Staff Reviews: Summer Double Feature

Bruce Brown Documentaries Endless Summer & On Any Sunday

The hammocks of movies

Two of the most feel-good sports documentaries around, Endless Summer and On Any Sunday are incredibly enjoyable, even as background noise.

1966’s Endless Summer follows surfers Mike Hyson and Robert August as they trot the globe chasing the summer wherever it’s headed so they can keep riding waves.  And when they find themselves in a new spot, they introduce surfing to the locals which are some of the most beautiful and silly moments. And although the opening card reads FILMED IN THE ACTUAL LOCATIONS AROUND THE WORLD (Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Ghana, Hawaii, Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa), the soundtrack, early surfing era footage and overall feel of the documentary exude pure Southern California energy.

1971’s follow-up, On Any Sunday shows you the world of late 60s-early 70s motorcycle racing across the country as well as a dangerous ice race in Canada, focusing on different styles of racing and following professional racers Mert Lawwill, Malcolm Smith and actor Steve McQueen (maybe the only time he has had to play third fiddle).  One particularly exciting segment are motorcycle riders trying to make it to the top of a long steep hill called THE WIDOW MAKER (at the southern edge of the Salt Lake valley). Bruce Brown is on scene when, after seven years of riders trying, a rider makes it to the top. It’s fireworks.

The documentaries are deceptively simple, and instead of focusing on analysis and deep retrospective commentary, Brown showcases the elegance and skill of the sport. Wipe outs and motorcycle spills/crashes are met with some sudden intensity, but are quickly moved passed and the lighthearted feel continues on.  Both documentaries are filled with Bruce Brown’s dry wit, dad jokes and incredibly calming voice. The movies are pure summer fun.