Scorpio Rising

Kenneth Anger's short film SCORPIO RISING was one of the most influential and popular underground films of the '60s. Avoiding any dialogue, Anger uses back-to-back pop tunes and startling visuals to give a glimpse into the sexually charged world of motorcycle gangs. Mythologizing the biker lifestyle in a quasi-documentary format, Anger intercuts film clips of Marlon Brando, Hitler, and Jesus Christ, while accentuating the violence, idolatry, and homoerotic nature of their fellowship.

Ricky Nelson's "Fools Rush In" opens the film, as the camera lingers on an array of motorcycle parts. The title of the movie is then shown, written on the back of a motorcycle jacke...