SCOOP: Eyewitness spies THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN

By: Patrick Sauriol
Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Source: Anonymous

You probably haven't heard much about THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN but that will change in the months to come. Filming is taking place on this drama which examines a slice of American history that was delivered by a New Zealander. Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins is playing motorcycle enthusiast Burt Munro, a fellow that took an original 1920 Indian Scout motorbike, restored it, then modified it, then brought it to America to race at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Munro eventually raced his souped-up Indian and set a new world's land speed record. At the time of Munro's journey in the 1960s, the Salt Flats were internationally known as ground zero for supercharged cars to try and break land speed records. The Salt Flats are still famous for these accomplishments.

Principal photography commenced earlier this month on the picture, directed by Roger Donaldson (THE RECRUIT, THIRTEEN DAYS). Donaldson is himself a New Zealander and co-founder of the country's film commission. As such THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN is likely a project that's close to his heart.

We've been presented with an opportunity to share an eyewitness report from a scooper that watched Donaldson and his team film scenes for the movie. Here's that scooper's report:

"I was present for filming on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah for the motion picture THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN starring Anthony Hopkins.

"This could be the closest anybody has come to re-creating an actual racing event.

"The movie has brought back several legendary land speed racing vehicles, in addition to several current land speed racers. Some of the famous LSR cars included Mickey Thompson's 'Challenger,' Dr. Nathan Ostich's 'Flying Kadusius,' Lattin & Gillette's 'Redhead' streamliner, Fred Lobello's 'Ladybug' lakester and the original 'Black Widow' modified roadster. All of these cars now live in museums and most have not been on the Salt Flats since 1962, when the movie is supposed to take place. 'The Redhead' streamliner was actually returned to running order so it could be filmed being driven down the famous 'Black Line' that marks the Bonneville race course. The driver of 'The Redhead' is being played by Chris Lawford.

"Much of the original 'look' of the pits was recreated for the film including the Bell auto parts tent, observation tower and timing stand. The original 'look' continues throught the racing sections of the movie in the event official uniforms, and authentic looking 1962 Bonneville nationals posters and programs.


"Anthony Hopkins was seen driving a replica of the 1954 Chevy, towing a carrige-like trailer identical to the ones Burt Munro (Tony's character) used to drive to the salt flats from southern California after traveling to the States from his home in New Zealand via a merchant marine vessel."

[And whomever they were, they wanted to remain anonymous.]

It'd sure be great to get some pictures from the set, and if you have them, hit the link below and send them in so we can share the wealth.


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