Smokey and the Bandit

Smokey and the Bandit

Smokey and the Bandit is a 1977 American action comedy film directed by Hal Needham and starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, and Jackie Gleason. The film follows the adventures of Bo "Bandit" Darville (Reynolds) and Cledus "Snowman" Snow (Reed) as they attempt to transport 400 cases of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia within 28 hours. The film was a commercial success and became a cult classic, spawning two sequels.

Plot

The film begins with Bo "Bandit" Darville accepting a bet to transport a truckload of Coors beer from Texarkana to Atlanta in just 28 hours. Bandit enlists the help of his trucker friend, Cledus "Snowman" Snow, who drives the truck while Bandit acts as a blocker in his iconic black Pontiac Trans Am.

As Bandit and Snowman make their way to Texas to pick up the beer, they encounter various obstacles, including a runaway bride named Carrie (played by Sally Field) who joins them on their journey. Meanwhile, Sheriff Buford T. Justice (played by Jackie Gleason) is determined to catch Bandit and bring him to justice.

Throughout the film, Bandit and Snowman engage in high-speed chases, outsmarting Sheriff Justice and his bumbling son, Junior. The film is filled with comedic moments, thrilling car stunts, and memorable one-liners.

Production

Smokey and the Bandit was produced on a modest budget and was primarily filmed on location in Georgia and Texas. The film's director, Hal Needham, was a former stuntman, which allowed for the inclusion of impressive car stunts and action sequences.

The iconic black Pontiac Trans Am driven by Bandit became a symbol of the film and contributed to its popularity. The film also featured other classic cars, such as Sheriff Justice's police cruiser and Snowman's truck.

Reception

Upon its release, Smokey and the Bandit was a commercial success, grossing over $300 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews from critics but gained a cult following over the years. The film's success led to two sequels, Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) and Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983).

Legacy

Smokey and the Bandit has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film's characters, quotes, and iconic car chase scenes have been referenced and parodied in various forms of media. The film also contributed to the popularity of Burt Reynolds and solidified his status as a leading action star.

See also

• Burt Reynolds
• Sally Field
• Jerry Reed
• Jackie Gleason

External links

• Smokey and the Bandit on IMDb
• Smokey and the Bandit on Wikipedia