I WAS disappointed that the opening quote in Oliver James’ article “No sex but lots of tuck” (TES, July 28) was incorrect, and therefore actually altered the whole concept of the argument.
Rather than being asked: “What are you fighting for?” Johnny (Marlon Brando in The Wild One) was actually asked “What are you rebelling against?” To which he famously replied “Whaddayagot?”
This has been very much a joke response over the years among my friends, and prompted me to research further.
Sadly, Mr James, Johnny was not an adolescent, but an ex-serviceman who, having returned fro the war, joined what was to become a sub-culture of the original motorbike boys, or Hell’s Angels. These gangs were organised on formal regulations, and run in an almost military manner.
The basis for the 1954 film ‘The Wild One was a real-life event in Hollister, California, where on July 4 1947, two opposing biker gangs caused riots in the town.
Thank you for the article, Mr James, but, upon reflection, maybe a more appropriate quotation might have been used, in this instance?
Gail Goodman
Ryscar House
67 Ladybank Road
Mickleover
Derbyshire