Who was the real Evel Knievel? When the daredevil’s bicycle helmet is taken off, and the legend is removed, the man remaining might not be the resemble the character we remember from his heydays. In “Evel,” Leigh Montville separates facts from fiction, and as you learn, that is not only the easiest proposition when it comes Knievel. The author successfully reveals the true Evil Knievel.
Exactly how many injuries and broken bones did Knievel suffer during his career? It quite often varied from day to day, month to month, and year to year. Apparently, the daredevil broke his back seven times, which caused him intense pain through the remainder of his life. Despite making millions, Knievel filed for bankruptcy. Exactly how many millions did he make? The stories varied, but he might have made $60 million, and as he claimed, spent $62 million thanks to his lavish lifestyle.
One attribute you can’t remove from Knievel equation was his willingness to risk to his life in daring stunts, including his memorable attempt to jump the Grand Canyon. In “Evel,” Montville details the backstory to this nearly disastrous 1974 stunt, that was shown across the county on closed circuit television. The author outlines the promotion of the event, and reveals the stunning aftermath.
Away from his motorcycle, what was the daredevil really like? He was described as being a bully, arrogant, a show off, never apologetic, a playboy, and an alcoholic. Knievel would become a mainstream star with his many appearances on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. A 1971 movie starring George Hamilton was produced about his life, and his toys outsold Barbies, if you believe the stuntman. And despite it all, he wound broke, divorced, serve time in jail, and had lousy relationship with daredevil son Robbie.
Did you know Knievel claimed to have made love to 600 women, 8 in a single day. It is true, the part about Knievel claiming to have slept with that many women, anyways. Knievel was known to embellish his stories from telling to telling, but you will get to know the real Evel Knievel here. Montville did a wonderful job researching, presenting Knievel’s life story, and sharing fascinating stories.
By: Leigh Montville
Narrated by: Danny Campbell
Length: 17 hrs and 37 mins
Release date: 04-26-11
Publisher: Random House Audio