Hell Drivers

A year ago, America lost a legendary daredevil when motorcycle stuntman Evel Kneivel died. His death, of natural causes at a relatively ripe old age was surprising - Knievel kept the nation on the edge of its seat in the 1960s and 70s with death-defying feats. He jumped his bike over rows of cars and trucks, dangerous animals, and enormous canyons on prime time TV specials.

Knievel’s death marked the end of an era. During his heyday, Knievel was a folk hero. Children looked up to him, and some grew up to emulate him. He helped revive the daredevil culture that traveled across the country, enthralling crowds at county fairs and racetracks. Drivers with little more than leather motorcycle helmets and seatbelts would push their vehicles to the limit – crashing spectacularly into great balls of fire. These thrill riders risked their lives for little pay and a bit of recognition.

Today daredevils are a fading breed. Those who are left scrape by with barely enough money to fill their tanks. These diminished showmen are the subject of a new documentary by New Hampshire filmmakers Peter Koziell and Darren Garnick. It’s called Hell Drivers: America’s Original Crash Test Dummies, and it’s showing in Concord this weekend as part of the Somewhat North of Boston film festival. Darren Garnick joins us in the studio. We also turn to Amy Diaz, film reviewer for The Hippo, New Hampshire’s alt-weekly newspaper, for a preview of what else will screen at the festival.