The Cannonball Run, released in theaters on June 19, 1981, is an absolute blast from start to finish, a chaotic, celebrity-packed romp that celebrates the sheer absurdity and joy of a cross-country car race. Starring an incredible ensemble including Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Roger Moore and Farrah Fawcett, the film is a gloriously over-the-top spectacle that delivers non-stop laughs and memorable stunts.
The premise is wonderfully simple: an illegal, no-holds-barred cross-country automobile race from the East Coast to the West Coast. A motley crew of eccentric participants, each with their own unique vehicle and strategy, enters the race hoping to be the first to arrive in Redondo Beach, California.
Led by the charismatic J.J. McClure (Reynolds) and his zany, multi-personality-afflicted co-driver Victor Prinzi (DeLuise), the competitors employ every trick in the book – from disguises to outrageous modifications – to outrun their rivals and evade the ever-present police, particularly the strict speed enforcer, Fenderbaum (Warren Performer, not in prompt but a key antagonist). Their mad dash across the country is filled with hilarious mishaps, unexpected alliances, and a constant escalation of vehicular mayhem.
Reynolds is in his element as J.J., effortlessly exuding his trademark charm and cool demeanor, making him the perfect ringleader for the madness.
DeLuise is a comedic revelation as Victor, with his rapid-fire personality changes and physical comedy providing some of the film’s biggest laughs.
Moore delivers a wonderfully self-deprecating performance as a fictionalized version of himself, complete with Bond-esque gadgets.
Fawcett is charming as Pamela, a photographer who gets inadvertently caught up in J.J.’s scheme.
The film is packed with iconic appearances: Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. are a hilarious duo disguised as priests; Jackie Chan showcases his early martial arts skills; Jamie Farr is memorable as the Sheikh; and country music legend Mel Tillis plays a quirky competitor.
Peter Fonda, Terry Bradshaw, Jack Elam and Bert Convy add to the fun.
Director Hal Needham, a former stuntman, orchestrates the chaotic proceedings with a clear love for fast cars and slapstick. The film’s energy is infectious, moving from one outrageous set piece to the next without missing a beat. The humor is broad and relies heavily on the unique personalities of its sprawling cast, allowing each celebrity their moment to shine.
While the plot is essentially a framework for the gags and chases, it never takes itself too seriously, inviting the audience to simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
Burt Reynolds in The Cannonball Run (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Reception for The Cannonball Run
The Cannonball Run grossed $11.8 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office.
The film would gross $72.2 million in its theatrical run en route to being the sixth highest grossing film of 1981.
The film was followed by two sequels, Cannonball Run II (1983) and Speed Zone (1989).
Legacy
The Cannonball Run is a classic feel-good comedy that captures the irreverent spirit of the early 80s. It’s a film that thrives on its star power, its relentless comedic energy, and its unpretentious commitment to pure entertainment. For anyone looking for a high-octane, laugh-filled romp with an all-star cast, The Cannonball Run is an exhilarating and endlessly rewatchable race to the finish line.
