Evel Knievel (1971)

A fictionalized biography of the motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel. Directed by Marvin J. Chomsky (TANK), it's an ineffectual film biography (John Milius, APOCALYPSE NOW, co-wrote the screenplay). The major problem is that his life just isn’t all that interesting and the film never goes into the psychology of what makes a man risk his life and limb (the real Knievel has broken every bone in his body at one time or another) for fame. Evel, as played by George Hamilton, is presented as egotistical and self centered but with a certain irresistible charm. Hamilton is well cast here and it’s one of his 2 or 3 best performances and Sue Lyon is also very good as his wife. The film doesn’t take its subject seriously, presenting his life in a tableau of humorous episodes that don’t ring true. With Rod Cameron, Bert Freed, Dub Taylor, Betty Bronson and Ron Masak.