White Lightning (1973) is an American action film directed by Joseph Sargent and starring Burt Reynolds, Jennifer Billingsley, and Ned Beatty. It is about a convicted moonshiner who helps police track down a moonshine ring.
In the film, Reynolds plays Gator McKlusky, a moonshiner who is serving his second federal prison sentence for running moonshine. He is offered a deal by a federal attorney: if he can go undercover and help them infiltrate a moonshine ring, he will be released from prison. Gator agrees to the deal, but he also has his own agenda: he wants to avenge the murder of his brother, who was killed by the sheriff who is leading the ring.
White Lightning is a classic action film with a lot of heart. It features some great car chases, shootouts, and explosions. Reynolds is also in top form, delivering a charismatic and charming performance.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $6 million at the box office. It was praised for its action sequences, Reynolds' performance, and its realistic depiction of the moonshine trade.
White Lightning is a cult classic today, and it is considered to be one of Burt Reynolds' best films. It is a must-see for fans of action films, Reynolds, and the 1970s.
Here are some of the themes that are explored in the film:
-Revenge: Gator is motivated by a desire for revenge for the murder of his brother.
-Corruption: The film explores the corruption of the sheriff and the moonshine ring.
-Justice: Gator is fighting for justice for his brother and for the people who have been victimized by the moonshine ring.
-Individualism: Gator is a rugged individualist who is willing to stand up to authority.
-Freedom: Gator is fighting for the freedom to live his life the way he wants to live it.
The film was followed by with the sequel, Gator, released in 1976.
Cast
- Burt Reynolds as Bobby "Gator" McKlusky
- Jennifer Billingsley as Lou
- Ned Beatty as Sheriff J. C. Connors
- Bo Hopkins as Roy "Rebel Roy" Boone
- Matt Clark as "Dude" Watson
- Louise Latham as Martha Culpepper
- Diane Ladd as Maggie
- R. G. Armstrong as "Big Bear"
- Conlan Carter as Deputy
- Dabbs Greer as Pa McKlusky
- Lincoln Demyan as The Warden
- John Steadman as "Skeeter"
- Iris Korn as Ma McKlusky
- Stephanie Burchfield as Jenny
- Barbara Muller as Louella
- Laura Dern as Sharon Anne, Maggie's Daughter (uncredited)
Director: Joseph Sargen
Writer: William W. Norton
Box Office Gross: $6.5 million
Distributor: United Artists
Release Date: June 27, 1973