White Lightning

“Meet the Bayou's baddest good ol' boy.”

6.1

1973

1h 41m

DramaActionCrime

Director: Joseph Sargent

Overview

An ex-con teams up with federal agents to help them with breaking up a moonshine ring.

Trailer

Official Trailer Official

Cast

Bobby "Gator" McKlusky

Burt Reynolds

Bobby "Gator" McKlusky

Lou

Jennifer Billingsley

Lou

Sheriff J.C. Connors

Ned Beatty

Sheriff J.C. Connors

Ray Boone

Bo Hopkins

Ray Boone

Dude Watson

Matt Clark

Dude Watson

Martha Culpepper

Louise Latham

Martha Culpepper

Maggie

Diane Ladd

Maggie

Big Bear

R.G. Armstrong

Big Bear

Deputy

Conlan Carter

Deputy

Pa McKlusky

Dabbs Greer

Pa McKlusky

Warden

Lincoln Demyan

Warden

Skeeter

John Steadman

Skeeter

Reviews

Wuchak

***Southern Gothic with Burt Reynolds and action*** A moonshiner on a prison farm in Arkansas, Gator McKlusky (Burt Reynolds), gets released early under the condition that he helps the Feds break a moonshining ring backed by a corrupt Sheriff (Ned Beatty), who also happens to be the murderer of Gator’s little brother. “White Lightning” (1973) is a Deep South crime drama/thriller that mixes “Deliverance” (1972) with Peck’s “I Walk the Line” (1970), adding elements of “Bullitt” (1968) and the early Dirty Harry flicks. “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977) took the basic idea and satirized it. The creators really captured the early 70’s Deep South with loads of sweat and believable characters played by Beatty, Bo Hopkins, Jennifer Billingsley, Matt Clark and R.G. Armstrong. “Walking Tall” (1973) is a good comparison. The film runs 1 hour, 41 minutes, and was shot in Benton, Arkansas, and nearby parts (Keo, Scott, Little Rock, Wrightsville & Alexander). GRADE: B

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JPV852

Has some okay car chases/stunt work and Burt Reynolds is charming as usual, but the story never really clicked for me and I found my mind lingering. Personally I prefer spending that time watching Smokey and the Bandit again. Next I'll be checking out the sequel, Gator. **3.0/5**

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