The Girl on a Motorcycle

“Rebellion is the only thing that keeps you alive!”

-Rebecca

Leather catsuits, motorcycles, drug-fueled romps across the European countryside, fellas, do YOU know where your lady friend has run-off to? At least the 1968 retro film classic Girl on a Motorcyle seeks to find answers to that very question. It’s the why that may have you experiencing some discomfort.  In short - because her husband is a wanker.

So our girl zooms off to Germany on her motorbike and right into the arms of her lover. 

Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Guaranteed.

1968 color promotional for Girl on a Motorcycle; or ‘La Motocyclette’ as it was known in France. A German Playboy centerfold was originally cast as Rebecca, but was let go after she had a drug overdose. Pop starlet Marianne Faithfull was subsequently cast for the lead role. In the 1960s she had a widely publicized relationship with Rolling Stones lead singer, Mick Jagger. The rocky details of their relationship were chronicled in the band’s most well-known songs. 

Rebecca (Marianne Faithfull) astride her Harley-monster, which was a present from her husband in the film. It also afforded her an early exit from her marriage. © Sunset Boulevard/Corbis. January 01, 1967.

Production Still for Girl on a Motorcycle. 1968. French actor Alain Delon (Daniel) and British actress Marianne Faithfull (Rebecca) smoking cigs on set.

Actors Alain Delon and Marianne Faithfull astride his character’s 750cc Norton Atlas. © Sunset Boulevard/Corbis. January 01, 1967.

Marianne Faithfull stepped into the role of Rebecca with an earnest sincerity. Her rebelliousness and independence helped to dispel traditional stereotypes of women portrayed in film as dispassionate and powerless sex objects.

Watch the trailer here: