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Britten - Backyard Visionary

Television (Full Length) – 1994

Piotr Wawrzyczny
Piotr Wawrzyczny
15 Nov 2018 - 03.13pm
Love this story.

Makes me wonder if there are any similar journeys are taking place around the world as we speak.
Murray Dinneen
Murray Dinneen
21 Jan 2018 - 01.11pm
AWESOME #KIWI!!!!
annalese
annalese
13 May 2014 - 10.26am
My son had to do a assignment on a great New Zealander and choose John Britten. This doco helped him connect with the heart of John's passion and creativity. Thank you for making John's inspiring story accessible to future generations.
William Lithgow
William Lithgow
28 Mar 2013 - 05.33pm
What a legend....! God only knows what he could`ve achieved if he hadn`t died so young ! Reminds me of the sort of British garden shed inventers like Barnes Wallace etc...! Found this via a link in MCN after Adam Child fullfilled a lifelong dream to ride one and he was totally blown away ! Only wish he could have lived on and done all the other things planned to do with motorcycles especially ! What a guy ! Hope he`s appreciated in NZ ! Peace Ye`All from Scotland !!
Dion paul warren
Dion paul warren
17 Mar 2013 - 03.42pm
The word legend rings loud in my mind when i remember watching john brittens story for the first time with my younger brother nearly 20yrs ago, his story has been fixed in my mind ever since. A humble genius who never did anything for the fame, only to prove a to himself he could.
Jens
Jens
24 Jan 2013 - 03.06am
Had tears in my eyes, when he was doing wheelies alongside the Ducati...seeing John so happy gave me goosebumps all over. Incredible, what this man has achieved! My all-time hero!! Greetings from germany to NZ.
Barry Johnston
Barry Johnston
9 Feb 2012 - 11.53am
I purchased the video some years ago, and haven't been able to play it since I no longer have a video player... If it was on DVD I would purchase it.... An incredible story of innovation and talent.... I grew up in Rhodesia where we had similar innovative people brought on by the fact Rhodesia had sanctions from the rest of the world. We had to innovate our way through life...
Helen
Helen
19 Dec 2011 - 08.42pm
Just been watching the John Britten story on DVD and yep he was brilliant but the music in the program spoilt my enjoyment especially when it was playing over the top of people talking etc
Dee Reynolds
Dee Reynolds
8 Sep 2011 - 08.27pm
What a privilege to see this documentary after all this time. The word 'genius' is bandied about far too readily in this day & age, but I can't think of a more fitting discription for JB. Even after his sad passing, his innovation & legacy is an inspiration to generations both old & new. Thank you John for your work, insight, & your numerous achievements - but most of all for the undying can-do spirit which should inspire us all.

New Zealand & his surviving loved ones should be justly proud.

Best wishes from Missy Dee in the UK x

cody simpson
cody simpson
30 May 2011 - 08.25pm
i am a 13 year old boy and this nearly made me cry watching it damn skin cancer
Dave
Dave
23 Mar 2011 - 07.58am
This makes me proud to be a Kiwi. I'm not a bike fan but this story is great, I'll be buying the DVD on my return to NZ I would love to know what John's family are doing now, especially his children to what field of work have they gone into.

What a true legend John, in the word's history books for ever.

RIP

Regards DCH
Darren
Darren
26 Dec 2010 - 08.08pm
Just bought the DVD and I hope many others do, lets hope some of the revenue continues his dream and goes to Kirsteen and and children, rest in peace John
Calin Filip
Calin Filip
21 Nov 2010 - 11.20am
I am a passionate biker. Can't tell you as much this story inspired me ...
Do you have any opening position in that particular garage ?
Calin from Romania
v.t.r honda
v.t.r honda
27 Oct 2010 - 12.17am
new zealand has a britten motor bike on show at te papa musem in wellington, :) britten.......
Jos
Jos
21 Oct 2010 - 01.45pm
The extended, uncut version of this documentary, with additional footage following the Britten team through Europe and at Isle of Mann, "One Man's Dream" is coming to DVD in late November. Details on http://www.brittendvd.co.nz
Helmut
Helmut
10 Aug 2010 - 07.05pm
John Britten died much to early in his life. It is sad, that noone followed up his dream. I am glad, that I could see the european Brtiien in Assen/Netherlands life an I have never sean such a beauty of technology again. Dear Britten's in New Zealand, continue the work of John Britten, it's worth the work. It's not the longest way to build it as a street bike.
I am just working at the "Baby Briten" and it shows a lot of the innovation, John Britten has done in the 80s. A little bit poor: the "Baby Britten" is made from metal.
reilly
reilly
21 Apr 2010 - 08.35am
john britten is a fricken legend
Jed
Jed
17 Mar 2010 - 11.43am
I am still learning more about John Britten, but his story is almost too good to be true. The man was unbelieveable, and completely fearless to take on the huge dynasty of European and Japanese motorcycling conglomerates. An amazingly inspirational story - I can only imagine that he must be regarded as a deity in N.Z. Talk about David vs. Goliath(s!) - he was a true "giantkiller".

It's funny, but I like to tinker and fix things, and lots of people I know seem fairly impressed by that. I do enjoy it, but all I am doing is repairing old things, finding what's broken and fixing it, and occasionally having to get creative with a solution, and persistence will get you EVERYWHERE. I think the reason that I am not very impressed with what I do is that every so often I hear about somebody like John and what they can and do accomplish, and the sheer awe and admiration for what HE did never really leaves you. In that light, it is pretty hard for us mere mortals to be overly impressed with our minor accomplishments. The world could really use a lot more people like him - bold visionaries who show us what many could hardly dream up, let alone execute, despite the odds. Just unbelieveable....
Jackson Beale
5 May 2009 - 10.20am
I remember this so well. John was my uncle and a massive inspiration in my life. Anyone who is an aspiring creative visionary should read this article also: http://www.designindustry.co.nz/articles/the-myth-of-a-backyard-visionary.htm
Lynne O'Connor
Lynne O'Connor
18 Mar 2009 - 03.23am
I am not that interested in motorbikes but someone recommended this doco to me. I have to say it was fantastic and would quite happily watch it again. So have shared it with all my friends.
dale ozun
dale ozun
31 Jan 2009 - 11.47pm
Awesome documentary. You never know when you are filming that you are documenting a Legend! How can I buy this on DVD?
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