Review of Gator (1976) by Martin C — 30 Apr 2014

3 years after the surprise success of White Lightning (1973), United Artists wanted to do a sequel, but Burt Reynolds, now REALLY famous, was reluctant, United Artists made him an offer they couldn't refuse, Reynolds took them up on that offer, but only on the condition he could direct the film as well.

While Reynolds shows he has what it takes behind the camera, the film is overlong and sags badly. Gator McKlusky (Reynolds) now lives a quiet existance in a swamp in Arkansas with his father (John Steadman) and Suzie (Lori Futch) making moonshine.

However, it's not long before he's smoked out by the Feds, but it turns out they need him again, this time to bring down corrupt politician Bama McCall (Jerry Reed), a small time racketeer who has got lucky, and has managed to become a politician, working in the county of Dunston, Georgia.

As Gator knew McCall years ago, he reluctantly agrees to help out, but he's soon lured into a game of set-ups and skulduggery, but he's helped by TV reporter Aggie Maybank (Lauren Hutton). It's a shame this sequel doesn't match up to White Lightning, as it started off with one hell of an amazing boat chase, but after this, it just sort of fizzles out and there's not enough action this time around, but Reynolds and the film's second unit director Hal Needham would work together the following year.

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