Ralph "Sonny" Barger Confronts VDC / Press Conference

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Film Date
11/19/65
Film Reference Number
KRON 569-13
Description
KRON-TV news footage from November 19th 1965 featuring scenes of Ralph "Sonny" Barger - President of the Oakland Chapter of the Hell's Angels - holding a press conference at Dorothy Connors Bail Bonds in which he states the Angels will not attend a planned Vietnam Day Committee (VDC) march in Oakland in the interest of "public safety." Referring to the VDC as a "mob of traitors" Barger explains that: "Our patriotic concern for what these people are doing to our great nation may provoke violent acts by us." He goes on to read out a telegram sent to President Lyndon Johnson which begins as follows: "I volunteer a group of loyal Americans for behind the line duty in Vietnam. We feel that a crack group of trained guerillas could demoralize the Viet Cong and advance the cause of freedom." Opens with views of Barger and the Hell's Angels confronting VDC marchers in Oakland and a scuffle between the Angels and police. Also includes brief views of Hell's Angels: Cliff Workman Tiny Walker Ron Jacobsen and Tom Thomas. Opening graphic designed by Carrie Hawks.
Format
16mm negative film