How Bullitt Transformed the Hollywood Car Chase | Steve McQueen + Bill Hickman

There’s no doubt that Steve McQueen is an icon, but there’s sometimes an argument as to whether or not he was simply playing himself on screen (especially alongside Bill Hickman in Bullitt).
But McQueen isn’t just playing himself. Like Paul Newman or Humphrey Bogart, he was a presence on the screen, like a myth come to life.
In Bullitt, the icon plays a San Francisco cop who’s assigned to bodyguard a syndicate witness. There’s a murder, where our hero must hide the body until he can figure out what’s going on.
The actor based the role on real-life Inspector David Toschi, which is also who Clint Eastwood modeled for Dirty Harry and the subject of Mark Ruffalo’s character in Zodiac.
The story is tangled and the film is complex, even though many modern audiences feel it’s relatively slow. But, the biggest thing going for the film isn’t just the iconic car chase, it’s the authenticity.
It actually starts in the hospital scene, where the creators brought in real doctors for many of the scenes, to make the work look real.
Once this precedent was established, they could then do what they love most: tear up the streets of San Francisco.
In the 10 minute 53 second chase, drivers Bill Hickman and Steve McQueen started out somewhat slow, in an effort to build tension. But, once they got going, the rest was history…
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Sources:
The Making of Bullitt:
• Video
7 Things You Didn’t Know About Bullitt:
• 7 Things You Probably ...
“Permits” in The French Connection:
• The French Connection ...
Rare Steve McQueen Interview:
• Video
Music…
“Suspense Chase” by WHAT Pictures

[@andrewdrabble8939]

THE Grandaddy of car chases. The music of those V8's is just heaven

[@thesoultwins72]

Andrew Drabble.....Sorry to burst your bubble, but that throaty engine sound on the Mustang was completely fake. It was dubbed on post-production as the film-makers didn't think the Mustang sounded powerful enough. [which it wasn't in comparison to the Charger].

[@andrewdrabble8939]

@@thesoultwins72 I know that already, I am not stupid. I was on about the actual sound not the cars. I heard that the engine sound used for the GT390 was actually a GT40 and yes the Charger was the more powerful car

[@thesoultwins72]

@@andrewdrabble8939 ...If you really DID know this already - why did you make such a misleading comment?

[@andrewdrabble8939]

@@thesoultwins72 It wasn't misleading. Regardless of whether the sound of the engines was dubbed or not, you cannot deny that the sound of them is a glorious noise

[@mikew7561]

@@thesoultwins72 Relax Film Police! The guy was just saying "Those engines "🤦‍♂️

[@noelcostello7380]

I remember noticing that when the cars were going down the road flying in the air, that people in the cinema were rising up and down in their seats, as if they were in with Steve McQueen.

[@johnmick9457]

Little known fact about Bill Hickman, he was a good friend of James Dean was in the car following Dean when Dean was killed and pulled him from the wreckage.

[@Tiffany.1970]

Very true indeed about Bill Hickman even accompanied James dean on the way to Salinas road race I believe Bill was driving the car with the trailer attached and can be scene where James dean is filling up his 550 Porsche Spyder... There is a pic somewhere on you tube true fact 👍✨

[@garciadavid582]

So true. There's no Bio on Bill

[@darringraham2613]

That's the only Ford Mustang that has a 15 speed transmission , RIP Steve McQueen Gone Too Soon🙏❤

[@mandolindleyroadshow706]

A couple things set the Bullitt chase apart from all of the chases that came before (and many after). It was the first chase to be shot extensively from a third moving vehicle (they even gave it a named - the "Bullittmobile"). It was rigged with cameras to shoot in any direction and could go as fast as the chase cars. In this behind the scenes film, you can see director of photography, Bill Fraker, sitting back of the Bullittmobile operating the camera. Until then, most chases were shot from stationary cameras with the cars whizzing by (you can see this effect in almost any Adam-12 episode). The second innovation was putting the cameras inside the car; not just to capture close ups, but over-the-shoulder shots that made the viewer an unwilling passenger feeling the impact of the ride. The French Connection would extend this effect even further by mounting a camera on the front bumper that showed the car "eating up" the road.

[@John-cr2tn]

I heard it was a small block Chevy, maybe an s s . do you know if it was?

[@jeffrykopis5468]

The infamous green beetle. The Charger crashing into the camera. The Mustang's one-wheel peel. And its apparent 8 speed transmission! All things that amuse me about this chase. BTW, that was also Bud Ekins, who was also a respected motorcycle RACER and Triumph dealer, laying down the bike.

[@spactick]

when they .filmed Bullitt in front of the SF Art Institute on Chestnut St in San Francisco (shown here) the skid marks that they made were still there on the street 3 years later

[@mcalhad]

I was 16 years old and saw bullitt in the theater, what a movie to see when you just had you're Drivers license for 6 months. I pushed my 67 Barracuda with it's 273 v8 and Two 4 barrels. I had to put two rear ends in it from racing that cuda. But it was my mother who totalled that car, and she wasn't speeding but not paying attention. I was left with buying a used ford pinto since still owed on that cuda.

[@gregorys6074]

No music just engines

[@toastnjam7384]

To really appreciate the car chase you have to see it in a theater. Your ass came of the seat during the hill jumps. It's like a amusement park motion simulated ride.

[@petermcelvogue3228]

Bill Hickman is also the getaway driver in the 7ups. He really was in high demand for the driving chase scenes.

[@felixmadison5736]

That's because Hickman was the best at what he did. The man is a legend!

[@benjaminlutz5075]

Hickman was an amazing Driver.

[@gregorys6074]

McQueen is dbl clutching that Fastback

[@jerrysegal2903]

i heard that sound too. why was he double clutching?

[@johnnersinger5075]

@@jerrysegal2903 easier for the synchro mesh

[@jerrysegal4181]

@@johnnersinger5075 i though double clutching was for shifting down not up.

[@johnnersinger5075]

@@jerrysegal4181 either way works

[@steveneaklor2990]

The engine sounds for the Mustang are actually a Ford GT40 that was dubbed in.

[@howarddavis1307]

It’s good too see bill hickman finally get some recognition for his body off work Corey Lofton is another great from back when stuntmen were stuntmen he drove the challenger in vanishing point bill just was cool and relaxed when he was driving the charger in bullit he and Steve worked together along with Corey loftin in the chase in bullit . The mustangs 390 v8 was modified too keep up with the chargers 440 magnum v8 ..check out the camera car it is a striped down 1965 corvette 396 big block ...that was modified sow it could keep up with the cars at high speeds ...👍

[@christhompson3750]

Cary Lofton was the crazy truck driver who chased Dennis Weaver in "Duel."

[@garrybaldy327]

Neither of you can get his name right. It's Carey Loftin, though it was spelt in Duel as Cary Loftin. He also drove Christine in Christine.

[@AFMMarcelD]

"Life is Racing! Everything before and after is just waiting.” - Steve McQueen. Edit: Cheers 🍻 to Steve, I miss that gorgeous bastard.

[@benjaminlutz5075]

McQueen was an Awesome Person.

[@Obeijin]

Best chase scene I've ever seen ...

[@alainrosso568]

Steve mc Queen one of the best...

[@felixmadison5736]

Because it's the best chase scene ever filmed.

[@jfrancismiller]

Ronin

[@FrankDunne-ui9ji]

Never get tired of watching this scene...saw him in another film...almost a carbon copy car chase.Same car, same clothes...and the clip of the car belt meaning, business can anyone name the film.

[@Pihasanddunes1]

Good doco. As for Bullitt, I like the whole movie, it's a drama rather than a thriller. The urgency and fame of the car chase kind of overbalances the rest of the film in the memory. It has a sombre tone throughout with McQueen's world weary cop feeling at times like an update of the western movie silent hero, but out of place now, shaking his head at a world increasingly run by the likes of Robert Vaughan's manipulative, conniving bureaucrat. McQueen's scenes with Vaughan are fraught and bitter. The film's attention to fine detail and precision set new standards, even down to using props to tell a piece of the plotline in the scene where they go through the suitcases of a woman supposedly travelling alone - but who wasn't. McQueen was tone perfect for a role he seemed born for. Shoutout also to Bill Hickman for his driving and sinister stoneface. And that Dodge, a thing of beauty.

[@felixmadison5736]

Sadly, they don't make 'em like this anymore. I am so glad I got to see 'Bullitt', 'The French Connection', and 'The Seven Ups', (just to name a few) at my local theater when I was in my 20s. Today's stuff is bullshit, with it's computer generated scenes.

[@jimmyyu2184]

I would have said "Oh yeah, there was a real baby in there, the the woman pushing the carriage was a dummy stand-in that we got from Macy's" 🤣🤷‍♂️

[@K0E0M0O]

I Might Be A Bit Confused at The Moment But That's Sean Connery at 0:17 :D .. Great Video, Bullit is one of my all Time Favorites .. I'm More of A GTO/Charger Guy But This Movie Made Me Fall in Love With Mustangs For Sure .. Keep up The Good Work !

[@jjmac3561]

That is Bill Hickman, not Sean Connery.

[@K0E0M0O]

@@jjmac3561 was kidding .. just thought Hickman looked a lot like Connery in that shot

[@mikew7561]

Just bought a 2008 Mustang GT Bullit!👍

[@deansapp4635]

I had a 2001 Bullitt Mustang

[@garyaugustus690]

Every time I think of this car, I remember listening to Bill Cosby's "200 mph" as a kid, and him talking about Carroll Shelby. I didn't find out about the automotive greatness of him until I watched, 'Ford vs. Ferrari' the other night.

[@stephensmart7388]

Love the Bullitt Cars and the Film my favourite Car has to be the 440 R/T 68"Charger Amazing Stuff

[@bobellis2026]

Me to!!!

[@geraldscott4302]

Notice how McQueen's Mustang is all dirty and dinged up before the chase even started. Also notice it wasn't bright red with spoilers and scoops and racing stripes. McQueen never did like flashy cars.

[@AL-ud2is]

He hated the Pontiac Trans Am hence why he wanted to be blown up in "The Hunter" movie

[@maureencora1]

#1. Bullitt & #2. Seven Ups Are Greatest Car Chases in Film.

[@jeffrykopis5468]

The mean lookin' old dude in the passenger seat is a dead ringer for my late father in law.

[@rjlong89]

Steve McQueens a badass.

[@runawayproductions]

Nice job on this doc!

[@tomoday4450]

Great video 👍🏻

[@RobertEricJenkins]

The algorithm is working.

[@michaelinch6256]

There will never be a cooler man or a finer actor than Steve McQueen is just too bad he was struck down at a young age cancer is one mother. If there really is a God he's is surrounded by one hell of a crowd

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Steve McQueen's cancer was because of asbestos poisoning when her served in the Marines.

[@michaelcroos4713]

Cool vid, bud, thank you!

[@michaelhayes7616]

It's a classic

[@eurotom288]

I have to say I actually liked the Charger better than the Mustang, I know this will probably annoy some of the Muscle car guys, it’s still one of my all time favourites, great movie, drive safe guys.

[@rockslide4802]

I’ve read that in fact the Charger could drive around the Mustang. Much more powerful.

[@geraldscott4302]

@@rockslide4802 The 1968 Charger R/T 440 Six Pack was faster than the Mustang GT 390 single four barrel in a straight line, but did not handle as well as the Mustang. It was nose heavy and hard to throw around. It's power and weight overpowered its stock tires, brakes, and suspension. In a chase like that one, the Mustang actually had an advantage. There was only so much even Bill Hickman could do with a 2 1/2 ton nose heavy car with 375 hp and 6" wide bias ply tires.

[@AL-ud2is]

@@geraldscott4302 Six pack was never available on Chargers till 1970

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@rockslide4802 FALSE.

[@gregorys6074]

68 most beautiful body ever made

[@gordoncampbell100]

Absolutely fantastic insight into how this iconic part of film history , made it onto the screen .

[@mooseandsquirrel9887]

Wasn’t it Bill Hickmans character that was “accidentally” shot and killed in the deserted building by Gene Hackman at the end of The French Connection ......

[@bill2953]

Yep that was Hickman

[@rsstrazz6261]

Spoiler!

[@joe6096]

I've always been a GM guy, Camaro guy, my current car is a 2019 Camaro SS 6 speed. But I love both of those cars in this chase. They could not have picked two better cars, and I would submit that had they used a '68 Camaro SS for Bullitt instead of the '68 Mustang 390 GT fastback it would not have been near as effective. That year, Ford got the Mustang fastback design perfect and it's by far the best looking Mustang in it's history.

[@waltbullet1287]

Amen! The 390 was built to Holman and moody specs the charger was stock

[@gregorys6074]

Waiting to check on biker is so cool

[@sergeantmasson3669]

That was stunt rider/driver Bud Ekins. He did McQueen's stunt in the Great Escape movie also.

[@salinagrrrl69]

There are many this day n age thought the film was sssssslooow paced. I saw it on BIG screen back in it's day. Then I didn't think that but felt it was more like unedited real time footage docu style. But I noticed the Firebird n hubs shedding.

[@pauldashwood2897]

Must have been great for SM to drive a new 68 FB …I had a 68 and a 69 back in the 80s

[@AggroQM2]

The Seven Ups was cool too.

[@joe-hp4nk]

BlaBlaBla

[@jackhammer7824]

THE MUSTANG in BULLET just Sold for 4,7 million. Carroll's Shelby 69 GT 500 Shelby MUSTANG 4.1 million ♥.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

$3.47 million.

[@johnnersinger5075]

That mustang didn't do shit in the movie. The one they found in baja mexico did all the work.

[@jackhammer7824]

@@johnnersinger5075 It was sold / given to a man that knew the producer of Bullet well. He Drove it a couple years then garaged it until now.

[@johnnersinger5075]

@@jackhammer7824 they did the whole movie with one car

[@jackhammer7824]

@@johnnersinger5075 That what I always believed. Steve McQueen did all his own driving. A second Mustang would not make sense. Unlike the Dukes of Hazard , they use 16 chargers, constantly repairing damaged ones.

[@rudietriedathing]

Is it Hickman or Hackman?

[@BrockSwinson]

Thanks for watching! The stuntdriver is Bill Hickman. The actor is Gene Hackman.

[@derekgorman7939]

@@BrockSwinson Of which both worked together in French Connection. Gene Hackman's Popeye Doyle shoots a fellow colleague played by Bill Hickman at the end in his chase for 'The Frog'.

[@rsstrazz6261]

@@derekgorman7939 Spoiler!

[@Marc816]

@@derekgorman7939 Bill Hickman also filled in for Gene Hackman in the chase scene between the car and the train.

[@TuneStunnaMusic]

You never explained how Bullitt transformed the hollywood car chase.

[@Sojourning_]

I think often Steve was playing his ego.

[@TheFlatlander440]

The Bullitt car chase was epic but the rest of the movie kinda sucked.

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

the rest of the film is a masterpiece and you're a blatant ignorant charlatan

[@TheFlatlander440]

@@JulioLeonFandinho To each his own. McQueen was never that great an actor in the first place and the only role he played worth a damn was in The Great Escape as Virgil Hilts "The Cooler King". The only other role I liked him in was Carter "Doc" McCoy with Ali McGraw in "The Getaway" and again, he wasn't that great in that part either. As far as the movie Bullitt is concerned it won an Oscar for Best Film Editing even though it did well at the box office. Just my opinion and you don't have to go calling people names for not agreeing with your opinion. Have a nice life.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@TheFlatlander440 Steve McQueen not a great actor? Why then did he receive a bunch of awards and award nominations? How many you got, CUPCAKE?

[@TheFlatlander440]

@@sergeantmasson3669 It was MY opinion bud. Nothing more. If you don't agree with me, fine. Cupcake?? LOL

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@TheFlatlander440 Facts disprove your allegations.

[@marcatyankeepark459]

No CGI bullkaka