JohnDoe
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Electra Glide in Blue (1973) - Trailer Included
Electra Glide in Blue DVD - Uncertain of Australian release
Director: James William Guerico
Writer: Robert Boris
Starring: Robert Blake, Billy Green Bush, Mitch Ryan, Jeannine Riley, Elisha Cook Jr, Peter Cetera
Robert Blake as Big John Wintergreen in Electra Glide in Blue
“Ten Hut! Good morning, you fascists. You pigs. You bigots. You Pinkos. You Fags! You Bastards. Fuzz. This indoctrination of vocal harassment was compiled by our own Juvenile Division in preparation for the concert this weekend.” – Srgt Riker
The desolate, hostile landscapes of Arizona make a statement in this cult Motor-cop drama.
Electra Glide In Blue is a gritty, restrained 1970’s gem that serves as a celluloid postcard to the past. An understated, politically minded character piece that possesses power and grace.
Set in an era of civil unrest and questioning of authority, the film studies the timeless sacrifices of struggling to do what is right despite opposition.
The Original Poster for Electra Glide in Blue
“Incompetence is the worst form of corruption.”– Harve Poole
Dissatisfied with his current assignment straddling a Harley Davidson steed on Highway patrol, Big John is eager for a promotion to homicide.
“I hate that motorcycle they make me ride. I'm here to tell you there ain't nothing in the world I hate worse than that elephant under my ass.” – John Wintergreen
First on the scene at a suspected homeless hippie murder Big John gets a chance to earn the badge but soon clashes with counter culture, his fellow officers and his own strong beliefs in justice.
“You listen to me, hatchet artist! You're tampering with evidence and if you put your finger on one more thing in this room, I'm going to bust your ass! That's right... the officer in charge is talking to you and he's saying that you're going to be arrested as an accessory, after the fact, in a murder case!” – John Wintergreen
John Wintergreen shows them what John Wayne would do when you threaten his steed.
John Doe says:
A getting of wisdom tale set in the mold of Easy Rider, Medium Cool and Vanishing Point, Electra Glide in Blue is powerful without having to force its hand. Contemplative with a dust bowl atmosphere this is a film of introspect reflection and a secluded tone observing systemic violence. Paced for naturalism and carefully building character, the mystery plot enables the story to raise important social and ethical questions. The daring action stunts contribute to the motif like a burnt rubber, smoldering gun of consequence.
There is an improvised, guerilla feel and realism to the Direction that forms a relationship with the work as you watch. Known primarily as a Musician/Producer for bands like Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears, this was 36 time Grammy nominee James William Guerico’s lone Directorial credit. A tremendous loss in that Charles Laughton-Night of the Hunter way, we see an obviously skilled filmmaker offer a single peek into their potential.
According to imdb.com the Director insisted that there was only one cinematographer that could capture the heat hazed, sand bitten visuals and intimate nuances of the performers. The cinematographer was maestro Conrad L Hall (American Beauty, In Cold Blood, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) and because of budgetary constraints Guerico reduced his own salary to a buck so it would happen.
It was worth it. The imagery sears like a cactus stained midday sun, bleeding a deeper meaning or heightened sense of location, never overstating its presence the camera observes without disruption of environment.
No surprise considering the musical pedigree that the Chicago contributed soundtrack boosts the desired beats of each scene, filling out the frames and setting the mood for more poignant events.
Robert Blake pleads for an answer to "What is it all about?"
Recognizable character actor Mitch Ryan (Friends of Eddie Coyle, Dark Shadows) mines the persona of a corrupt cop mangling respect with greed and hubris, a type he would further explore in Lethal Weapon.
As Jolene the anguished bartender desperate for an empty destiny Jeannine Riley (The Man from U.N.C.L.E.) makes her few scenes in the film stand out. Her carefully exposed vulnerability causes the viewer the discomfort of raw honesty in performance. Surprisingly when researching on imdb.com it seems Riley was predominantly a television actress, though her short turn here is Awards worthy.
Elisha Cook Jnr, (Pat Garret and Billy the Kid, Rosemary’s Baby) Musician Peter Cetera (Bass Player for Chicago) and all the supporting cast are immersed. It’s hard to tell where the acting stops and the person begins making for convincing viewing.
Another much buzzed about underground staple that John Doe has searched for endlessly, now finally witnessed. Screening a lesser discussed but deserving reel of cinema lore is what JD is all about and Electra Glide in Blue resonates with its lyrical finale and passionate visualization.
Here is the Electra Glide in Blue Opening Title Sequence
No JD post on Electra Glide would be complete without a sample Motorcycle chase.
20/20 Filmsight
Horrorphile
Film & TV on DVD
Well worth tracking down this gem...you should find a copy on Amazon at a reasonable price.
Film & TV on DVD
i can see how the title sounds like soft core porn.
This is a low key gem that I'm sure will rev your engine if you can find a copy.
Screen Adventure
Film & TV on DVD
It is out of print over here at the moment, ui rented mine from Netflix.com (That place has everything), maybe it will be released again on Criterion instead of MGM.
A much more human and complex film than Magnum Force, though that 70's vibe is running throughout both. Sure you will enjoy it, just a question fo how much.