W.W. Bright is a robber with a heart of gold who travels the South knocking off banks and gas stations owned by a corrupt businessman. When he hijacks a car, he meets an aspiring country band, the Dixie Dancekings, led by Dixie. The two sides eventually take a liking to one another, especially after the Dancekings realize the size of Bright's thefts. Trailed by religious zealot cop Deacon Gore, Bright helps the band make it big while on the run.
Acting
Reynolds at peak smirk; Jerry Reed steals every scene.
Direction
Avildsen pre-Rocky finding his underdog rhythm.
Score
Authentic Nashville sound, not Hollywood fake-country.
Director
John G. Avildsen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jerry Reed wrote and performed the original songs; his character Wayne was basically autobiographical.
This bombed so hard it nearly killed Reynolds' career—then Deliverance and Smokey happened. Cinema history's weirdest pivot.
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