Evel Knievel

Evel Knievel is a movie from 1971 that follows the story of the famous American daredevil, Evel Knievel, played by George Hamilton. The film portrays Knievel's risky jumps, while also exploring the personal struggles he faced in his life.

The movie opens with Knievel working as a phone salesman in a small town, dreaming of one day becoming a famous motorcycle stuntman. He spends his free time building and testing his own dangerous jumps, which often result in him crashing and getting seriously injured. Despite the risks, Knievel is determined to make a name for himself in the world of daredevil stunts.

His opportunity finally comes when a promoter offers him a chance to perform at a big event in Las Vegas. Knievel jumps at the chance and begins his journey to fame and fortune. However, he soon discovers that the path to success is not as easy as he thought it would be.

As Knievel becomes more famous, he also becomes more reckless. He starts to push the limits of what is possible with his stunts, putting himself in even more danger. His personal life also begins to unravel, with his relationship with his wife (played by Sue Lyon) becoming strained and his relationship with his children suffering as a result of his constant travelling and risky behaviour.

Throughout the movie, the audience is taken on a wild ride as they watch Knievel perform some of his most famous stunts, including his infamous jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The jumps themselves are thrilling to watch, with the camera capturing every moment of Knievel's fearless feats.

However, the movie also takes a deeper look into the psychological and emotional struggles that Knievel faced as he tried to balance his thirst for fame and his personal relationships. Through flashbacks, we see Knievel's upbringing and the impact that his father had on his life, which explains some of the reckless behaviour displayed throughout the movie.

Overall, Evel Knievel is an exciting and captivating movie that showcases the incredible skill of one of the most famous daredevils of all time. It also explores the personal struggles that Knievel faced, making the character more relatable to the audience. The performances by George Hamilton, Sue Lyon, and Bert Freed are excellent, adding depth and complexity to their characters. The movie is a must-see for anyone interested in the world of extreme sports or the psychology of risk-taking.