Roman Sampson One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Lela The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

Delight Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.

Caryl It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

alexanderdavies-99382 "The Wild One" was one of the first films of which would establish a new kind of anti-hero in Hollywood - the rebel. Marlon Brando successfully exploiting this burgeoning character, would lead to a whole string of Hollywood movies where the main character would be at odds with any kind of authority. Actors like Montgomery Clift and James Dean would personify such characters. Released in 1953, "The Wild One" was met with controversy and was banned in Great Britain for quite a while. In all honesty, the film is rather mild and tame when viewed in today's world. Judged on its own merits, the film is a well made one. It has some good dialogue, steady direction but the film also makes a valid point with regards to those people who are supposedly civilised. "The Wild One" was based upon an incident which took place in the late 1940s, where 4,000 gang members on bikes proceeded to terrorise a small American town. That doesn't occur in quite the same way in this film as the bikers in question are more prone to larking about, rather than inflicting any real harm or posing a threat. Interestingly, it is some of the local inhabitants who display a good deal of aggression and volatility. It is they who turned out to be the real villains of the piece. Marlon Brando plays the leader of one of the gangs but his acting ability isn't stretched all that much. It's not that he isn't giving a performance but quite wisely, he doesn't give his character any more depth than is necessary. However, there is one scene where Brando lowers his guard just long enough for us to see a more vulnerable side to him. Such a moment would only show itself whilst the character is alone. "The Wild One" wasn't a particularly expensive film to make but it didn't need to be, in order to be effective.

Scott LeBrun Here we have THE original biker cinema classic that predated "Easy Rider" by a good decade and a half. Marlon Brando, all swaggering cool, delivers an iconic performance as Johnny, leader of the B.R.M.C. (Black Rebels Motorcycle Club). Johnny and friends come to a small town to raise some Hell; he becomes quite taken with local girl Kathie Bleeker (Mary Murphy), and she with him.Although Johnny is no innocent, and does have a role to play in the events that get out of hand, it becomes clear that he's also not the Devil that hostile and intolerant citizens make him out to be."The Wild One" does firmly date itself in some ways. The dialogue is very much of the time, and the antics of these biker clubs are not as scuzzy as some people might like to see. This is not a biker film for those people who enjoy the exploitative low budget pictures that came out in the wake of "Easy Rider". After a while, it becomes clear that there's not that much of a story here, as a lot of mayhem and destruction takes up the running time. But then, this is just as much of a character study as it is a motorcycle movie.Our main character is something of an enigma. While ostensibly a rebel in outright defiance of every accepted societal norm, he's also a guy who's really not that sure of himself, a guy still in search of an identity. Scenes late in the film with Johnny and Kathie are the real standouts.The excellent cast also includes Robert Keith as Kathie's dad, a surprisingly laid back lawman who doesn't seem to be that cut out for his job, and who is willing to give our gang some amount of leeway. Lee Marvin steals his scenes as rival gang leader Chino. It's also fun to see people like Timothy Carey, Alvy Moore, Jerry Paris, and Bruno VeSota in small, uncredited roles.Nicely shot (by Hal Mohr) and scored (by Leith Stevens), "The Wild One" does merit a viewing for film buffs.Seven out of 10.

wes-connors Moody leather-clad Marlon Brando (as Johnny Strabler) and his motorcycle gang arrive to cause mischief in a small California town. Acting tough, Mr. Brando and his "BRMC (Black Rebels Motorcycle Club)" pals put "Wrightsville" on edge. Mainly, they fight and get into accidents. Shapely local girl Mary Murphy (as Kathie Bleeker) catches Brando's eye. She sees the good under his bad-boy exterior. Her father Robert Keith (as Harry Bleeker) is the peace loving sheriff..."The Wild One" is not as good as its reputation. The rebelliousness, including boozy Lee Marvin (as Chino) and his rival gang The Beetles, is laughable. Some datedness is expected, but there are even older films which maintain their cool. Director Laslo Benedek gives the film some energy. He is helped by the black-and-white photography by Hal Mohr. Brando looks good in close-up, with sideburns and just the right touch of make-up; after fighting, he looks even better.***** The Wild One (12/30/53) Laslo Benedek ~ Marlon Brando, Mary Murphy, Robert Keith, Lee Marvin

Syl There is a moment in the film where Brando leaves an iconic image of him on the motorcycle. This film was inspired by the events in Hollister, California in 1947. While the film is loosely based on the events, Brando is unforgettable and brilliant in this mediocre script. The film has a memorable cast especially Mary Murphy as the female love interest and Lee Marvin as one of the rousing bikers. The film's script could have been more worked on. Stanley Kramer was a genius in finding stories about outsiders and alienation. He found the story to be worth telling and how one town came to deal with their situation. Surprisingly, this film lacks the violence by today's standards. You would be surprised to see how mild the violence is. If anything, Brando's performance captures the film overall and leaves a legacy. He was an icon and his acting still regarded as some of the finest ever on screen or stage.