L'auto sanglante

"Code Two" is a film that lost money at the box office. Despite that as well as a few clichés in the story, it's a dandy film and worth your time.

The movie follows a trio of men, particularly Chuck O'Flair (Ralph Meeker), from the police academy to their first assignment in Los Angeles. Chuck is a very stereotypical guy--much like the sorts of guys William Haines played in the 1920s and 30s. In other words, he is very skilled but even more full of himself! And, when it comes to women, he thinks they'll all swoon at his boorish ways. However, his obnoxious veneer is challenged when his partner is murdered on the job...and Chuck not only blames himself but insists on tracking down the killers.

This film runs at under 70 minutes and its stars are Meeker and Keenan Wynn...minor stars but typical of the sorts of assignments they'd get from the studio. Look past how obnoxious the writer made Chuck (that is a major problem in the film) and you'll be able to enjoy a decent cop film.

Have for a while been on a roll tracking down and watching not so well known (near-obscure in some cases) films from filmographies of actors/actresses that varied from very famous to practically forgotten today. In 'Code Two's' case Ralph Meeker and Keenan Wynn were the best-known of the cast. Also have always really liked the genre and liked the concept, so they were further reasons for wanting to see 'Code Two'. If it weren't for me seeing a few of Meeker's films recently, this film's existence would still be unknown to me.

On the whole, 'Code Two' is worth tracking down, even non-motorcycling fans should find some worth (speaking as one but appreciate them), and that it is near-forgotten today is not that deserved. It is not a great film, or an essential, and is a film of two halves in my view, one a good deal stronger than the other. There are though a lot of strong things about it and anybody that loves the genre should see it for at least completest sake.

'Code Two' isn't perfect. Some of the first half is nostalgic and amusing and the atmosphere of the academy is done accurately, but it is also rather exposition-heavy, thin on plot and takes too long to set up. The second half is certainly much better, but it did mean that it was like seeing two films in one and of two different tones, one more nostalgic and light-hearted and the other grittier and more tough.

Meeker does give a confident performance in the lead and it is the sort of role that suits him well, sadly though Chuck is agreed quite obnoxious and not easy to get behind. The very end felt on the cheesy side and jarred by the quite suspenseful build up.

However, 'Code Two' has a very effectively noir-ish look in especially the second half. The semi-docmentary look of the truly startling and quite brutal opening is also incredibly effective and hits hard. The music serves its purpose well and fits at least, not over-emphasising the mood. The direction is assured and a good mix of affectionate and unyielding on the most part, apart from some lapses in momentum in more expositionary moments. The motorcycles are very cool and will be a treat for anybody that has an interest in them.

The script has entertainment value and tautness and while the first half was for me flawed the film did start off brilliantly with an opening that as said hits hard. The second half, also as already said, is the stronger and much more consistent half. It isn't earth shattering originality wise, but more than makes up for it with its tight pace, its grim tension and its non-holding back atmosphere. Meeker, despite his character, carries the film well and is very well supported by Wynn (as a contender for the most interesting character), sympathetic Elaine Stewart and Robert Horton.

All in all, uneven but above average curiosity. 6/10

I was an LAPD Explorer in the late 1960"s and had shot on the Academy pistol range. The movie showed the Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters (outside) before Parker Center was built. It also showed the real Academy with the pool, parade ground, a fenced area, indoor training area, dispatch, and pistol range. The part that was not real was the dining room. The dining room looked like a movie set. Some of the the motorcycle training looked real too like laying down the bike and driving through the cones. Like I learned during my motorcycle training course (civilian), it does not take much of a rider to go fast. The trick is how slow can you go!. It was also interesting how the movie gave a plug for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The movie had everything I like bikes, guns, and cops. What else is there.

I saw this movie as a kid when i was about 13 or so. I remeber this as one of the coolest movies I have ever seen. I am sure, now it would seem a little less dramatic, but it has stayed with me all these years. There is one scene where the truck hijackers are stopped by a cycle cop and when they get the chance to knock him out they do. They then take him and put him under the tires of the big rig and {pretty violent for back then} back up over him. A young chuck Conners, Ralph Meeker and Keenan Wynn make this a must see for biker, crime and film noir fans. I believe Ted Turner owns this movie and I wish he would release it on video. Enjoy the film if you can ever see it.

Corny but enjoyable crime story about rookie LA motorcycle cops, Ralph Meeker and Jeff Richards. It's kind of a 1950s version of "CHiPs." Meeker and Richards face typical street cop challenges, but the film turns a bit serious when Richards is killed and Meeker goes after those responsible. I enjoyed the use of real-life locations and I always enjoy Meeker, so that was enough to elevate the cornball script.