After all this time, I finally watched this movie today, on YouTube. It was great. To me, it ranks as one of the greatest movies ever made (and I’ve seen hundreds) not just because I’m a hot rodder. Such a great story. Great acting. Hopkins really gave that vibe, that Burt must have been liked/loved by everyone he met. I’ll be watching it again and I’ll get cheered up again.
Anthony Hopkins has said it was one his favorite movies to act in. I can’t think of a better one for the job..
Just found this thread and wanted to share a little about my family's dealings with Burt. My father in law CHAZ BUD HOWSEMAN-MAX BUBECK-ROLLIE and a few others were friends from the race tracks of days gone by, at the dry lakes, Bonneville, drags, if they went fast they knew each other, and either got into or on their race vehicles. My father in law and Max and a few others started out with Indians but caved to the British invasion of performance bikes, they preferred Triumphs Nortons, and BSA. Bud shared many stories over the years of Burts skill and tenacity to stick with an uncompetitive bike and made it roar out of sheer will power. May they all Rest in Peace!
There is a bit of history I never read before! Burt's Indian showed up at Hershey unrestored and not running. It wasn't shown for judging, just there to show as an unrestored piece of history.
If you want a good read get the book on Burt by George Begg. George was Burt's best friend and a test driver for McClaren race cars.
While we are on the topic of fast Indians There is also a book out about my father in law and his best friend Max Bubeck, a couple of the most gifted racers /riders of the 30S thru the 70s Crazy fast back in the day riding and racing.
The Jalopy Journal
