Still considered by many to be the best motorcycling documentary film ever made, On Any Sunday continues to fascinate, entertain, and educate with its insightful look at the men of motocross, their personalities and the challenges faced whether on the track or off-road.
This 1971 film, made by Bruce Brown, helped change the public perception of motorcycling as the pastime of the bad boy and helped it gain mainstream recognition as a tough but respectable sport.
It was on holiday in Japan with his wife that Brown got his first experience in riding after hiring a scooter. The sense of freedom was something he could not shake off, leading to his purchase of a used Triumph Cub upon his return home. He soon started attending races and mingling with the riders, giving inspiration to the idea of a motorcycling film.
Although successful with his surf films, this was a new venture that he had difficulty finding sponsorship for. However, with a little persistence, he got to meet famed actor and avid motorcyclist Steve McQueen. He got the funding needed and additional support from McQueen.
Much of the filming took diligence and a little ingenuity to secure never before seen shots. Using super-telephoto lenses, Brown was able to capture extreme close-up shots of the Grand National races. Though these would have been best achieved using high-speed cameras, there was not enough money in the budget for this. Brown made do with 24-volt batteries in 12-volt film cameras. This jury-rigged high-speed camera gave life to some of the most dramatic segments of the film.
Brown encountered various problems when trying to capture visualized shots, including uncooperative weather and rugged terrain. It often took many repeated attempts to get just the right result. One location that especially appealed to Brown was a beach at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. He desired to use it for a sunset beach riding segment. Brown never expected to get permission for such a shoot given that it was a military base, but was stunned when McQueen made enquiries and got the necessary approval.
On Any Sunday was however more than just dramatic action shots against stunning backgrounds. It was also about the people that made up motorcycling life. Brown displayed the different kinds of traits that went into the different styles of racing. For instance, he showed how desert racers were often loners while motocross racers tended to be more of mavericks.
The movie's popularity did much to inspire young children to save up for their own minibikes. It also gave motorcycling more credibility and its riders greater respect. Malcolm Smith, who appeared alongside Steve McQueen in the film, credits the film for having given him the recognition that led to his success as an entrepreneur in the motorcycling business. All this despite being an eight-time gold medallist at the International Six Day Trial and six-time winner of the Baja 100.
Left. McQueen – Cen. Lawwill – Right. Smith
Thanks to On Any Sunday, more people around the world have come to understand the reason for the passion riders have for motorcycling, obviously there are risks, wearing the correct motorcycle clothing is a must. MotoCentral offers a fantastic collection featuring some of the world’s top brands, with fast free shipping we are here for all your motorcycling needs. Visit our Showroom or tel: 01455 221 820