The Wild One

An absolute classic. Filled with social messages on freedom, injustice, vigilantism, and wonderful emotional sub-plots, this is cinema at its finest. Setting and dialogue are quite dated by today's standards, but many of the central themes are universal. Marlon Brando puts in a great performance as Johnny, and delivers one of cinema history's greatest lines - "What you rebelling against Johnny?" - 'What you got?!". Amazing to realise that this was only Brando's fifth movie, yet he had been nominated for Oscars in three of his first four roles (in "A Streetcar named Desire", "Viva Zapata" and "Julius Ceasar"). Supporting cast are great too: Lee Marvin, Robert Keith and Mary Murphy especially. Mary Murphy is gorgeous as the love interest, and it is surprising that she isn't better known in terms of Hollywood history. A movie for the ages, capturing the genius of Marlon Brando in one of his most iconic roles.

Enter Marlon Brando. He has that great presence. I'm sure the kids of the time must have glommed on to his rebellious presence with that big Triumph, spitting in the face of authority. His character is rather simplistic. He is so self centered and sorry for himself that it's hard to care much. At his age, he really hasn't had much time to develop so much angst. He and his buddies are out to hurt people because they feel entitled. The townspeople may not be perfect, but they have no role in his life and this pack shows up. Early 1950's people probably would have reacted the same way. If they are there on some diplomatic mission to change the prejudice against them, I suppose you could support them. But they are pack and the frighten people. What did they think was going to happen? Anyway, it got Brando into the movies and his charismatic being is all over the place. I would guess, knowing what attitude he carried around, that this wouldn't have been his most prized moment.