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The Classic Movie: Smokey and the Bandit
There are some movies that have stood the test of time and Smokey and the Bandit is one of them. This 1977 American action comedy film directed by Hal Needham has become a cultural icon in its own right.
The Storyline
Smokey and the Bandit revolves around two truck drivers, Bo Darville (Burt Reynolds) aka “The Bandit” and Cledus Snow (Jerry Reed), as they are hired to transport illegal Coors beer from Texas to Georgia. Along the way, they pick up a runaway bride named Carrie (Sally Field) who just left her groom at the altar.
What makes their trip even more exciting is that they are being chased by Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) who wants to catch them for breaking various traffic laws. The movie is filled with car chases, stunts, and hilarious antics between the characters.
The Cast
Smokey and the Bandit boasts an impressive cast including Burt Reynolds as The Bandit, Sally Field as Carrie, Jerry Reed as Cledus Snow, Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T. Justice, Pat McCormick as Big Enos Burdette, Paul Williams as Little Enos Burdette, and Mike Henry as Junior Justice.
The Popularity
Smokey and the Bandit was a commercial success, becoming the second-highest-grossing movie of 1977, behind Star Wars. The movie has since achieved cult status and is known for its memorable catchphrases, such as “Smokey’s got the bear on his tail” and “What we have here is a failure to communicate.”
The popularity of the movie paved the way for two sequels, Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) and Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983), although neither achieved the same level of success as the original.
The Soundtrack
Aside from its iconic characters and storyline, Smokey and the Bandit is also known for its soundtrack. The movie features music from popular country artists such as Jerry Reed who wrote most of the songs for the film. The soundtrack includes hits like “East Bound and Down,” “The Legend,” and “Texas Bound and Flying.”
The Criticism
Despite its widespread popularity, Smokey and the Bandit received mixed reviews from critics upon release. Some praised it for its humor and fun performances, while others criticized it for being too lighthearted with no real substance.
For example, film critic Leonard Maltin gave the film a negative review, calling it “a waste of time and money.” However, these criticisms did little to dampen the movie’s popularity and it still remains a beloved classic.
The Legacy
Smokey and the Bandit has left a lasting legacy in pop culture. The movie has been referenced in several other films, TV shows, and even music videos over the years. It’s no wonder why fans continue to watch this film decades after its release.
Overall, Smokey and the Bandit is a fun-filled action comedy that has earned its place in cinematic history. Its memorable characters, exciting car chases, and iconic soundtrack have made it an enduring classic that people will continue to love for years to come.