Evil, arrogant, and amoral devil-may-care hot-rod hellion Johnny Varron (an incredibly young Jack Nicholson in fine snotty form) kills a cop and hassles his nice guy best buddy Dave (likable Robert Bean) because he disapproves of Dave's sweet new girlfriend Nancy (fetching blonde Georgianna Carter). Director Harvey Berman relates the engrossing story at a steady pace, soaks up the whole teen rebel scene with considerable aplomb (besides the expected lively and exciting vehicular carnage, we also get some cool dancing, lots of hysterically dated hepcat slang, and a rousing rough'n'tumble fistfight), and ensures that there are no dreary lulls throughout the tight 60 minute running time. Moreover, it's a total treat to watch a pre-stardom Nicholson play a blithely cocky and wicked adolescent bad egg with obvious lip-smacking relish. Taylor Sloan's crisp black and white cinematography gives the picture an attractive sharp look. The swinging bebop jazz score does the groovy trick. The tragic bummer ending packs a pretty strong punch as well. A nifty little quickie.
Review of The Wild Ride
The Wild Ride
(1960)
An enjoyable juvenile delinquent drive-in romp
11 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers