Of everything I have ever watched on television the short opening to Then Came Bronson has resonated with me since first seeing it in 1969. It reflects the riding mythology that lies within me and affects my ideas and choices as I ride today.
The interchange between Bronson and the tired commuter sets up freedom that riding can offer and it just grows from there. Despite the physical gap between the Sportster than Bronson rides and the Vespa GTS that moves me through the world the there is an undeniable parallel for me.
This replica of the Sportster used in the show appears on a Then Came Bronson fan site. Its worth a look.
I suspect the themes in Then Came Bronson are not universal in riding. I’ve spoken to enough owners of motorcycles now to know that riding is not always first on their agenda. The thought of riding along through a saltwater surf and sand would be a horror only a few steps away from the gates of hell for some and a pointless exercise for others interested in speed and cornering.
And I am not sure whether the idea of riding away from the burden of the mundane is uniquely an American story or not. I certainly see parallels with Hermann Hesse’s Knulp though without the Harley.
I posted this because I can’t get the image out of my head. I can still see myself on that Sportster. Even when riding my Vespa. Last night on my way to the grocery store I was thinking about it. The machine and the road stretching out in front of me.
I’ve posted before about this and the youTube videos go away fast. I can only suspect that someone owning the rights to the show are exerting some influence. Someone told me about a place I could purchase the series on DVD but they are no longer available. Someday I will be surprised though and see them available on Netflix.
Its the longing for a less complicated time….The freedom of the open road. Every mans dream to follow the unknown road to where ever it takes us. Living day to day… odd jobs…staying only long enough to fill a few basic needs, then moving on. Man has been doing this for millions of years…or we did until the trappings of modern life trapped us. -Crusty
How many are riding because of some early memory? A kid in the back of Mom’s car looking out the window. A rider next to him waves and makes his day. A story from some relative. An article in a magazine. We start because of someone else’s sharing a dream. Over time we make our own dreams. Some of just live them more deeply than others.
This is a little off topic, but since we are talking about 2-wheeled contraptions and tv/movies…..
Jason and I recently went to the theatre to see the 3rd Bourne movie – and it has a “Vespa” scene in it, where it is the mode of transportation for one of the “assets”. Very classy. 🙂
I am televisually challenged but we appear to be thinking about culturally rebellious images involving two wheels. Funny that dropping everything and going for a ride challenges the status quo. It worked for me as a restless youth and I recommend it in complacent middle age.
Crusty: The trappings of modern life can be ponderous.
irondad: I am certainly riding because of early memories that I kept hidden for a long long time. Living dreams is hard work.
hrw115: I haven’t seen the new Bourne movie but will check it out when it arrives by DVD someday. I can see the Vespa as an asset for Bourne…
conchscooter: I think that anything that varies far from automobile care, use, and ownership is seen as rebellious or worse. Drive an old car, don’t wash and wax it obsessively, commute on two-wheels, all of these things seem rebellious and a rejection of what the mob feels is the correct course of action of the responsible adult.
This probably deserves a post of its own.
I have a Sportster and a Vespa GT. I love them both!
Sometimes I dream of living Bronson’s life. My kids are the magnet that points my Sportster home at the end of each day. Maybe when I retire, the kids grown, I won’t be too old to go wherever I end up.
Never heard of this Branson guy over here! But he surely reflects what I see in riding motorbikes!
jenni: A Sportster and Vespa GT sounds like great choices!
kano: I hope I am still in good shape to ride when I retire whenever that comes along. Until then I’ll need to go wherever I end up whenever I can.
demonio: Good to know the idea of Then Came Bronson works across the ocean.
Damn Steve you sure rolled back the clock for me with that video.
From 1971 to 1974 I rode the strech of road featured in the last 20 seconds of the clip.
Ca 1 from Carmel Highlands to Point Sur, Some of the most senic and most photographed road in the world.
I would ride my 1971 Honda SL350 or my 1970 Suzuki 185(model # slips my feble old mind) dirt Bike the 26mi from my home in Pacific grove to the Naval Facility at Point Sur, I had to ender this ride while in the Defense of our Great Nation while serving in the U.S. Navy.
Most memeroies fade but riding across “Bixby Bridge” on a clear summer morning is a memory that lives forever in my mind.
I left Califonia in 1974 when I transfered to Bermuda. A Jewel in the Atlantic filled with Vespas, Lambtettas, and who knows how many Mopeds, ( what else do you need with a speed limit of 20 mph, (15mph in town).
After that I went to Newfoundland( not much for a riding season there) and got off 2 wheels.
But as of March of this year I’m back up having purchased an 07 Suzuki Burgman 650. The only thing I can say is I don’t know why I ever got off….
I live in southern Deleware not too far from you so maybe we can get together for a ride sometime.
Thanks Again for your great Blog…
Jim
I found the show on DVD at this site: http://www.bestoldtimemovies.com/thencamebronson.htm. I’m keeping my eye out for rentals.
then came bronson is al;so avalible at oldtvshows.us
I really need to see it again. I watched it on occasion during the initial run, but would have been about 7 years old then, so my recall is limited, but the atmosphere/texture was attractive, the lead actor obviously talented. I recall some episode where Bronson said something like “I guess they don’t use the word ‘groovy’ anymore”–in retrospect, rather clever writing. Reading now about the series concept, it sounds like one of the many shows that followed the template set by The Fugitive.