Saving Private Ryan (Paramount, 1998), Tom Hanks "Captain Miller" Screen Used Death Scene Motorcycle. ...

Description

"James... earn this. Earn it."

Saving Private Ryan (Paramount, 1998), Tom Hanks "Captain Miller" Screen Used Death Scene Motorcycle. Original Ural motorcycle (Frame No. 187959) expertly dressed by the production team to resemble a WWII-era German BMW military motorcycle. The motorcycle features the original screen matched license plate reading "WH / 12514" and was prominently used in the pivotal final scene in which Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) succumbs to his wounds and shares his final moments with Private Ryan (Matt Damon). Both Tom Hanks and Matt Damon signed the front fender in marker following the shoot. Motorcycle measures approximately 87.5" x 31" x 41.5" and remains in its original screen used condition, exhibiting heavy studio-applied distress and soiling. Notably, it features an intentionally melted saddle, as referenced in the accompanying letter of authenticity from Vehicle Co-Coordinator Steve Lamonby. Motorcycle is not in running condition and does not include the sidecar. Sold on Bill of Sale only. This motorcycle is located in London, England and special shipping arrangements via third party shipper will apply. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: Death Scene Motorcycle – Detail description, Ural motorcycle frame number 187959.
In World War II the German Army used large numbers of BMW motorcycle and sidecars, many
of them mounting machine guns. Original examples are now rare and highly prized by collector
meaning they have a high re-sale value. A 1960's built Russian ‘Ural' motorcycle is a cheaper
copy of the BMW, complete with its flat twin engine and military style sidecar, all accurate
copies of the original, These make an economic choice for film use, we used several of them on
this film, and modified one of them as a wrecked machine to be blown up in a future scene.

In September 1997 a large battle scene was created. A big set of a French town had been created
complete with a cathedral on the airfield at Hatfield.

Reading the script several days before I was aware of the important ‘Captain Miller' death scene
to be shot. This was to be the last significant scene of the film, with Tom Hanks as Captain
Miller dying of his wounds.

I would like to comment on Steven Spielberg's style as a director at this stage. He is an
intelligent and resourceful man, who will spot an opportunity that may occur, to go off script
and improve the story line. On this day he changed the ‘prop' vehicle that I had planned to use,
to create a dramatic effect.

I had positioned near the small bridge, the chosen location of this scene, a German tracked
motorcycle (Kettenkrad) for use by Tom Hanks as a backdrop. Mr. Spielberg saw this and said
that it had already been featured as ‘The Rabbit' in an earlier scene in the battle. Looking around
the battlefield wreckage he selected a Ural/BMW and sidecar that we had previously prepared for
demolition with an explosive charge in a modified sidecar made with plywood and aluminum.
We had already distressed this motorcycle, but looking at it Mr. Spielberg decided to create a
‘drowning man clutching at a straw' effect. He asked us to burn the driver's saddle, which we did
by removing it, dowsing it with petrol and burning it for about three minutes.

The burnt saddle featured largely in the following scene as a dying Tom Hanks runs his hand over
the saddle many times in his death throes. Tom Hanks and Matt Damon were both in this scene,
and afterwards scribbled a signature on the front of the mudguard.

This motorcycle is in the condition that it was last used in that last scene and has remained
untouched in our vehicle store since 1997. This was the only ‘Demolition' motorcycle built for
‘Saving Private Ryan', frame number 187959 is a ‘one off'.

Steve Lamonby
Vehicle Co-Coordinator Saving Private Ryan.