An ex-con teams up with federal agents to help them with breaking up a moonshine ring.
| Tagline | Meet the Bayou's baddest good ol' boy. |
| Release Date: | Aug 06, 1973 |
| Genres: | Drama, Action, Crime |
| Production Company: | Levy-Gardner-Laven, United Artists |
| Production Countries: | United States of America |
| Casts: | Burt Reynolds, Jennifer Billingsley, Ned Beatty, Bo Hopkins, Matt Clark, Louise Latham, Diane Ladd, R.G. Armstrong, Conlan Carter, Dabbs Greer, Lincoln Demyan |
| Status: | Released |
| Budget: | $0 |
| Revenue: | 0 |
***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
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**
