Quicksilver (film)

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Kevin Bacon on the poster for Quicksilver

Quicksilver is a 1986 feature film starring Kevin Bacon. Written and directed by Thomas Michael Donnelly, the film also includes Jami Gertz, Paul Rodriguez, Louie Anderson, Larry Fishburne, and Rudy Ramos.

1 Plot
2 Music
3 Bikes
4 Quicksilver soundtrack
5 External links

[edit] Plot

Bacon's character is Jack Casey, a successful young stockbroker who loses all of his money after a risky business decision. Deflated and disenchanted with his profession, he becomes a bicycle messenger for a service, Kurtzweill's Quicksilver Express Co., Ltd. Jack deals with his parents and his girlfriend, who are disappointed with his job as a messenger. Along with the colorful characters that work with him, he meets a troubled young woman, Terri.

DVD cover for Quicksilver

Although frustrated, Jack enjoys the freedom that comes with his lower responsibility. He also uses his education and business acumen to help his co-workers. When some of them are involved in dangerous or difficult matters, Jack must decide whether (and how) he should become involved.

[edit] Music

The film's theme song is "Quicksilver Lightning" by Giorgio Moroder and Dean Pitchford. Performed by Roger Daltrey, it was a minor hit on the pop charts. The film score was composed by Tony Banks. Other music is contributed by performers such as Ray Parker, Jr. and Peter Frampton.

[edit] Bikes

Although a variety of bicycles are used in the movie, 1984-85 Raleigh USA roadbikes are used quite prominently in the film.

Kevin Bacon's machine in the entire movie is a singlespeeded '84 Raleigh Competition. At least three bikes were used - one with a fixed-gear, another variant outfitted with 0-degree angle trick forks, and one simply equipped with a BMX freewheel.

An '85 Super Course (with trick forks) makes a brief appearance in the opening credits. It is not shown in the rest of the movie.

The bike used in the opening taxi VS. bike chase is a 1984/5 Raleigh Grand Prix.

Fishburne's machine used in the race is also a Raleigh USA-era machine, the year or model, uncertain (best guess is an '83 made-in-Nottingham machine).

[edit] Quicksilver soundtrack

"Quicksilver Lightning" - Roger Daltrey
"Casual Thing" - Fiona
"Nothing At All" - Peter Frampton
"Shortcut to Somewhere" - Fish and Tony Banks
"Love Song from Quicksilver (Through the Night)" - John Parr and Marilyn Martin
"One Sunny Day/Dueling Bikes from Quicksilver" - Ray Parker, Jr. and Helen Terry
"The Motown Song" - Larry John McNally A cover version of this song was done by Rod Stewart in 1991.
"Suite Streets-From Quicksilver"
"Quicksilver Suite I/Rebirth/The Gypsy" - Tony Banks
"Quicksilver Suite II/Crash Landing" - Tony Banks.