What's the Deal with Hells Angels on Wheels?
Hells Angels on Wheels is a classic biker movie from 1967 with a starring role by Jack Nicholson, showing just how tough and dangerous being a member of Hells Angels is. But just how realistic is the movie? That's what we are gonna get to.
Did It Capture the Outlaw Motorcycle Club Lifestyle?
We asked Pat Matter, a real-life Hells Angels chapter president - and he had some interesting thoughts about that scene in the film where new motorcycle club members get "soaked" - kind of like a really strange hazing ritual! Matter thought that was really outdated! Back in the day, when people first started to join motorcycle gangs in the 1960s or 70s, it might have happened but now - the rules have changed - it's all about getting to know new members!
The part where they were getting ready for a "World Run" is actually a real thing, with the Hells Angels all coming together for those epic, cross-country rides. If you saw the movie you know exactly what this one is about. So Matter, the Hells Angels president gave it a pretty decent score - he called it 6 out of 10!
So Was Hells Angels on Wheels An Accurate Biker Movie?
- Matter also pointed out that things in movies are super hyped up - Hollywood is a bit exaggerated! We saw a bit of partying, wild times, and a ton of those dangerous-looking biker gang fights. Even if that part is super true, it’s always going to be portrayed as crazy intense,
- but, that really does show how close Hells Angels on Wheels actually is to that outlaw motorcycle club culture. Those big rallies, those fun, but kinda rough bars! They’re all part of the story!
- If you like to watch movies about these motorcycle clubs and groups, "Hells Angels On Wheels" - it's kinda similar to "Sons of Anarchy" and "The Bikeriders"! You’ve got to have those wild, free-spirited guys!
- The only part that made things different was the super bad reviews! They weren't all glowing, but Roger Ebert said "Hells Angels On Wheels" did a really good job showing how those outlaw bikers lived their life - and how tough that culture was!
- Overall, it wasn't a "bad" movie, but it didn't break any box office records either! This one is kinda for the serious Hells Angels on Wheels fans!
Is This the Only Biker Movie Out There?
- If you're a fan of motorcycle movies, there are a ton of cool choices out there! We’ve got “Easy Rider", which is super famous! And don’t forget about "The Motorcycle Diaries"! All really great ways to experience what it’s like being on the open road!
You get to see a bit of those tough biker lifestyles - whether you're in the world of Hells Angels or just the classic, road-tripping bikers! There are always plenty of reasons to hop on that motorcycle.
The fun fact? It has to be remembered that those bikers have been around for ages, but the movie really gave a chance to show what their world was like! It might not have been super accurate, but it showed how that rough Hells Angels culture really got mixed up with the world in the 60s!
