Electra Glide in Blue [1973]

Someone once said, “Electra Glide in Blue is the best movie you have never heard of.” Whoever said that, I would most defiantly have to agree. Before I tell you why I found this so entertaining, lets start with the basics.

Robert Blake stars as ‘John Wintergreen’. Wintergreen is sometimes referred to as ‘Big John’, a tease as to his very short height. John is a motorcycle cop in Arizona. Along with his partner ‘Zipper’ (Billy Green Bush), they lead a boring job writing tickets and citations. Zipper is just fine with that, but Big John has big dreams.

He wants to become a detective and get all the glitz and glamour that goes along with it. Well, a murder falsely set up as a suicide give him the chance to prove his detective skills. And as he plays his usual “by the book” routine, he finds people on both sides of the law are constantly trying to bend it in their favor. While searching for the murderer, he listens to what everyone says rather than listening to the voice within himself, telling him what he knew was true all the long.

But you know, living “by the book” and listening to yourself can only get you so far, and John Wintergreen has a few more lessons to learn before the credits roll.

Electra Glide in Blue is an odd little movie. This movie is very difficult to write about. It really must be seen to appreciate its full beauty. There is no ONE climax that the movie builds around. Rather, several small ones. It keeps the flow smooth and always ready for the next moment. I have not seen any other Robert Blake movies, but from what I hear, this is his best performance. I don’t doubt that one bit. This performance is nothing short of perfect. You feel like John Wintergreen is a real person. Most likely someone you have met in real life before. Also, Billy Green Bush does a fantastic job as Zipper. Someone get this man a best supporting actor nomination please!! The same can go for Mitchell Ryan playing detective ‘Harve Pool’. Yes, I know hes the dad from ‘Dharma & Greg’, but a role like this shows he can do much more.

The story and acting are so gripping, they suck you in the middle immediately. It makes you think on many multilayer levels. After pulling your thoughts and emotions in so many directions, its hard to find a common theme in the movie. But as confused as it may seem, its really a beautiful piece of work. When you see Wintergreen put on his detective suit for the first time, or when you see him pull over a Vietnam vet truck driver, or when you see Zipper’s joy to show off his new bike, it all feels so real, it could be a documentary almost. Maybe slightly exaggerated, but still real to life none the less

This is a wonderful movie, but its not perfect. People put this in the stunt car movie category. They say the motorcycle chase scene is like ‘Vanishing Point’ or ‘Gone in 60 seconds’. If you are watching it for this reason, prepare to be disappointed. There is only one chase scene, and it seems to only last one minute. It is very well done, but still, this is not a ‘chase’ or ride by the seat of your pants type movie.

Although I have high praises, I’m not sure this movie is a 5 star complete classic. Some people may find it useless and boring. You will at the very least be entertained however. After much thought between 3, 4, and 5 stars, I have decided to give it a 4. Hopefully, you will see why, if you have a different opinion, let me know! That’s why we have comments!