Watch Stone

"Stone" is a 1974 Australian biker film that has garnered a cult following, notable for its raw portrayal of motorcycle gang culture and its influence on the action genre in Australian cinema. Marking its place in film history, it was directed and co-written by Sandy Harbutt, who also plays a role in the movie, alongside a cast that includes Deryck Barnes and Hugh Keays-Byrne.

Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous early 1970s, "Stone" dives into the world of biker gangs and explores themes of loyalty, freedom, and counterculture rebellion. In the film, the Grave Diggers motorcycle club, a band of uncompromising and fiercely independent bikers, becomes embroiled in a web of crime, mystery and violence when they are targeted by external forces.

The film introduces us to Stone, played by Ken Shorter, an undercover cop with a strong sense of justice and morality. Stone stands out from the typical portrayals of law enforcers of the time: he's enigmatic, deeply complex, and straddles the line between upholding his duty and identifying with the bikers' way of life. He is assigned to investigate a string of mysterious murders that have left members of the Grave Diggers dead, thrusting him into a world of underground societies and the framework of rebellion.

As Stone infiltrates the biker gang, he becomes a part of their community and learns their codes and ways of living. The Grave Diggers, residing on the fringes of society, live for the moment — their lives a cocktail of camaraderie, hedonism, and the ever-present thrill of the open road. Their leader, portrayed compellingly by Sandy Harbutt, commands respect and loyalty from the gang, providing a strong counterpart to Stone's character.

Deryck Barnes and Hugh Keays-Byrne round out the cast, playing vital roles among the bikers. Hugh Keays-Byrne would later find fame as a villain in another iconic Australian action film, "Mad Max." In "Stone," these actors immerse themselves in the rough and tumble world of bikers, contributing to an ensemble that authentically captures the essence of this subculture.

Through the course of the film, the tension escalates as the threat of the murderers looms and the bond between Stone and the Grave Diggers strengthens. The film delves deeper into the psyche of its characters, revealing their personal demons and the sense of brotherhood that ties the bikers together.

The cinematography captures the scenic beauty of the Australian landscape, contrasting it with the gritty underground life of its protagonists. The soundtrack, replete with rock and roll tunes, complements the film's edgy aesthetic, underpinning the generational gap and the confrontation of traditional values with the unbridled spirit of the bikers.

"Stone" is notable for its high-octane bike riding scenes, which brought an unprecedented level of action to the Australian screen. The exhilaration of the motorcycle sequences combined with the raw, unfiltered look at the biker lifestyle, has made it a seminal film for both biker movie fans and a general audience interested in the era's zeitgeist.

Beyond the adrenaline and action, "Stone" confronts pertinent societal issues, such as the treatment of war veterans - many bikers of the time were Vietnam vets who felt alienated by society - and the rebellion against a perceived corrupt and controlling system. The film examines the heavy toll that such an outlaw lifestyle can exact on its practitioners, and the way it can simultaneously provide a sense of identity and belonging.

What really sets "Stone" apart from typical action films is its multi-dimensional approach; it isn't solely focused on car chases and gunfights. There is a significant investment in character development and story, which offers a more sophisticated take on the action genre. It serves as an investigation into the human condition, the longing for freedom, and the costs that come with it.

Presented as both a thriller and a character study, “Stone” emerges as a unique piece in Australian cinema, reflective of a zeitgeist where counterculture movements clashed with establishment ideals. While its approach and execution might be considered rough around the edges by contemporary standards, its impact and the legacy it left on biker films and Australian action cinema is undeniable.

Overall, "Stone" is a rough-cut gem that has stood the test of time. For those interested in a gritty, authentic look at biker culture, coupled with a riveting storyline, "Stone" remains a must-watch and an important entry in the annals of Australian cinema.

Stone is a 1974 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.