Harley and the Davidsons

Working in a Milwaukee shed in the early 1900s, childhood friends Bill Harley (Robert Aramayo) and brothers Walter and Arthur Davidson (Michiel Huisman and Bug Hall) tinkered on their dream of building a motorized bike, one that was "bigger, stronger, faster." This 2016 three-part Discovery Channel dramatization, directed by Ciarán Donnelly and Stephen Kay, chronicles the first few decades of the Harley-Davidson company and their drive to finance, manufacture, and promote their bikes in the industry's fast developing dealerships. Harley was the engineer, troubleshooting and supplying know-how, while the Davidsons focused on marketing and building brand loyalty. From the earliest days, their bikes were part of a culture and a way of life as much as a business, marketed through rider clubs, races, and beer tents at competitions. Harley motorcycles helped during the military campaigns of World War I, prompting many returning veterans to buy a Harley after the war. The drama here follows these sons of immigrants who realized the American dream while competing with the rival Indian Motorcycle Company and (later) Ford Motors. Conflicts are supplied when a split develops between flat track racers and those who prefer the alleged "blood sport" of motordrome events. (After a friend and colleague is killed at one of these races, the Harley Davidson founders back out, declaring that they are "selling motorcycles, not mayhem.") Also covered are the devastating effects of the Great Depression, and a bankruptcy after patents aren't secured, as well as personal stories that include a Davidson son who gravitates to a group of renegade bikers, and the usual romantic subplots. The series has gaps and lulls, and sometimes lacks a compelling narrative, but the expertly filmed racing scenes help sustain interest throughout and will certainly appeal to motorcycle enthusiasts. Extras include a “Biketacular” special, and a “making-of” featurette. Recommended. (S. Rees)