Viva Knievel!

Viva Knievel! is a 1977 action-adventure film that combines star power with death-defying stunts to spin a tale around the famous daredevil Evel Knievel, played by himself. Directed by Gordon Douglas, this motion picture attempts to merge the allure of Knievel's real-life persona with a fictional storyline, showcasing the stuntman's popularity during the 1970s, when he became an American icon synonymous with bravery and spectacle.

The movie centers around Evel Knievel as he embarks on a tour filled with incredible stunts and personal exploits. Known for his jaw-dropping motorcycle jumps and fearlessly risking his life in every performance, Knievel portrays an amplified version of himself, drawing upon the legend he built in the public eye. This larger-than-life character not only faces physical risks but also navigates a world of intrigue and high stakes.

Gene Kelly co-stars in the film as Will Atkins, a former mechanic and a long-time friend of Knievel. Atkins is depicted as a down-on-his-luck alcoholic in need of a break, and his relationship with Knievel adds a deep personal layer to the narrative. It's a touching, if somewhat unconventional, casting of Kelly, who was more often known for singing and dancing in musical films, but here the veteran actor brings depth to a complicated character grappling with personal demons.

Lauren Hutton joins the main cast as Kate Morgan, a daring photographer with aspirations of capturing the ultimate Evel Knievel stunt on film. Hutton's character brings a mixture of glamour and guts, showcasing the tenacity required to keep up with a man always flirting with danger. Her charisma and intelligence make her much more than a love interest or a sidekick; she's a formidable presence with her own ambitions and dreams.

As Knievel prepares for one of his most audacious jumps, the film takes audiences behind the scenes of the stuntman's life. It explores the logistics and tensions involved in pulling off his death-defying feats, while also delving into his interactions with fans, the media, and those who would wish to exploit his fame for their own benefit. Viva Knievel! crafts a version of Evel that is equal parts hero, showman, and flawed human.

The supporting cast of Viva Knievel! includes a mix of familiar faces and character actors, such as Red Buttons, Lesley-Anne Down, and Cameron Mitchell, who fill out the universe with a distinctly 1970s flair. The film draws on themes of redemption, loyalty, and courage, framing Knievel's escapades within a globe-trotter's array of colorful locations and nefarious foes.

Drama unfolds as Evel uncovers a sinister plot that goes beyond the standard rivalries and opposition one might expect for a celebrity of his caliber. He is faced with not only the danger of his stunts but also with a criminal conspiracy that brings an element of suspense and action into the mix. The story weaves in elements of crime and corruption, with Evel taking on the mantle of a pseudo-superhero as he confronts villains who seek to use his fame and even his death for their devious ends.

The film is bolstered by a series of thrilling stunts, which are heightened by the fact that Evel Knievel himself performs these daredevil acts. Audiences of the time were given a close-up view of the risks he took, lending a sense of authenticity to the action sequences that might otherwise be lost in a standard action film. Amidst the classic 1970s aesthetic—complete with flamboyant costumes and era-specific dialogue—Viva Knievel! presents motorcycle jumps and tricks that were truly cutting-edge for the time.

Though perhaps today's viewers may find some of the movie's sensibilities dated, Viva Knievel! remains a time capsule of a period when Evel Knievel represented the ultimate in risk-taking showmanship. The movie doubles as a fantasy-filled tribute to the man and his legacy, offering fans of action, motorcycles, and 1970s cinema a ride through a storyline that only amplifies the performer's legend.

In the end, Viva Knievel! is more than just a series of stunts—it is a snapshot of American culture at the time, a look behind the curtain of a world-renowned stunt performer, and a dramatic narrative combining adventure, friendship, and a touch of Hollywood magic. It serves as both a cinematic curiosity and an embodiment of the spirit that Evel Knievel himself carried—bold, brash, and unapologetically daring.