaming devices.
A Star-Studded Cast
The cast of The Wild One boasts an impressive lineup of talented actors, including Marlon Brando, Mary Murphy, Lee Marvin, Robert Keith, and Jay C. Flippen, among others. The film’s screenplay is based on Frank Rooney’s short story “Cyclists’ Raid,” which was published in Harper’s Magazine in 1951 and later anthologized in The Best American Short Stories of 1952.
Inspired by Real-Life Events
Interestingly, the story behind The Wild One was inspired by real-life events. The 1947 motorcycle rally in Hollister, California, led to overcrowding, heavy drinking, and street brawls, which were sensationalized by the media. This event formed the basis of Frank Rooney’s short story, which was later adapted into the screenplay for the film.
Conclusion
The Wild One is a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Marlon Brando’s powerful performance as Johnny Strabler continues to captivate audiences, making it an unmissable classic for film enthusiasts and style aficionados alike. With its availability on RaiPlay, there’s no better time to experience this iconic movie and revisit the era that shaped American pop culture.
Keywords: Marlon Brando, The Wild One, Johnny Strabler, RaiPlay, 1950s cinema, cultural icon, movie streaming, classic films.
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