Summary
Hells Angels on Wheelsreceives an honest assessment from a former biker gang member. Released in 1967, the biker film follows a grumpy gas station attendant whose life is reinvigorated when he joins a chapter of the outlaw motorcycle club, the Hells Angels, and is shocked to learn just how brutal they are. Other thanJack Nicholson in the lead role, the cast includes Adam Roarke and Sabrina Scharf.
In a video fromInsider, aformer Hells Angels chapter president, Pat Matter, broke down the accuracy of biker gang scenes in movies and television, such as the initiation ceremony for a prospect inHells Angels on Wheels.Watch the portion of the video below, starting at the 16:54 minute mark:
Matter says the film ismostly accurate in depicting the lifestyle and rituals of the Hells Angels,rating it a 6 out of 10 for realism, though he notes that some of the portrayed practices, like pouring substances on new members during initiation, are outdated and no longer common. He also says the film’s depiction of the World Run is very accurate. Read his full breakdown below:
I think if I was a prospect and had that all poured over me, I’d be fighting somebody. You know, usually if a prospect makes member, we’ll go out to a bar or party at the clubhouse. My initiation was really nothing. I mean, you’re voted in and congratulated, and we had a big party. That stuff might have happened in the ’70s and ’60s.
‘94, we all rode to San Francisco, you know, from Minneapolis to San Francisco, for the World Run. So it’s very common for everybody to get together and ride across country like this, what they’re doing here. If there’s room to do it and stuff. If they’re at a hill climb and stuff, yeah, you know, I can see members joining in to do a hill climb or a drag race, whatever. But yeah, usually the run site’s just mostly dedicated to, you know, hanging out and visiting with members from other charters and where have you from. On a scale from one to 10, I’d give it a 6, because, you know, afterwards they’re partying and stuff. The only thing I don’t see happening anymore is pouring all the stuff on the member.
How Accurate Is Hells Angels On Wheels?
The Movie Presents A Mixed Bag Overall
Though Matter saysHells Angels on Wheelsis mostly accurate in depicting the lifestyle and rituals of outlaw motorcycle clubs, the movie presents much more of a mixed bag overall. For instance,the movie received mixed reviews from critics and audiences with a 29% on Rotten Tomatoesand a 38% audience score from 2,500+ ratings.Roger Ebert’s reviewsuggests that while the film relies on clichés and sensationalism, it still manages to accurately depict the rough and authentic behavior of the Hells Angels with surprisingly good performances and cinematography.
WhileHells Angels on Wheelsdoes accurately capture certain aspects of outlaw motorcycle club culture, it does so with some exaggeration, as is the case with most Hollywood movies.The film accurately captures the camaraderie, rebellious spirit, and sense of brotherhood that is so central to clubs like the Hells Angels, and is seen in other movies andshows such asSons of AnarchyandThe Bikeriders. InHells Angels on Wheels, this is evident in the bar outings and group rides, such as its depiction of the World Run.
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However,Hells Angels on Wheelsalso sensationalizes certain aspects of the culture, which can mislead viewers about the true nature of outlaw motorcycle clubs. The movie includes several scenes of wild parties and violent behavior that, while not entirely unrealistic, are portrayed in a way that amplifies the chaos and lawlessness for dramatic effect. WhileHells Angels on Wheelsoffers a somewhat distorted view of outlaw motorcycle clubs, it does capture the essence of the brotherhood within the group.
Hells Angels On Wheels
Cast
Hells Angels On Wheels is a 1967 American biker film directed by Richard Rush, starring Adam Roarke as a young drifter who becomes involved with the Hells Angels motorcycle club.
