Introduction:
"Bronco Bullfrog" has become one of the leading cult films of the sixties, despite only ever showing once on TV, and never appearing on video until now. It has been sought after on 'bootleg' for many years, and has a range of fans - notably Paul Weller.
Want to find out more? Read on...
Bronco Bullfrog By Paolo Hewitt
"On September 3rd, 1969, Britain woke up to skinheads. They had been around for ages of course but that was the day the Daily Mirror christened the movement. At the same time, Barney Platts-Mills, an upper class film director was about to release a seminal British film, Bronco Bullfrog which would actually help push forward the next fashion craze - suedeheadism.
Bronco Bullfrog is the first film Mike Leigh should have made. It is set in the East End and was filmed in six weeks in and around Stratford. Using young actors from Joan Littlewood's acting workshop, much of the film is improvised from the script thus giving the film an authenticity lacking in most other home grown efforts (see "Quadrophenia").
Bronco Bullfrog follows the resigned council estate life of one Del Walker, harassed at home, harassed by his girlfriend's mother. One day, he meets up with Bronco, a mate on the run from borstal, & together they pull off a job. Then the police come knocking. Bronco Bullfrog is a kitchen sink drama which at first viewing might disappoint. Keep with it. It really is a film that reveals more & more with each showing. It is also worth checking to view that crossover period from Skins to Suedies. Bronco wears standard skinhead clobber but Del with his long hair & penny collars is where 1970 was heading.
A young skinhead called Gary Kingham (works in William Hunt now) went to see Bronco at the cinema. (The advert was a picture of a skinhead's boots and jeans) He later told me for my book The Soul Stylists, 'When that guy came out wearing a penny collar shirt, we all laughed. A month later, we were all wearing them.' Such is the power of the Bronco."
Paolo Hewitt (All rights reserved)
