Late era Rank film with David Essex as a bike racer. He sings on the soundtrack. There's an imported star (Beau Bridges). Written and directed by David Wickes, best known for TV but then flying high because of The Sweeney film.
It's got energy and pep. I wondered why Essex didn't become a bigger star after That'll Be the Day but looking at this I'm not surprised - he's got this sort of wet presence.
As one critic pointed out this needed a touch more Roger Corman - there's not that much racing, little nudity. More sex and action and tension. There's too much time devoted to Cristina Rains hanging out with Essex. And that's a confusing love story because Essex has a girl then she vanishes, and Rains is with Bridges then Essex? There's a lot of zingers in the script but few are funny and the construction is off.
Some fine track work is ruined by poor back projection. Essex sings some nice tunes. Should've done more.
Clark Peters shines in a support role. But confusing decisions for a commercial film. End the movie with Essex dying? Have an American villain?
Nothing wrong with an exploitation sports film. But they didn't know how to do it.
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