When it comes to the blockbuster films of 1977, if you’re like me, the one that comes to mind is an out-of-nowhere film from a galaxy far, far away. Indeed, it was May 25, 1977 when STAR WARS first hit theater screens, but just two days later came the release of the year’s second-biggest grosser – and another movie very near and dear to me: Hal Needham’s SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT. This May, TCM Big Screen Classics and Fathom Events will bring SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT back to theaters, as it races into cinemas for a special two-night 40th Anniversary Event, May 21 & May 24!
“Tear up the highway with the Bandit (Burt Reynolds), a fun-loving, fast-talking trucker who takes on his craziest haul yet— delivering 400 cases of beer from Texarkana to Atlanta in just 28 hours. With Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) hot on his trail and eager to teach him some respect for the law, the Bandit joins forces with good ol’ boy Cledus (Jerry Reed) and runaway bride Carrie (Sally Field). Gear up for huge laughs, pedal-to-the-metal action and some of the wildest car crashes ever filmed!”
This was one of the great car movies of the era, and one that I’ve seen countless times over the years – starting with viewings as a kid in the early days of the cable era. Having never seen it on the big screen, it looks like May will finally make that happen. Check out Fathom Events for theaters and showtimes.
Related Note: Did you know that both Mattel’s Hot Wheels Retro Entertainment Collection and the Greenlight Hollywood Series have kept Smokey and the Bandit in the toy aisles in recent years? Check out my recent column over at The Toy Insider about all the tv and movie “star cars” you can find at your favorite toy retailer!
