The Bandit is hired on to run a tractor-trailer full of beer over state lines, in hot pursuit by a pesky sheriff. Had five-year relationship (1977-82) worked together in several films, the best known of which was Smokey and the Bandit (1977). With Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, Mike Henry. Universally panned by critics upon its first release, Smokey and the Bandit reportedly pulled in just under $126 million and led to two sequels. Smokey and the Bandit: Directed by Hal Needham. The rest of the film is one long chase not quite as subtle as a Road Runner/Coyote cartoon, not quite as restrained as a Three Stooges comedy. You must be part coon dog, ’cause I’ve been chased by the best of them, and son, you make ’em look like they’re all runnin’ in slow motion. Justice, Bandit furthers his chances at a stiff jail term when he offers a ride to Carrie, who hopes to escape her unwanted wedding to Justice's boy. Bandit: Before I tell you where I am, Sheriff, there’s just one thing I wanna say. The Bandit goes on another cross-country run, transporting an elephant from Florida to Texas. With Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, Dom DeLuise. He was a very physical actor who often did his own stunts, and had initially. Smokey and the Bandit II: Directed by Hal Needham. Photograph: Courtesy Everett Collection/Rex Features. It's important to note that in 1977, it was illegal to sell the Coors brand east of the Mississippi River without a permit if we don't note that, then the plot won't make sense at times.Īlready in danger of arrest from redneck lawmen like Buford T. Sally Field and Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit, 1977. The Bandit ( Burt Reynolds), a maverick racecar driver, makes an 80,000-dollar bet that he can transport a shipment of Coors beer from Texarkana, TX, to Atlanta within 28 hours. Justice ( Jackie Gleason), is the prospective father-in-law of unwilling bride Carrie ( Sally Field).