This review is for a movie made in the 1970’s that I initially did not want to sit through. But, I’m glad that I did. Never having seen it in my lifetime until now (about 40 years after it was released), I take a cue from a fantastic music artist by the name of “Sade”, who in one of her song’s lyrics sang, “read the books your father read… try to solve the puzzle in your own sweet time.” The brilliance of the lyricist, there, conveys that whether you are a man or a woman, your own parent(s) can be the mystery that you must come to understand as you become an adult and perhaps raise your own children.

So too, is this film included, in understanding what themes were presented to our father’s through film when they were around 29 years old.

Believe it or not, “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977) makes the case too, that parents shape who we are and who we become to a very large extent. They might shape you to become a rebel (with or without a cause), or one who abides by the laws of men to the greatest extent possible. This film shows what can happen when men become strictly either or. And, that’s the appeal of the film to me after having watched it.

Before I get in to the plot and a review, I preface by saying that this review will be more detailed than most. I also have to say that at face value, the film is not safe for kids by today’s standards. It portrays recklessness, violations of many laws that actually protect us from anarchy today, and was written at a time when sexism was considered normalcy; celebrated and practiced by many- especially men. Nevertheless, I’ll try to stay on point, and give to you a review that entertains and encourages you to sit through this movie like I did this week.

With snappy dialogue, crude language, sexual innuendo and expressions, fitting music, and a lot of action by way of vehicular law breaking… if you like car chases and speed, then this film is for you. By no means would it qualify for (PG) rating today if I headed the MPAA. The film was released in proximity when “Dukes of Hazard” television series also was airing in the USA. As a boy, I did watch that occasionally. “CHIPS” as well. Inspired by the blundering and proud town Sheriff (who is always one step behind the crook), the antics of the relatively self-centered anti-hero, depicted as the “hero”, is the centerpiece of the story.

The movie is also about brotherly love, romantic love between man and woman, pursuits of thrill and money, and the laws of men. Let me get into plot a bit now. Opening with a goof-ball instinct to make a whole lot of money, Burt Reynolds’ character (AKA “Bandit”), rather bored… accepts a challenge by a wealthy “investor” AKA “Mr. Big” (who doesn’t seem to really care who wins in the end) to truck a large supply of “Coors” beer to Alabama (Or, is it Arkansas? Or, is it Georgia?). Anyway, taking the bait, “Bandit” enlists his buddy for the illegal delivery… in order to collect an $80,000.00 cash reward upon successful delivery of the brew to “a wedding”. There’s just a significant problem in the way: it is illegal to transport that liquor anywhere East of Texas to Georgia (the fact that “Coors” beer is brewed in Colorado, is irrelevant to this story).

Knowing that the transport is an illegal job, “Bandit” is lured by the money and he endeavors to buy a new 18-wheeler truck… later carrying on as he does in his life. Transporting the 400 cases of beer, 900 miles each way, is no challenge too big for the cocky “Bandit”. Mind you, he has a lot of help along the way and smarts to boot. Of course, his opposition seeks to shut him down, using the law. Mostly, the Texas Sheriff does, as he follows him across all state lines to try and nab him. His idiot son, rejected by the runaway bride (played by Sally Field), is left with the menial task of holding his Sheriff dad’s hat to his head, while still wearing his tuxedo from the arranged marriage that “Carrie” (later named “Frog”-Sally Field’s character) runs away from early in the story.

That task of holding his dad’s hat, is the symbolic and only semblance of authority that the Sheriff dad truly has. Breaking the law himself, to shut down the “Bandit” and get in the way of his progress, TX Sheriff runs into embarrassment after embarrassment. He has little help from the corrupt upper ranks of his own jurisdiction, as “Bandit” continues to gain ground.

With the help of his friend “Snowman”, and others such as “Frog” (who “Bandit” aptly names so because of his wanting to “jump her”), “Bandit” proves two things: That he not only can get away like a bandit does (from the law), but also that he knows how to “steal” “Frog’s heart (as they journey in his car East). Leading the chase through (and over fallen bridges), off the main highways, against traffic, through road blocks, damaging mailboxes, and worse, the main truck with the goods ahead of them has relative safe passage along the journey. Causing havoc in their wake, they slip by loads of trouble in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.

Do they get the beer to the final destination? Or, does it spill out all over the highway just near the border? Does “Bandit” get his girl and his money? What happens to the Texas Sheriff and his son? You’ll have to watch to find out what “Bandit” gets and what happens.

It’s an old-timer movie; but, with certainty, many movies since were written based on this same plot line.

Part of the fun in this movie, is the network of the CB radio communications in which “everyone” seems to be either talking or listening in on the chase. For that reason, the “Bandit” and his partner “Snowman” use decoys, in their communications intending to thwart their chasers. Friends of theirs help too, by warning about certain more dangerous or blocked highway routes. They deploy distraction and tactic along the way. The point in all of this is, that sometimes the outlaws have the moral authority, even if money is the initial lure or prevailing motivation for the consequences and chaos.

The latter part of the movie is most interesting to me, as it shows charm, tenderness, and mutual affection between “Carrie” and “Bandit”; “Carrie” who was craving the thrill in her life, motivated by her escape from Texas, and falling for “Bandit” himself. And, “Bandit”, finds more to life too, after lacking a real purpose for his endeavors (other than pursuit of money). Loose women, friends, speed, and enemies, he already had. Also interesting, in this film, is how men and women can often be “worlds apart” initially – but come to base the success of their attraction upon common interests. “Carrie” allows “Bandit” to show his gentlemanly side. And “Bandit” accepts her for her enjoyment of the rebellion. Of course, they do have a common enemy.

The film depicts equal dangers of small town “justice”, as well as the dangers of a “rogue” hustle. Some scenes taunt authority as “Bandit” is literally right under Sheriff’s nose. So goes the cliché and portrayal of the incompetent town Sheriff in that day.

While not for children, adult men can find this film as something to allow one to peer into the past.