Peter Fonda motors on 40 years after "Easy Rider"

Reuters - October 23, 2009 5:12 PM PDT
Story photo: Peter Fonda motors on 40 years after Cast member Peter Fonda smiles at the premiere of "3:10 to Yuma" at the Mann National theatre in Westwood, California August 21, 2007. The movie opens in the U.S. on September 7. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniReuters

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Forty years ago, actor Peter Fonda flew down America's highways on a motorcycle in counterculture classic "Easy Rider." So what better way to celebrate the film's anniversary than with a bunch of bikers?

On Friday, Fonda motored into the Southern California city of Glendale for an annual motorbike event called "Love Ride" where "Easy Rider" would be shown in an outdoor screening.

Fonda, the son of legendary actor Henry Fonda, has been part of the "Love Ride" for more than 25 years, as it grew from a few bikers to thousands motoring up the freeway.

This year, the formal ride was canceled as the poor economy depressed turnout, so the "Easy Rider" screening became the main reason for participants to gather at a Harley-Davidson shop for a scaled-down event.

Speaking by phone before the screening, Fonda told Reuters "Easy Rider," which sees a 40th anniversary DVD edition hit retail stores this month, is still relevant today because many of the social problems it highlights persist.

One of the most famous parts of "Easy Rider" comes at the movie's end when Fonda's motorbiking character Wyatt tells riding buddy Billy, "We blew it."

"People often ask me, 'Do I still feel the movie is relevant?'" Fonda said. "And my answer to them is, when ... I say, 'We blew it,' if you look out the window today and you say we haven't blown it, (then) I don't want to take whatever drug you're on," he said.

The line, uttered cryptically after the drug addled Wyatt and Billy made a bundle of cash in a cocaine deal and ventured to New Orleans, has been interpreted in different ways by movie pundits, but critics have praised its simple summation of the two main characters' journey.

While "Easy Rider" is a product of the 1960s, Fonda noted the racism and violence that "Easy Rider" exposed is still a problem in the United States.

The movie has been included in the U.S. National Film Registry, and it ushered in a gritty filmmaking style that has been called the "New Hollywood" movement for the challenge it posed to the movie industry's decades old studio system with it's look and feel of an independently-made film.

In the years since "Easy Rider's" release, its three main stars, Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson have all enjoyed storied Hollywood careers.

Fonda was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 1997 film "Ulee's Gold." Hopper, who directed and co-wrote "Easy Rider" and played Billy, starred in the 1986 cult classic "Blue Velvet" and has recently appeared in a number of retirement advertisements aimed at baby boomers that play on his iconic status from "Easy Rider."

Nicholson has won three Oscars, and most recently starred in movies "The Departed" and "The Bucket List."

(Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

comments

show comments

comments

  • Jenny
    I found a great dating site________ M i l l i o n a i r e C h a t s . c o m ________. The best dating club for seeking the rich singles, sexy beauties. what's the most important is that you don't have to be a millionaire, but you can meet one. Charlie Sheen found his true love on that site in 2007.
    report abuseposted October 24, 2009 7:30 AM PDT
  • Jenny
    I found a great dating site________ M i l l i o n a i r e C h a t s . c o m ________. The best dating club for seeking the rich singles, sexy beauties. what's the most important is that you don't have to be a millionaire, but you can meet one. Charlie Sheen found his true love on that site in 2007.
    report abuseposted October 24, 2009 7:30 AM PDT
  • Jenny
    I found a great dating site________ M i l l i o n a i r e C h a t s . c o m ________. The best dating club for seeking the rich singles, sexy beauties. what's the most important is that you don't have to be a millionaire, but you can meet one. Charlie Sheen found his true love on that site in 2007.
    report abuseposted October 24, 2009 7:30 AM PDT
  • fhgk
    LOL... Search "ec4bag" on google to Get High quality luxury bags, 100% genuine leather, only $98-$198, Free shipping worldwide, WOW... Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Coach, Miu Miu, Dior, Hermes, Chloe, D&G and UGG boots
    report abuseposted October 24, 2009 4:50 AM PDT
  • Ed Anger
    This guy is a real loser. Cant believe he is STILL trying to milk the easy rider thing. His sister is an even bigger loser, but thats a whole other story. Dude, you're not all that. Get over yourself and move past the leather jacket and choppers, Fonz. You're a total dick, btw.
    report abuseposted October 23, 2009 6:47 PM PDT
  • Uhiuh
    WWW elivebuy. com Sell:Ed/POLO tshirt$13,jean$30,handbag$35,jordan shoes$32,coach lv handbag$35,coogi/burberry jean$30 Free shipping!!!our price:coach chanel gucci LV handbags $32coogi DG edhardy gucci t-shirts $15CA edhardy vests.paul smith shoes $35jordan dunk af1 max gucci shoes $33EDhardy gucci ny New Era cap $15coach okely CHANEL DG Sunglass $16.our price: (Bikini)coach chanel gucci LV han
    report abuseposted October 23, 2009 6:28 PM PDT
  • dgd
    LOL... Search "ec4bag" on google to Get High quality luxury bags, 100% genuine leather, only $98- $198, Free shipping worldwide, WOW... Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Coach, Miu Miu, Dior, Hermes, Chloe, D&G and UGG boots
    report abuseposted October 23, 2009 6:02 PM PDT
  • __A_YAHOO_USER__
    Welcome to-------- w w w . n e t s o w n t o w n . c o m --------- Wholesale and reatail all kinds of world brand shoes,jeans,t-shirts,bikini,beach pants,handbags,wallets,sunglasses,belt,caps,watches etc.. Such as:$35 nike shoes,air jordan ,nike shox,nike dunk shoes,gucci shoes. $35 true religion jeans,$18 bikini, t-shirts:Michael Jackson t-shirt, Coogi t-shirt, Evisu,Christan Audigier,Ed Har
    report abuseposted October 23, 2009 5:41 PM PDT
  • Mary
    Recently,I found a very interesting place______W e a l t h yD a t e r . C o m_____. It is the best dating club for seeking the rich singles, beautiful girls and even hot celebs.. what's the most important is that you dont have to be a M illionaire,but you can meet one. I think everyone need to meet some miracle after all the terrible stuff in the news and the economy .
    report abuseposted October 23, 2009 5:21 PM PDT

Post A Comment

sign in to post a comment.

sign in

RELATED ARTICLES

RELATED PHOTOS

RELATED VIDEOS

Updates

Manage My Updates
Manage My Updates
More Updates »

omg!

MORE ENTERTAINMENT

ALSO ON YAHOO!

Help us to improve! - Send Your Suggestions