On June 26, 1969, a movie was released that was a gritty, druggy smash hit with both the critics and the public. Easy Rider was the talk of the nation. As Captain America and Billy captivated audiences, NBC execs noticed.
The rampant drug use, violence, and nudity of the original film would never fly on 1969 televisions (even though it is now shown practically uncut on AMC), but the idea of saying to heck with society and taking off on a motorcycle had already come to life as a TV movie that was aired on the network in March of that year. After Easy Rider's success, Then came Bronson was greenlighted as a series.
Singer/actor Michael Parks played Jim Bronson as a rebel, but a polite, friendly, quiet one.
The show would open with a harried businessman driving a convertible expressing his envy of free spirit Bronson while sitting at a traffic light. A friendly exchange would take place, which, according to Wikipedia, went thusly:
* Driver: "Taking a trip?"
* Bronson: "What's that?"
* Driver: "Taking a trip?"
* Bronson: "Yeah."
* Driver: "Where to?"
* Bronson: "Oh, I don't know. Wherever I end up, I guess."
* Driver: "Pal, I wish I was you."
* Bronson: "Really?"
* Driver: "Yeah."
* Bronson: "Well, hang in there."
That phrase, little heard before the show began airing, continues to be one of the most-often used in the English language.
Then Came Bronson had a run of only a year, but its fans (which include Yours Truly) were rabid in their adoration. Bronson was a regular Joe who just got fed up with life after his buddy at the newspaper (none other than Martin Sheen in the film) committed suicide. So he did what any red-blooded American rebel would do: got himself a Hawg and hit the road.
Bronson's red Sportster with the triangle logo on the gas tank continues to be imitated by fans over thirty five years after the show's one-year run. See what I mean about rabid?
Parks singing talent also nailed him a Top Forty single in 1970: Long Lonesome Highway. The song peaked at #20, and I still can remember all of the lyrics, even though I haven't heard it since I was a teenager.
Parks' low-key, humble acting style endeared him to many, including myself. He continued a fairly successful career after Bronson was canceled in 1970, and eventually hooked up with Quentin Tarentino to get some primo roles in films like Kill Bill and Grindhouse.
I'm glad. We Bronson fans feel like the axe fell way too soon on his TV show. Parks himself is a shining example of the good that comes to those who hang in there.
Comments (7)
I wrote an article about the show in 1999 (linked from my name below). It's newly tricked out with YouTube clips.
Posted by Mike Ransom | May 5, 2007 10:53 AM
Posted on May 5, 2007 10:53
People, visit Mike's web page! It's loaded with great TCB info.
BTW, looks like my memory betrayed me. The businessman is in a hardtop.
Posted by Ron Enderland | May 5, 2007 6:42 PM
Posted on May 5, 2007 18:42
I was part of that era.
Rough times for us who rode motorcycles.
The show was fair for the time.
To bad it didn't have another year's run. Might have gotten a bit better.
I remember my buddy and I would watch the show and when Bronson dumped his bike, my buddy would yell at the T.V. and Bronson, "pick your bike up dummy". I always laughed to myself over that.
May be the reason I remember the show and recommended it be posted.
Posted by Ted | May 12, 2007 10:22 AM
Posted on May 12, 2007 10:22
I don't know how I missed this one? Heard the title here and there. I guess I will have to watch this one!
Posted by Rivers End | June 14, 2009 5:31 PM
Posted on June 14, 2009 17:31
How can I get a print of the Bronson poster above with "Long Lonesome Highway and "Mountain High" on it?
Thanks!
Sansmeat1@gmail.com
Posted by Jeff Simon | August 1, 2009 2:50 AM
Posted on August 1, 2009 02:50
Jeff, that's actually a 45 cover. I doubt that a poster was made of it. But hey, it's a big internet, good luck in your search!
Posted by Ron Enderland | August 1, 2009 6:47 AM
Posted on August 1, 2009 06:47
Great show!
The pilot movie is now officially available, after 40 years! For more info:
http://www.thencamebronson.com/TCB-NOW-ON-WARNER-BROS-DVD.HTM
Click here
For my website, begun in 1998:
http://thencamebronson.com
Posted by Jon ____ | December 7, 2009 11:48 AM
Posted on December 7, 2009 11:48