Director: Dennis Hopper
Produced: Peter Fonda
Screenplay: Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper & Terry Southern
Director of Photgraphy: Lazlo Kovacs
Starring
Peter Fonda as Captain America/Wyatt
Dennis Hopper as Billy/Billy the kid
Jack Nicholson as Geogre Hanson
Antonio Mendoza as Jesus
Phil Spector as the connection
Robert Walker as the hippie leader
Sabrina Scharf as the Hippie girl
Luana Anders as Lisa
Karen Black as Karen
Warren Finnerty as Rancher
" Hell I wouldn't want you to think I am an authority. I still smoke Pot, but I don't dig cocaine. It is weird & dangerous. I haven't come across a sex orgy in years. Anyway I think it's overrated. "
2. It has been suggested that Nicholson at this stage had given up on a career as an actor and was turning his attenions to directing & Producing when he got the role.
3. The role of geogre Hanson broke Nicholson into Hollywood mainstream films after 11 years of acting in B-grade films.
4. This was the second time Nichoson had worked with Hopper & Fonda. Previously Hopper & Fonda had starred in a film written by Nicholson & directed by Roger Corman called " The Trip " in 1967.
5. In the night time scenes where they smoke dope. It is actually dope they are smoking.
6. Alot of the scenes at night where improvised
7. This film earned Nicholson his first oscar nomination in the guise of Best Supporting Actor. he lost to Gig Young.
Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper & Jack NIcholson
We first encounter a farmer of the old west lifestyle, The two bikers are scene as a refurbishment of the cowboys except they use motorcycles. There is a swift talk about religious beliefs. This is all very typical of a film that is meant to show liberty of thought & all that. We then set off and met a hippie called " Jesus " who brings us to a commune. After the commune scene it here where the film begins to make some sense with the arrival of the drunk Lawyer Geogre Hanson. Nicholson delievers a terrific as Hanson who educates the bikers on the countries beliefs and there fear of change. Despite the murder of Hanson the bikers continue on to Mardi Gras to a brothel which Hanson had previously enjoyed a night in with a Governor.
This film is certainly no masterpiece and lacks any substance whatsoever. Only two things make this picture in any way watchable. These are Nicholson who steals the show and Lazlo Kovacs beatuiful cinematography. Certainly worth watching for Jacks breakthrough performance alone.
