Smokey and the Bandit

1977 American action comedy film

Theatrical release poster for Smokey and the Bandit

Smokey and the Bandit is a 1977 American action comedy film directed by Hal Needham, starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, and Mike Henry. The film was a major box office success, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 1977, behind Star Wars.

Plot

The film follows the adventures of Bo "Bandit" Darville (Burt Reynolds) and Cledus "Snowman" Snow (Jerry Reed), who are hired to transport 400 cases of Coors beer from Texarkana, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia in 28 hours. At the time, it was illegal to sell Coors east of the Mississippi River without a permit. The Bandit drives a Pontiac Trans Am as a "blocker" to divert attention from the truck carrying the beer.

During their journey, they pick up a hitchhiker named Carrie (Sally Field), who is fleeing from her wedding to Junior, the son of Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason). Sheriff Justice becomes determined to catch the Bandit, leading to a series of high-speed chases and comedic encounters.

Cast

• Burt Reynolds as Bo "Bandit" Darville
• Sally Field as Carrie "Frog"
• Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T. Justice
• Jerry Reed as Cledus "Snowman" Snow
• Mike Henry as Junior Justice

Production

The film was directed by Hal Needham, who was a former stuntman and had worked with Burt Reynolds on several previous projects. The screenplay was co-written by Needham and Robert L. Levy. The film's success was largely attributed to its humor, action sequences, and the chemistry between Reynolds and Field.

The iconic Pontiac Trans Am used in the film became a symbol of the movie's success. The car was featured prominently in the film's promotional materials and became a popular model among car enthusiasts.

The 1978 Pontiac Trans Am, similar to the one used in the film

Reception

Smokey and the Bandit was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It was praised for its light-hearted tone, engaging performances, and thrilling car chases. The film's success led to two sequels, Smokey and the Bandit II and Smokey and the Bandit Part 3.

Legacy

The film has maintained a cult following over the years and is considered a classic of the action comedy genre. It has been referenced in various forms of popular culture, including television shows, music, and other films. The character of Sheriff Buford T. Justice, portrayed by Jackie Gleason, became particularly iconic for his comedic portrayal of a determined lawman.

Related pages

• Burt Reynolds filmography
• List of American films of 1977
• Hal Needham