Cannonball! (1976)

This is another story of the secret Coast to Coast auto race across America The only rule is, the first to finish is the winner. Naturally, anyone driving 55 isn't going to win. They'll ... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Bartel

Writers:

Paul Bartel, Don Simpson

Stars:

David Carradine, Bill McKinney, Veronica Hamel

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Carradine	...	Coy 'Cannonball' Buckman
Bill McKinney	...	Cade Redman
Veronica Hamel	...	Linda Maxwell
Gerrit Graham	...	Perman Waters
Robert Carradine	...	Jim Crandell
Belinda Balaski	...	Maryann
Judy Canova	...	Sharma Capri
Archie Hahn	...	Zippo
Carl Gottlieb	...	Terry McMillan
Mary Woronov	...	Sandy Harris, Girl in the Van #1
Diane Lee Hart	...	Wendy, Girl in the Van #2
Glynn Rubin	...	Ginny, Girl in the Van #3
James Keach	...	Wolfe Messer
Dick Miller	...	Bennie Buckman
Stanley Bennett Clay	...	Beutell (as Stanley Clay)

Storyline

This is another story of the secret Coast to Coast auto race across America The only rule is, the first to finish is the winner. Naturally, anyone driving 55 isn't going to win. They'll need to drive a little faster than that. Well actually, they will need to drive a LOT faster that 55.

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Plot Keywords:

gangster | illegal grand prix race | tough guy | roundhouse kick | car movie | 

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Taglines:

The annual Trans-American outlaw road race - A cross country demolition derby without rules!

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA Hong Kong

Language:

English German

Release Date:

6 July 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cannonball

Filming Locations:

I-210 at Paxton Street, Pacoima, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Gross:

SEK 982,483 (Sweden)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cross Country, Harbor Productions, New World Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min 90 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Theatrical prints of the film included an announcement after the end credits that had the caption "Watch for David Carradine in DEATH SPORT" alongside the famous poster art for the film. Death Sport would become the next film David Carradine would do for New World Pictures, but the next film Carradine would do for producer Roger Corman would be Thunder and Lightning, that was released by 20th Century Fox.

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Goofs

In the pile-up on the freeway, the same yellow Cadillac hits the pile twice.

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Quotes

TV Producer: Hi, Dennis Caldwell here at the Santa Monica Pier in sunny Southern California. For the last three, the appearance of this cryptic ad in Motorist Magazine signals the running of the Trans-American Grand Prix auto race. This underground sporting event is open to anyone holding a valid license, driving any kind of four-wheel, land-based vehicle. Contestants choose any cross-country route they wish, and there is $100,000 waiting for the sweat-drenched, hi-test hot rodder who gets his ticket ...

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Connections

Referenced in Unleashing the Beast: Making 'The Howling' (2003)

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Soundtracks

"Green Eyed Surfer Boy"
Music by Paul Bartel
Lyrics by Paul Bartel

User Reviews

those wacky races

David Carradine takes part in an illegal anything goes cross-country race from California to New York. Paul Bartel's second attempt at the race movie, while good isn't as fun as his previous "Death Race 2000". It's still fun in parts, but lacks the pacing and memorable characters (except for Carradine and the always watchable Dick Miller)

My Grade: C+

DVD Extras: Interviews with David Carradine, Mary Woronov, and Roger Corman; Poster and Stills gallery; 3 TV spots; and Theatrical Trailer

1 Easter Egg: Highlight a hidden car in the Extras menu for a Carquake/ the giant spider invasion combo trailer