Smokey and the Bandit
Cast: | Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, Paul Williams |
Part of the generation who probably saw this movie every time it was on TV on Friday or Saturday night, I couldn't get enough of it. The Bandit (Reynolds) and his buddy ("I thought you and your girlfriend there might light to race me over" Reed) have to smuggle something (who the hell can remember or cares?) across the country for crooks Big and Little Enos, staying out of Smokey's way (personified by Bandit's arch nemesis, Gleason's The Sheriff).
One long car chase ensues as he escorts the truck cross country, fending off Smokey left and right, teaming up with Frog (Sally Field) and putting everyone off side, including the classic bar full of bikers scene. Late 1970s American fun, all Marlboro Man posturing, dazzlingly garish vehicles, horrific fashion and most of all – car chases. Epitomised as Bandit watches Big Enos count out money for the car he'll need and says "I'll need a speedy car... speedier than that."