In the realm of American cinema, few films capture the spirit of the 1970s quite like “Smokey and the Bandit.” This iconic action-comedy, released in 1977, not only became a box-office sensation but also left an indelible mark on popular southern culture. From its unforgettable characters to its thrilling car chases and iconic theme song, “East Bound and Down,” “Smokey and the Bandit” continues to entertain audiences decades after its debut.

The movie was a smash hit at the box office. Bankrolled with $4.3 million, it grossed $126,737,428 in North America, making it the 3rd highest-grossing movie of 1977 after Star Wars Episode IV and Close Encounters.

The Genesis of a Classic

“Smokey and the Bandit” was the brainchild of director Hal Needham and screenwriter James Lee Barrett. Needham, a former stuntman, brought his expertise to the film, ensuring that the action sequences were both realistic and spectacular. The idea for the movie came about when Needham and actor Burt Reynolds, who would later play the lead role of Bo “Bandit” Darville, were discussing the possibility of making a film centered around a high-speed pursuit.

The plot for the movie stemmed from a real issue involving Coors Banquet beer. While working as Reynolds’ stunt double on the set of Gator in Georgia (1976), Needham received a few cases of Coors beer from California. The beer was stored in Needham’s hotel room, and he noticed the maid kept stealing bottles from the fridge. This incident reminded him of a 1974 TIME magazine article he had read, which highlighted that Coors beer was not available east of the Mississippi River. This was because Coors was unpasteurized and required constant refrigeration, preventing it from being sold legally outside of 11 western and southwestern U.S. states. This sparked the idea in Needham’s mind: “Bootlegging Coors would make a great plotline for a movie.”

Enter Bo “Bandit” Darville, a charismatic and skilled driver who, along with his partner Cledus “Snowman” Snow, played by Jerry Reed, is tasked with transporting 400 cases of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia within 28 hours. This seemingly simple task becomes complicated when Bandit picks up a runaway bride, Carrie, played by Sally Field, who is fleeing from her marriage to the son of a Texas sheriff, Buford T. Justice, portrayed by Jackie Gleason.

Casting and Characters

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its casting. Burt Reynolds was at the peak of his career when he took on the role of Bandit, bringing a perfect blend of charm, wit, and machismo to the character.

His chemistry with Sally Field, who played Carrie, added a layer of romantic tension that resonated with audiences. Sally Field said, “I did Smokey and the Bandit because Sybil (1976) was coming out, and everyone said, ‘Whoa, the work is extraordinary. It’s really good work …’ or something like that, ‘… but man is Sally Field ugly! And I thought, ‘Oh God, okay … if I play this character that Burt is supposed to think is attractive, maybe the world will think I’m attractive, and somebody else will hire me.’ So I did it. And it was a great fun romp, journey, and certainly a good experience. And then it was all improv. It was almost entirely improvised.”

Jerry Reed’s portrayal of Snowman provided a steady and humorous counterpart to Bandit’s antics. Jerry Reed also contributed the iconic song “East Bound and Down” to the film. Despite promising a song, he hadn’t written one by the end of filming. Needham reminded him of his commitment, and Reed assured him he’d have something by the next morning. After a night out, Reed came back and performed “East Bound and Down” for Needham the next day. When Needham didn’t respond immediately, Reed offered to make changes. The director shot back, “If you change one damn note, I’ll f*ckin’ kill you!”. Jerry Reed’s “East Bound and Down” rocketed to No. 2 on the U.S. Country charts and inspired an HBO comedy years later.

Interestingly, Jackie Gleason’s character, Sheriff Buford T. Justice, became so popular that it inspired a spin-off television series titled “Buford” in 1979. Although the series only lasted one season, it demonstrated the enduring popularity of Gleason’s portrayal of the irascible sheriff. Burt Reynolds said that Jackie Gleason adlibbed quite a bit while shooting and said basically that Gleason “never said a single word in the script.”

Despite his advanced age, Gleason never gave up drinking. Burt Reynolds fondly remembered how Gleason would ask his assistant for “hamburgers” while on set, a code for a glass of vodka, or any type of alcohol between takes. Gleason enjoyed using nicknames or codes for the various types of alcohol he regularly consumed.

When Smokey and The Bandit aired on network television, much of the language had to be toned down. For example, Justice’s catchphrase “Sumbitch!” was altered to “Scum bum!” Most of the leads re-recorded their dialogue. However, Jackie Gleason did not. Instead, Henry Corden, the voice of Fred Flintstone, dubbed in the new dialogue for Buford T. Justice.

Mike Henry’s character, Junior, wasn’t even part of the original script. He was added after Jackie Gleason insisted on having another character to accompany Sheriff Justice in his pursuit of the Bandit.

Burt Reynolds & Sally Fields On-Screen Romance

This film is one of several collaborations between Burt Reynolds and his 1970s girlfriend, Sally Field. In each of these movies, Field played Reynolds’ love interest. Their joint filmography includes Smokey and the Bandit (1977), Hooper (1978), Smokey and the Bandit II (1980), and The End (1978). Reynolds and Field’s off-screen romance began during the filming of Smokey and the Bandit.

Filming Locations and Production

Filming for Smokey and the Bandit took place primarily in Georgia and parts of Florida, capturing the rustic charm and diverse landscapes of the American South.  The movie’s locations, ranging from Lakewood Fairgrounds in Atlanta to Main and Mill Street in Jonesboro, provided the perfect backdrop for the high-speed car chases that became a hallmark of the film. McDonough’s Town Square served as the backdrop for iconic car chase scenes. Additionally, rumors suggest that Old Seven Flags Speedway, sections of Highway 166, and various other spots in Douglas County were also featured. These diverse locations, combined with the film’s plot, create a unique and historically intriguing cinematic experience.

One of the most iconic scenes in the movie involves the Bandit’s Trans-Am jumping a dismantled bridge over the Mulberry River. This stunt, executed by Hal Needham himself, was a testament to the director’s expertise in stunt work and added an exhilarating moment to the film.

The Cars of “Smokey and the Bandit”

Central to the film’s appeal was the sleek and powerful 1977 Pontiac Trans-Am, which became synonymous with Burt Reynolds’ character, Bandit. The Trans-Am, with its distinctive black and gold design, perfectly captured the rebellious and adventurous spirit of the film. Its roaring engine and agile handling made it the ideal vehicle for the high-speed pursuits that defined many of the movie’s most thrilling sequences.

Needham spotted a picture of a Pontiac Trans Am in a magazine and came up with a product placement idea. He initially requested six Trans Ams from Pontiac, but the company agreed to send only four. He also asked for four Bonnevilles for Jackie Gleason’s character but received just two. By the time they filmed the final scene, three of the Trans Ams had been wrecked, and the fourth one wouldn’t start due to the extensive stunts. They had to use another car to push it into the scene. For Smokey and the Bandit II (1980), Needham’s request for 10 Trans Ams and 55 Bonnevilles was met without any issues.

The car’s popularity soared after the film’s release, with Pontiac capitalizing on its newfound fame by releasing a special edition of Trans-Ams featuring the iconic black and gold color scheme. These limited-edition models quickly became coveted collectors’ items among automotive enthusiasts and fans of the film alike. Following the movie’s premiere, Trans Am sales skyrocketed, doubling for the automaker. For the first time, the Trans Am outsold the Camaro.

The Snowman’s big rig trailer was actually shown in an episode of the The Walking Dead series!

What’s a Smokey?

The nickname “Smokey” is Citizens Band radio slang for State Patrol troopers because of their hats. Most states outfit them with what is appropriately called “campaign hats” with a “Montana crease.” The hat with that type of crease is of late 19th-century vintage. It came to be called a “Smokey Bear hat” after the US Forest Service began publishing posters of their mascot wearing one in 1944.

Sequels and Spin-offs

Following the immense success of the original Smokey and the Bandit, two sequels were produced. Each attempted to recapture the magic of the first film while expanding on its characters and themes.

• Smokey and the Bandit II (1980): Directed by Hal Needham and once again starring Burt Reynolds, “Smokey and the Bandit II” sees Bandit and his crew tasked with transporting an elephant from Florida to Texas. The film reunited Reynolds with Sally Field and Jerry Reed, and while it achieved moderate commercial success, it failed to match the critical acclaim of its predecessor.
• Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983): In the third installment, Burt Reynolds chose not to reprise his role as Bandit, leading to a significant departure from the formula that made the first two films so popular. Instead, Jerry Reed’s character, Snowman, takes center stage and becomes the Bandit. Despite featuring some familiar faces from the original cast, including Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T. Justice, “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3” failed to resonate with audiences and marked the end of the franchise.

Critical Reception and Cultural Significance

Critically, “Smokey and the Bandit” received mixed reviews upon its release. Some praised its entertainment value and chemistry among the cast, while others critiqued its simplistic plot and reliance on car chases. The people that have criticized this movie are complete morons. Just sayin’. Its impact on popular culture cannot be understated. The film epitomized the carefree, rebellious spirit of the 1970s and became a symbol of freedom and adventure. I, for one, freakin’ love this movie!

“Smokey and the Bandit” remains a beloved classic transcending its era. With its memorable characters, adrenaline-pumping car chases, and infectious soundtrack, the film continues to entertain audiences and serve as a reminder of the power of cinematic escapism. Whether you’re a fan of high-speed pursuits, charismatic performances, or simply enjoy a good laugh, “Smokey and the Bandit” offers something for everyone. As we celebrate its legacy, we are reminded of the enduring appeal of a film that dared to defy authority and drive straight into the hearts of movie lovers everywhere.