Who could have guessed in 1969 that this low-budget biker film would prove such a huge box office success?

Dennis Hopper directed and co-wrote its tale of two drop-outs (Hopper and co-writer Peter Fonda) who hit the road on their motorcycles, travelling from LA to New Orleans in time for the Mardi Gras.

Their appearance, however, doesn't endear them to many of the locals they encounter on the way. After a brief stint in jail, they join up with liberal lawyer Jack Nicholson and head off for further adventures. But they provoke hostility from murderous rednecks...

This unrelenting attack on American conservatism boasts fine direction from Hopper and a marvellous performance from Nicholson, who received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Of course, time has dented its impact, but at the time of its release the influential film was an outstanding expression of counter-culture values and frustrations.

TAGLINE: 'A man went looking for America - and couldn't find it anywhere'.