While I have no interest in motorcycle racing, I am a big fan of Dirk Bogarde and his very natural way of acting. So, despite this being the sort of thing that I'd normally not see, I gave it a look.
Bill Fox (Bogarde) wants to be a professional motorcycle racer back in pre-war Britain. However, at the same time, it is very dangerous and the folks in charge don't do a lot to take care of the drivers if they become seriously injured. Neither of these things bother Bill at first--he just wants to win. However, after he gets married, this causes a huge problem in his marriage--one that corresponds with the beginning of WWII. What's to happen with Bill? Now he's a soldier and his wife has left him?
This film seems to give Bogarde less of a chance to really act than his later films since his character has a rather restricted emotional range. But it's worth seeing--with an interesting plot, some decent race footage and some interesting character development through the course of the film. Not great but quite good.
Bill Fox (Bogarde) wants to be a professional motorcycle racer back in pre-war Britain. However, at the same time, it is very dangerous and the folks in charge don't do a lot to take care of the drivers if they become seriously injured. Neither of these things bother Bill at first--he just wants to win. However, after he gets married, this causes a huge problem in his marriage--one that corresponds with the beginning of WWII. What's to happen with Bill? Now he's a soldier and his wife has left him?
This film seems to give Bogarde less of a chance to really act than his later films since his character has a rather restricted emotional range. But it's worth seeing--with an interesting plot, some decent race footage and some interesting character development through the course of the film. Not great but quite good.