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poster of White Lightning
Rating: 6.154/10 by 94 users

White Lightning (1973)

An ex-con teams up with federal agents to help them with breaking up a moonshine ring.

Directing:
  • Joseph Sargent
  • Mel Efros
  • Hal Needham
  • Edward Teets
  • Natalie Drache
Writing:
  • William W. Norton
Stars:
Release Date: Mon, Aug 06, 1973

Rating: 6.154/10 by 94 users

Alternative Title:
McKlusky - US
Gator 1: White Lightning - US
白色闪电 - CN

Country:
United States of America
Language:
English
Runtime: 01 hour 41 minutes
Budget: $0
Revenue: $0

Plot Keyword: corruption, smuggling (contraband), repayment, moonshine

Burt Reynolds
Bobby "Gator" McKlusky
Ned Beatty
Sheriff J.C. Connors
Bo Hopkins
Ray Boone
Matt Clark
Dude Watson
Louise Latham
Martha Culpepper
Dabbs Greer
Pa McKlusky
Iris Korn
Ma McKlusky
Fay Martin
Sister Linda Fay
Richard Allin
Treasury Agent
Bill Bond
Treasury Agent
Sherry Boucher
Sherry Lynne
Dick Ziker
Highway Patrol
Buddy Joe Hooker
Highway Patrol
Laura Dern
Sharon Anne (uncredited)
Bob Meriwether
Treasury Agent (uncredited)

Wuchak

***Southern Gothic with Burt Reynolds and action*** A moonshiner on a prison farm in Arkansas, Gator McKlusky (Burt Reynolds), gets released early under the condition that he helps the Feds break a moonshining ring backed by a corrupt Sheriff (Ned Beatty), who also happens to be the murderer of Gator’s little brother. “White Lightning” (1973) is a Deep South crime drama/thriller that mixes “Deliverance” (1972) with Peck’s “I Walk the Line” (1970), adding elements of “Bullitt” (1968) and the early Dirty Harry flicks. “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977) took the basic idea and satirized it. The creators really captured the early 70’s Deep South with loads of sweat and believable characters played by Beatty, Bo Hopkins, Jennifer Billingsley, Matt Clark and R.G. Armstrong. “Walking Tall” (1973) is a good comparison. The film runs 1 hour, 41 minutes, and was shot in Benton, Arkansas, and nearby parts (Keo, Scott, Little Rock, Wrightsville & Alexander). GRADE: B

JPV852

Has some okay car chases/stunt work and Burt Reynolds is charming as usual, but the story never really clicked for me and I found my mind lingering. Personally I prefer spending that time watching Smokey and the Bandit again. Next I'll be checking out the sequel, Gator. **3.0/5**


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