Best of the Rest: Breakaway

This is an edited version of "Breakaway," one of the films that inspired Roger McGuinn to make his short film, "Eight Miles High." It was made in 1966 by Bruce Conner and features dancer and choreographer Toni Basil (Antonia Christina Basilotta).

Breakaway originally featured Ray Charles' music, but after copyright disputes it was replaced by Basil's own music dating from her short but successful 1970s singing career.

Conner was an active force in the 1960s' San Francisco counterculture, best known for his kinetic, short films of the 1950s and 1960. He also has done extraordinary work in painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, printmaking, and photography. Today Conner is recognized as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

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