Rolling Through the 70s: Classic Trucking Movies That Defined an Era
The 1970s was a decade of cultural upheaval, and among the many trends that defined the era, trucking movies took a prominent place. These films celebrated the thrill of the open road, the camaraderie of truckers, and the allure of the big rigs. In this article, we’ll roll down memory lane and revisit three iconic trucking movies from the ’70s: Convoy, Smokey and the Bandit, and Duel.
Ready? We are rolling through the 70s: classic trucking movies that defined an era
1. Convoy (1978): A Truckin’ Revolution
Convoy, directed by Sam Peckinpah, emerged as a cinematic revolution in 1978. The film was inspired by the country song of the same name, written by C.W. McCall, which had become a chart-topping hit. Starring Kris Kristofferson as Rubber Duck, Ali MacGraw as Melissa, and Ernest Borgnine as the ruthless Sheriff Lyle “Cottonmouth” Wallace, the movie packed action, humor, and a powerful message.
Plot:
Convoy follows the journey of a group of truckers who form a mile-long convoy to protest unfair treatment by a corrupt sheriff. What starts as a protest against authority soon turns into a national phenomenon as truckers from all over the country join the convoy, symbolizing unity and resistance.
Cultural Impact:
“Convoy” was not just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon. It tapped into the spirit of rebellion that defined the 1970s and resonated with truckers who felt marginalized and overregulated. The CB radio culture, exemplified by the film, experienced a surge in popularity, making “Smokey” and “Bear” household names.
Legacy:
“Convoy” remains an enduring classic that celebrates the freedom of the open road and the power of collective action. Its legacy can be seen in the continued fascination with CB radios, trucker lingo, and the enduring image of a convoy stretching as far as the eye can see.
Watch the trailer for Convoy below.
2. Smokey and the Bandit (1977): The King of Comedy Car Chases
If there’s one movie that epitomizes the 1970s fascination with fast cars and trucking, it’s “Smokey and the Bandit.” Directed by Hal Needham and starring Burt Reynolds as the charismatic Bandit, Sally Field as his love interest, and Jackie Gleason as the relentless Sheriff Buford T. Justice, this film is an adrenaline-packed joyride.
Plot:
The Bandit and his partner, Snowman, accept a bet to transport a truckload of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia within 28 hours, violating various laws along the way. Sheriff Buford T. Justice pursues them relentlessly in a high-speed chase that became the stuff of cinematic legend.
Cultural Impact:
“Smokey and the Bandit” capitalized on the American fascination with fast cars, CB radios, and the rebel spirit. The film’s humorous take on law enforcement, coupled with high-speed chases and Burt Reynolds’ charm, made it an instant hit.
Legacy:
The legacy of “Smokey and the Bandit” endures in the hearts of movie buffs and car enthusiasts. The black Trans-Am driven by the Bandit became an iconic symbol of ’70s cool, and the film’s memorable quotes are still quoted by fans today.
Watch the trailer for Smokey and the Bandit below.
Smokey and the Bandit Moved Car Culture 45 Years Ago This Summer – Article by Road And Trucks.
3. Duel (1971): Spielberg’s Thrilling Directorial Debut
Before Steven Spielberg became a household name with blockbusters like “Jaws” and “E.T.,” he made his directorial debut with the suspenseful thriller “Duel” in 1971. This made-for-TV movie, based on a short story by Richard Matheson, showcased Spielberg’s talent for building tension.
Plot:
The plot is deceptively simple: a traveling salesman, played by Dennis Weaver, finds himself pursued and terrorized by a mysterious and menacing tanker truck driver on a deserted desert highway. What follows is a relentless game of cat and mouse.
Cultural Impact:
“Duel” may not have been a big-budget Hollywood production, but it left an indelible mark on the suspense thriller genre. Spielberg’s direction and the eerie truck chase sequences created a sense of dread that captivated viewers.
Legacy:
“Duel” paved the way for Spielberg’s illustrious career, and its influence can be seen in later works like “Jurassic Park” and “War of the Worlds.” The film’s minimalist approach to storytelling and relentless pursuit theme still resonates with audiences today.
Conclusion: The 1970s delivered some of the most memorable trucking movies in cinematic history. “Convoy,” “Smokey and the Bandit,” and “Duel” each brought their own unique style and flavor to the genre, captivating audiences with thrilling action, unforgettable characters, and a celebration of the open road. These classics continue to be cherished by fans, reminding us of the enduring allure of trucking in the ’70s.
As we look back at these cinematic gems, we’re reminded of the era’s spirit of adventure and rebellion, where the highway was an open canvas, and truckers were the modern-day cowboys of the American frontier.
Watch the trailer for Duel below.
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Keep your mental and physical health in shape, stay safe and keep trucking!
