Fast Charlie... the Moonbeam Rider

Synopsis

Fast Charlie... the Moonbeam Rider is a 1979 action-comedy film starring David Carradine as Charlie Swattle, a former motorcycle racer who returns to his hometown to participate in a high-stakes motorcycle race. Known as 'The Moonbeam Rider,' Charlie combines his daring racing skills with a laid-back charm as he navigates the quirky rivalries and colorful characters of the competitive racing scene. The film blends humor, action, and the thrill of motorcycle racing, showcasing late 1970s Americana and the spirit of rebellion and freedom associated with motorcycle culture.

Cast

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  David Carradine

  Charlie Swattle

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  Brenda Vaccaro

  Grace Wolf

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  L.Q. Jones

  Floyd

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  R.G. Armstrong

  Al Barber

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  Terry Kiser

  Lester Neal

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  Jesse Vint

  Calvin Hawk

Reviews

Fast Charlie... the Moonbeam Rider received mixed reviews upon its release and continues to hold a modest rating today. On IMDb, it has a rating of 5.4/10 based on user reviews, reflecting an audience divided between fans of Carradine's performance and those critiquing the film’s pacing and story depth. The film has not been extensively covered by major critic aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, limiting the breadth of professional critiques. However, contemporary critics praised the film's nostalgic portrayal of 1970s motorcycle culture and noted David Carradine's charismatic presence as a highlight, with one reviewer stating, "Carradine brings a laid-back coolness that elevates an otherwise routine racing flick." Meanwhile, some viewers found the plot to be formulaic and occasionally meandering, describing it as "a light, forgettable diversion rather than a gripping drama." Overall, the film is appreciated more for its cultural context and Carradine's role than for groundbreaking storytelling or production values.