This pilot film for the 1969-1970 TV series Then Came Bronson stars
Michael Parks in the title role. A young, ambitious journalist, Bronson realigns his priorities after his best friend (
Martin Sheen) commits suicide. Borrowing a page from Kerouac, Bronson gives up the rat race for the road. He mounts his friend's motorcycle, speeding up and down the California coastline in search of life's meaning. Along the way, he meets a runaway bride (
Bonnie Bedelia) who briefly joins him on his odyssey. The best sequence takes place in a nomad encampment, presided over by Zorba-like
Akim Tamiroff. Everyone who grew up in the late-'60s seems to have fond memories of the series; why, then, was the show canceled after only one season? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide