I remember this airing on a Sunday night. I watched anything related to Evel, so I was pretty jazzed about the prospect of a weekly show. Thanks for the post. Haven't seen this since it aired.
Being the second star of this pilot, I think I would have been a lot richer today had it gone to series (it actually was picked up as a series but canceled because of people writing in afraid their kids would try and imitate Evil on their bikes. Canceled 2 weeks before shooting the first season. Having also been George Lucas's first choice to play Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars and blowing it makes me think maybe these mishaps are why I chose to stop acting and go on the other side. I had auditioned MANY times for Star Wars. Being told I had the part, my agent strongly discouraged me to not go back when the studio wanted to do a test with the three of us (Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher and me). My agent said that "it was a cheap science fiction film that was paying scale. Although they were offering a percentage on the back end, nobody ever sees any of that!" Who was a bigger fool, my agent or me for listening to her?
Gary Barton I can’t imagine how cut throat everything is in Hollywood. Especially back in the 70’s. Evel Knievel was one of my childhood hero’s. It’s amazing the success he had, not to mention he did it all himself.
I suspected Gary Davis did the riding. Did he also jump off the highway tunnel to the top of the semi trailer in movie Viva Knievel? Where was the tunnel to semi jump filmed?
A lot of kids used him as inspiration to get outside and ride our bikes off homemade ramps to emulate our hero. Unlike today's kids who rarely go outside in case they get a booboo on their knee.
Thanks for sharing this! Evel Knievel was my hero as a kid.
I remember this airing on a Sunday night. I watched anything related to Evel, so I was pretty jazzed about the prospect of a weekly show. Thanks for the post. Haven't seen this since it aired.
Hard to believe the guy in the middle was the second star of this show. Looks like me!
I agree, SO much like Scott Bakula. How handsome Sam was and still is!
Being the second star of this pilot, I think I would have been a lot richer today had it gone to series (it actually was picked up as a series but canceled because of people writing in afraid their kids would try and imitate Evil on their bikes. Canceled 2 weeks before shooting the first season. Having also been George Lucas's first choice to play Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars and blowing it makes me think maybe these mishaps are why I chose to stop acting and go on the other side. I had auditioned MANY times for Star Wars. Being told I had the part, my agent strongly discouraged me to not go back when the studio wanted to do a test with the three of us (Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher and me). My agent said that "it was a cheap science fiction film that was paying scale. Although they were offering a percentage on the back end, nobody ever sees any of that!" Who was a bigger fool, my agent or me for listening to her?
what horrible luck... I do wish they made more of these!!!!!!!!!!
Gary Barton I can’t imagine how cut throat everything is in Hollywood. Especially back in the 70’s. Evel Knievel was one of my childhood hero’s. It’s amazing the success he had, not to mention he did it all himself.
@Greg Hubbard crack is wack
Greg Hubbard hey captain obvious, no shit the movie is lame. What are u gonna tell us next ? The sky is blue. Go smoke another rock
Cool story bro... Whats next? You were gonna run for President, but Trump talked you out of it?
Gary Davis did all of the riding in this pilot
I suspected Gary Davis did the riding. Did he also jump off the highway tunnel to the top of the semi trailer in movie Viva Knievel? Where was the tunnel to semi jump filmed?
so cool love that funky music like watcing the rockford files choice 70's
OMG!!!! I thought it was a young Scott Bakula for a second! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I have not seen this one with Evil & Sam Elliot in it. It was a hoot to watch.
Sam Elliott looked like Scot Bakula.
+stingray4real "Oh, boy!" This could so work as a Quantum Leap episode.
I really miss seeing hairs dancing across the old filmstock!
Very cool!
Wow Gary great story
Did this ever air I don't recall it.
Seeing Sam Elliott without his mustache is like seeing Jesus without his robe.
His mustache was holding out for more money.
Evel was a True BadAss...
Sam Elliot without that trademark moustache...
Elliott's Stash is in another trailer with his drawl.
Weird to hear Sam without his trademark rugged and manly voice 😆
Best theme tune to a failed pilot ever.
Would have been an interesting tv show
Damn, how many Knievel movies were there? Were kids really that bored in the 70s?
dumbest comment ever
This was a pilot for a TV series.
A lot of kids used him as inspiration to get outside and ride our bikes off homemade ramps to emulate our hero. Unlike today's kids who rarely go outside in case they get a booboo on their knee.
Looks like Neil diamond
George Hamilton was better...but I do remember this!!!
N273SY
Elliott's Stash is in another trailer with his drawl.