In the roaring sequel Smokey and the Bandit II (released in theaters on August 15, 1980), the legendary Bo “Bandit” Darville (Burt Reynolds) has fallen on hard times, nursing a bruised ego and a bottle after a string of personal failures.
However, he is pulled out of his funk when Big Enos (Pat McCormick) and Little Enos (Paul Williams) offer him a massive new challenge: transport a pregnant elephant named Charlotte from Miami to the Republican National Convention in Dallas in just twenty-four hours where Big Enos is running for governor against John Conn (David Huddleston).
Bandit reunites with his loyal partner, Cledus “Snowman” Snow (Jerry Reed), and his off-and-on flame, Carrie (Sally Field), to pull off the ultimate stunt.
Along for the ride is an eccentric Italian gynecologist, Dr. Federico Carlucci (Dom DeLuise), who is tasked with ensuring the elephant arrives in good health.
The journey is anything but smooth as the group is relentlessly pursued by their old nemesis, Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason).
This time, the stakes are personal for Justice, who is determined to reclaim his dignity after the humiliations of the first film.
Gleason pulls triple duty, appearing not only as the bumbling sheriff but also as his own brothers, Gaylord and Reginald.
The film culminates in a chaotic, large-scale desert showdown featuring hundreds of police cars and semi-trucks, proving that the Bandit’s charm and the Snowman’s driving remain a formidable match for the long arm of the law.
Cameos include The Statler Brothers, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Klecko, Don Williams and “Mean Joe” Greene.
Burt Reynolds and Sally Field in Smokey and the Bandit II (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for Smokey and the Bandit II
Smokey and the Bandit II grossed $10.9 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office, knocking The Empire Strikes Back ($4.3 million) out of the top spot on its 13th weekend.
The film would gross $66.1 million in its theatrical run.
This film was the sequel to the 1977 blockbuster hit, Smokey and the Bandit.
The film was followed by another sequel in 1983, Smokey and the Bandit Part 3.
Legacy
The legacy of Smokey and the Bandit II is defined by its status as a quintessential piece of “CB radio” culture and a testament to the sheer star power of Reynolds at his commercial peak.
While it traded some of the original’s grounded grit for a more slapstick, cartoonish tone, it solidified the franchise’s place in American pop culture as the definitive celebration of the open road and anti-authoritarian mischief.
Furthermore, it underscored the enduring appeal of the “good ol’ boy” archetype, influencing a decade of car-chase cinema and television. By doubling down on the stunts and the absurdity, it helped cement the Bandit as a folk hero for a generation of moviegoers, ensuring that the sight of a black-and-gold Trans-Am would forever represent the spirit of cinematic rebellion and high-speed fun.
