Editing Smokey and the Bandit

{{Short description|1977 American action comedy film}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}

[[File:Smokey_And_The_Bandit_Poster.jpg|thumb|right|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 (film)|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.

[[File:1978_Trans-Am_bandit.jpg|thumb|left|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]]

[[Category:1977 films]]
[[Category:American action comedy films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Hal Needham]]
[[Category:Films set in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Films set in Texas]]
[[Category:Films shot in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Films shot in Texas]]
[[Category:Trucker films]]