Introduction
“Les Bicyclettes de Belsize,” a charming and whimsical tune, is a delightful piece of pop music history with a fascinating backstory. While it’s famously associated with Engelbert Humperdinck, the song’s origins lie in a 1968 British short musical film of the same name.
Composed by Les Reed and Barry Mason, the song was initially intended as the theme for this lighthearted film, which tells the story of a young man in London who falls for a model on a billboard. The film, though titled “Les Bicyclettes de Belsize,” doesn’t actually feature the Belsize Park area, adding a touch of playful irony to its narrative.
Interestingly, the song wasn’t performed by Humperdinck in the film itself. The vocals in the movie were provided by Johnny Worth, also known as songwriter Les Vandyke. However, it was Humperdinck’s recording of the song that catapulted it to international fame.
Released as a single in 1968, Humperdinck’s rendition of “Les Bicyclettes de Belsize” became a major hit, reaching the top 10 in the UK and making a respectable showing in the US charts as well. Its catchy melody and lighthearted lyrics, combined with Humperdinck’s smooth vocals, resonated with audiences, turning it into a pop classic of the era.
The song’s title, which translates to “The Bicycles of Belsize,” might seem a bit curious given the film’s plot. However, it’s believed to be a nod to the French film “Les Parapluies de Cherbourg” (“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”), another musical film that was popular at the time. While there’s no direct thematic connection between the two films, the title serves as a subtle homage, adding another layer of intrigue to the song’s history.
Beyond Humperdinck’s version, “Les Bicyclettes de Belsize” has been recorded by other artists, most notably French singer Mireille Mathieu, who released a popular French version of the song. This further solidified its status as a timeless classic, capable of transcending language barriers and cultural boundaries.