''The Hard Ride'' is a 1971

action film Action film is a film genre in which the protagonist is thrust into a series of events that typically involve violence and physical feats. The genre tends to feature a mostly resourceful hero struggling against incredible odds, which include life ...

about a

U.S. Marine The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through combi ...

who promises to take care of a dead friend's

motorcycle A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruising ...

and is threatened by a rival

biker gang An outlaw motorcycle club is a motorcycle subculture generally centered on the use of cruiser motorcycles, particularly Harley-Davidsons and choppers, and a set of ideals that purport to celebrate freedom, nonconformity to mainstream culture, ...

in the process. The film was written and directed by

Burt Topper Burt Topper (July 31, 1928 – April 3, 2007) was an American film director and screenwriter best known for cult films aimed at teenagers. Biography Born in Coney Island, New York City, Topper moved to Los Angeles at the age of 8, and served i ...

and stars Robert Fuller,

Sherry Bain Sherry Bain was an actress from Angeles, California. She started her career in some exploitation films. She co-starred with Robert Fuller in ''The Hard Ride'' in 1971, '' Wild Riders'' in 1971, ''The Ballad of Billie Blue'' in 1972, an episode ...

, and

Tony Russel Tony Russel (born Antonio Pietro Russo, and sometimes credited as Tony Russo or Tony Russell; November 23, 1925 – March 18, 2017) was an American film, stage, and television actor. He was noted for having worked extensively in the Italian film ...

. It was known during production as ''Bury An Angel'' (1970). The soundtrack was released on the Paramount Records label (PAS 6005) the same year as the picture was released and features a mix of pop and folk rock songs, including a rendition of "

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is an African-American spiritual song and one of the best-known Christian hymns. Originating in early oral and musical African-American traditions, the date it was composed is unknown. Performances by the Hampton Singer ...

". All songs were arranged or written by Harley Hatcher.

Reception

Reviews were mixed. Some praised the fact that there was more depth to the film than most other biker flicks, while others have found the movie unoriginal and preachy.

References

External links

* 1971 films 1971 action films American action films Outlaw biker films Films directed by Burt Topper 1970s English-language films 1970s American films {{1970s-action-film-stub

Reception

See also

References

External links