Steve McQueen: Desert Racer (2015)

Unfolding over a gripping hour, Director Jon Brewer's biographic documentary, 'Steve McQueen: Desert Racer,' delves deeply into the untold chapters of the iconic actor Steve McQueen's life - his passion for desert motorbike racing. This captivating journey explores the depths of McQueen's fascination with motorbikes, a hidden talent and obsession that quietly thrived behind his cinematic fame. The film's narrative pivots around McQueen's relationship with his stunt double, Bud Ekins, on the set of 'The Great Escape'. The duo's shared passion for motorbikes sparks a creative partnership, leading them to spend countless hours in Ekins' California bike shop, refining, adjusting, and perfecting the performance of these mechanical beasts. Their innovative collaboration results in the genesis of a new breed of racing bike, a groundbreaking fusion of a Metisse frame and a Triumph engine. This innovation is taken further when McQueen journeys to England to meet the Rickman Brothers, pioneers of Metisse motorbikes, culminating in the creation of the legendary 'Desert Racer'. Fast forward a few decades, Steve's son, Chad McQueen, authorises a limited edition reproduction of the 'Desert Racer', with 300 units meticulously handcrafted by an artisanal company based in Oxfordshire. Narrated by Charlie Boorman and enriched with a treasure trove of rare archival photos and footage, the film offers intimate interviews with key figures like Chad McQueen and the creators of the replica. 'Steve McQueen: Desert Racer' uncovers the hidden layers of McQueen's passion and provides an intriguing glimpse into an unexplored side of the film legend's life.

Steve McQueen: Desert Racer is a documentary movie featuring Charley Boorman and directed by Jon Brewer.

Steve McQueen: Desert Racer is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Peacock and Peacock Premium and it's also available on Night Flight Plus.

It is also possible to buy Steve McQueen: Desert Racer on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.