Review of White Lightning (1973) by Greg W — 30 Apr 2014
Directed by Joseph Sargent (The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974), MacArthur (1977) and Jaws: The Revenge (1987)) and written by William W. Norton (The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing (1973), Big Bad Mama (1974) and Brannigan (1975)), this is a tough and down and dirty exploitation action film, which helped put it's star on the map shortly after the success of making Deliverence (1972).
In Arkansas, Bobby "Gator" McKlusky (Burt Reynolds) is serving time in prison for running moonshine between counties. While in prison, Gator learns that his younger brother was murdered by corrupt Sheriff J.
C Conners (Ned Beatty). While he tries to escape from prison to get even, he's caught by the law, but they tell him that Conners is being investigated, and they offer Gator the chance to go undercover to bring down Conners.
Gator joins bootlegger Roy Boone (Bo Hopkins) and they try to get close to Conners. However, it's not long before Conners finds out about Gator, and he sends Big Bear (R.G. Armstrong) to put a stop to Gator.
It comes across as a hillbilly take on Yojimbo (1960), with the lone stranger coming to down to bring down a baddie, only here, the baddie is the law. It has some unbelievable car chases throughout, and Reynolds has a rugged charm.
Plus, Charles Bernstein's score was lifted for Kill Bill and Inglourious Basterds. Oh, Quentin!!
This review of White Lightning (1973) was written by Greg W on 30 Apr 2014.
White Lightning has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
