L'Ultime Randonnée

Had always been intrigued by this title ever since seeing the trailer 'arriving Sunday for seven days' almost half a century ago. Something in the voice-over resounded with me, which I was always reminded of when Ronnie Barker did his country and western skits. I never heard the film mentioned again, though believe it got a couple of airings with little fanfare on the BBC decades ago. Finally got a chance to see it courtesy of Talking Pictures TV - what would we do without them? Should like to say I loved it but it generally left me cold. Perhaps it is fair to say that along with one or two other films of the same period - Peckinpah's Junior Bonner springs to mind - it is essentially a slice of Americana with limited appeal outside the US except for the star. Still I did enjoy the songs from Johnny Cash.

ROBERT REDFORD plays 'hunk' Halsy Knox, who demands and receives everything he desires except his self-respect. A God-given talent at motocross racing becomes his albatross in his quest to achieve what he believes is his destiny. Along the way are numerous characters of this hobby/religion's entourage including a gear-head named 'Little' (MICHAEL J. POLLARD). They all accommodate his every whim based on his good looks, charm and 'somewhat winning' first impression. It's not until later that an observant witness realizes that he has been duped by a 'con-man without a con' in Halsy's mission to nowhere.

Lots of motorcycle racing action and 60's introspective brings this one up to cult status. Redford is absolutely gorgeous in his appearance/role as a cad. Seems one-half the film has him bare chested! A goodly amount of nudity abounds (full-frontal LAUREN HUTTON, etc.) and if '70's film-liberalism disturbs you then I recommend Olsen twins films.

A GREAT soundtrack with songs by JOHNNY CASH and the TENNESSEE THREE, & CARL PERKINS! Some of the music was written by BOB Dylan.

Filmed on location in Antelope Valley, Ca, Sonoma County, Ca and Sears Point Raceway in San Francisco.

Postscript: "I have seen this film about ten times now and it ALWAYS leaves me thinking about it for days. RR chews up the scenery and gives a bravura performance as Halsy as he stretches his interpretation of the cad to subtle brilliance!"

Saw this in the drive-in back in '71 and thought it was pretty good! Saw it again on Speedvisions "Lost Drive-in" some time ago but some of the scenes were "edited for TV". I don't believe it was ever released on video...too bad!

With Robert Redford blending Brad Pitt & Burt Reynolds to a kick-ass Johnny Cash soundtrack in a tale of motorbikes, booze & womanising, 1970's "Little Fauss And Big Halsy" COULDA been iconically fun... but writer Charles Eastman & director Sidney J Furle made it a serious thesis on what's now known as 'toxic masculinity' with the misogyny, narcissism & crass selfishness that Redford's 'charming' character bleeds over all around him (like Michael J Pollard, Lauren Hutton & Linda Gaye Scott) as he uses them. Without humour, or the usual 'character redemption' it's a dark character study but an interesting view of that era that some may prefer not to remember.

If you've ever been on a motorcycle racing circuit or been around other real life circuits with those of the egotistical boaster class, you will love this movie. On both the motorcycle racing circuit and in business, I've met Halsey Knox; well, not really but a true to life, full blown, likeness thereof.

Having not really been a fan of motorcycle racing, but a fan of the scene, I immediately can identify with those of the "Halsey" genre, who not only know everything and been everywhere, but are the best and foremost authority on nearly every subject, let alone get all the women and nearly always screw up everyone's life around them by capturing the heart mind and soul of the unsuspecting and then "use" that person for what can be accomplished for the host.

Robert Redford plays the part like a pro. And poor unsuspecting Little Fauss is literally taken by the style and non-chalaunt attitude of Halsey. The two team up and when Fauss finally wakes up to the reality of being used by a bluffer and boaster, he finds the nerve to move on and locate success on his own.

Definitely a classic and no wonder Robert Redford didn't like the part, after all who wants to be seen as a loser with an egotistical "know it all" attitude, except of course for the part where he "gets all the women" :o)