The 1978 film Convoy is about a group of truckers who rebel against the authorities after a sheriff abuses one of their own. The film is a classic example of the "outlaw trucker" genre, and it is often seen as a celebration of the American spirit of individualism and freedom.
The film is set in the American Southwest, and it follows the story of Rubber Duck (Kris Kristofferson), a trucker who is pulled over by Sheriff Lyle "Cottonmouth" Cordell (Ernest Borgnine) for a minor traffic violation. Cordell is a corrupt officer who enjoys harassing truckers, and he gives Rubber Duck a hefty fine.
Rubber Duck is outraged by Cordell's treatment, and he decides to fight back. He rallies a group of other truckers to join him in a convoy to protest Cordell's abuse of power. The convoy quickly grows in size, and it soon attracts the attention of the media.
The authorities try to stop the convoy, but the truckers are determined to see it through. They eventually reach Cordell's town, and they stage a massive protest. The protest forces Cordell to back down, and the truckers are victorious.
Convoy is a controversial film, but it is also a popular one. It has been praised for its realistic depiction of the trucking industry, its strong performances, and its message of freedom. The film has also been criticized for its violence and its glorification of vigilante justice.
Despite its controversy, Convoy remains a classic film. It is a time capsule of the late 1970s, and it captures the spirit of the American trucker. The film is also a reminder of the power of ordinary people to stand up to injustice.
Here are some of the themes that are explored in the film:
- Individualism: The film celebrates the American spirit of individualism and freedom. The truckers in the film are independent people who refuse to be controlled by the authorities.
- Freedom: The film also explores the theme of freedom. The truckers are fighting for the freedom to live their lives without interference from the government.
- Justice: The film is about the fight for justice. The truckers are standing up to the corrupt Sheriff Cordell, who has been abusing his power.
- Community: The film also explores the theme of community. The truckers in the film come together to support each other and to fight for a common cause.
Convoy is a complex and thought-provoking film. It is a film that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and political persuasions.
Cast
- Kris Kristofferson as Martin 'Rubber Duck' Penwald
- Ali MacGraw as Melissa
- Ernest Borgnine as Sheriff Lyle "Cottonmouth" Wallace of Natosha County, Arizona
- Burt Young as Bobby "Love Machine" "Pig Pen"
- Madge Sinclair as Widow Woman
- Franklyn Ajaye as Spider Mike
- Brian Davies as Chuck Arnoldi
- Seymour Cassel as Governor Jerry Haskins
- Cassie Yates as Violet
- Walter Kelley as Federal Agent Hamilton
- Billy Hughes as Pack Rat
- Jorge Russek as Texas Alvarez Sheriff Tiny Alvarez
- Patrice Martinez as Maria
- Donnie Fritts as Reverend Sloane
- Tommy Bush as Chief Stacey Love
- Spec O'Donnell as 18 Wheel Eddie
- Bill Coontz as Old Iguana
Director: Sam Peckinpah
Writers: B. W. L. Norton
Box Office Gross: $22,765,081
Distributor:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Release Date: June 28, 1978