Another motorcycle movie is in the works, this one “Mike the Bike” named after the nickname given to Mike Hailwood, ten time World Champion, where between 1961 and 1967, he sometimes won the championship of two different classes in a single year. Mike switched to racing cars in Formula 2 and became the European Champion after which he moved to Formula 1. In 1973 Mike was awarded the George Medal for pulling Clay Regazzoni from the burning wreckage of his car during the South African Grand Prix. A crash of his own at the Nurburgring in 1974 resulted in leg injuries ending his career. Mike, however, after a few years off, decided to make a comeback and in 1978, returned to the Isle of Mann and won. This is the kind of story everyone loves and Paul Pender has written the script for just such a movie to tell the tale of Mike the Bike.
The film is being produced by Michael Ohoven of Infinity Media, which recently produced “Capote.” Mike and his daughter were killed in an auto accident in 1981 but the producers are working with Mike’s widow, Pauline, on the film. After “The World’s Fastest Indian,” the prospect of another well made motorcycle film is a good thing. Maybe it will help people forget all of those awful biker movies of the sixties. I’ll be looking forward to this one.
Don’t forget, The World’s Fastest Indian is out on DVD this week!
Link: Hollywoodreporter.com
aaron says
beyond the drinking and driving stuff, there are some amazing stories about mike. my favorite is the one where he crashed on an uphill straight while in the lead, and push started the bike going the wrong way. (because of the hill) …imagine trying to start your bike while having a field of gp bikes screaming toward you! crazy…
I just hope hollywood puts a heavy focus on the glory days, complete with some beale replica rc166 hondas and the kay family agusta (with a benneli cameo maybe?) replicas
David Barrett says
I am a producer working for North One TV (producers of Fith Gear, WRC, Formula 1 and the Audi Channel).
I was recently told stories about Mike by a soundman on a shoot. He informed me that a film was to be made and of a proposal for a documentary on Mike he devised some years ago that never got anywhere.
I was just wondering about the level of interest in Mike there might be in order that I could resurrect this proposal (along with the soundman, Ian Ross) and submit it for production.
Please lt me know your thoughts, including recommdations and any tales you may have of seeing Mike in action or even meeting him in person during his tragically short life.
Look forward to hearing from you and if all goes ahead we could be in contact for an interview.
david.barrett@northonetv.com
Roger Warner says
A truly great idea and i hope it comes to be done as i know many friends would love somehing so dear to trheir hearts