46 Facts About The Movie The Cannonball Run

The Cannonball Run was released in 1981

Released in 1981, “The Cannonball Run” is an action-packed comedy film that became an instant hit among moviegoers.

The movie is based on an actual cross-country race

The movie is loosely based on the real-life cross-country race, the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, which ran from the 1970s to the early 1980s.

Hal Needham directed the film

Directed by Hal Needham, “The Cannonball Run” marked his directorial debut and established him as a prominent filmmaker in the action-comedy genre.

The star-studded cast included Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds, who was at the peak of his career during the 1980s, played the lead role in the film. His charismatic presence added to the movie’s popularity.

“The Cannonball Run” was a box office success

The movie grossed over $72 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing films of Its commercial success led to the production of a sequel.

It features an ensemble cast of comedy legends

The film boasts an ensemble cast of comedy legends, including Dom DeLuise, Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Jackie Chan.

It was Jackie Chan’s first Hollywood film

The Cannonball Run” marked Jackie Chan’s first foray into Hollywood cinema, introducing his unique blend of martial arts and comedic talent to American audiences.

There were numerous high-speed car chases

The film is renowned for its thrilling car chases, which showcase high-speed action and stunt driving, adding to the excitement and adrenaline of the movie.

The characters compete in an illegal cross-country race

The storyline revolves around a group of eccentric characters who participate in a wild and illegal cross-country race, trying to outwit each other and reach the finish line first.

The movie features a wide range of quirky vehicles

From souped-up sports cars to ambulance vans and even a rocket-powered car, the film showcases an array of unusual and quirky vehicles used by the characters during the race.

The screenplay was written by Brock Yates

Brock Yates, the founder of the real-life Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, wrote the screenplay for the film.

The film’s title refers to the cross-country race

The title “The Cannonball Run” refers to the nickname given to the cross-country race that serves as the backdrop for the movie.

It was released by 20th Century Fox

The film was distributed by 20th Century Fox and garnered widespread attention and positive reviews upon its release.

“The Cannonball Run” is a comedy classic

Regarded as a classic comedy film, “The Cannonball Run” continues to entertain audiences with its clever humor and memorable performances.

It inspired a TV series

The success of the film led to the creation of a television series called “The Cannonball Run” in 1982, which further expanded the franchise.

The movie features a memorable theme song

The film’s catchy theme song, “Here We Go” by Tim Cappello, became a popular hit and is often associated with the movie.

An unofficial “Cannonball Run” race still takes place

Even years after the film’s release, enthusiasts organize unofficial “Cannonball Run” races, attempting to replicate the excitement and challenge of the original race.

Celebrities made cameo appearances in the movie

The Cannonball Run” is known for its numerous celebrity cameos, with famous faces such as Jamie Farr, Peter Fonda, and Terry Bradshaw making appearances.

The film’s stunts were performed by professional drivers

The thrilling stunts and dangerous driving scenes in the movie were performed by skilled professional drivers, ensuring the safety of the cast and crew.

It showcased the comedic side of Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds, known for his roles in action films, showcased his comedic talents in “The Cannonball Run,” adding a lighthearted and humorous touch to his character.

The movie was praised for its chemistry among the cast

The camaraderie and chemistry among the cast members were widely praised, contributing to the film’s overall success.

“The Cannonball Run” was shot in various locations

The movie was filmed in various locations across the United States, including California, Nevada, and Arizona, capturing the essence of the cross-country race.

It influenced future racing comedy films

“The Cannonball Run” has had a significant influence on subsequent racing comedy films, inspiring the creation of similar movies in the genre.

The film received mixed reviews from critics

Critical reception for “The Cannonball Run” was mixed, with some praising its comedic elements, while others criticized its lack of depth and focus on action.

There were multiple sequels to the original film

The success of “The Cannonball Run” led to the production of two sequels: “Cannonball Run II” in 1984 and “Speed Zone” in 1989.

It was originally intended to be a serious racing movie

The initial concept for the film was to create a serious racing movie, but it evolved into a lighthearted comedy due to the chemistry among the cast.

The film’s script went through multiple revisions

The script for “The Cannonball Run” underwent several revisions before its final version, with changes made to enhance the comedic elements of the story.

The movie was inspired by a record-breaking coast-to-coast drive

The inspiration for the film came from a record-breaking coast-to-coast drive made by Brock Yates and his team, which sparked the idea for the cross-country race.

“The Cannonball Run” features outrageous characters

The film features a range of outrageous characters, each with their own unique personality and driving style, adding to the entertaining dynamics of the race.

The film’s humor transcends language barriers

Even with its predominantly English dialogue, “The Cannonball Run” manages to entertain audiences from different cultures, thanks to its universal comedic appeal.

It pays homage to the spirit of adventure

The Cannonball Run” celebrates the spirit of adventure and the thrill of pursuing one’s dreams, encapsulating the essence of daring cross-country races.

The movie features witty one-liners

With its witty and memorable one-liners, “The Cannonball Run” delivers plenty of comedic punchlines that have become iconic within the genre.

It inspired a video game adaptation

The popularity of the film led to the development of a video game adaptation called “The Cannonball Run” for various gaming consoles.

The movie’s success led to merchandise tie-ins

Capitalizing on the film’s popularity, merchandise tie-ins such as toys, t-shirts, and posters were produced, allowing fans to further engage with the franchise.

“The Cannonball Run” paved the way for similar ensemble comedies

The success of the film helped pave the way for other ensemble comedies that gathered multiple comedic talents into a single narrative, creating a sub-genre of its own.

The concept of illegal racing intrigued audiences

The idea of an illegal cross-country race captivated audiences, offering a thrilling and adventurous storyline that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

The film showcases different driving techniques

“The Cannonball Run” highlights a variety of driving techniques, showcasing the skills of each character as they navigate through various challenges during the race.

It introduced Burt Reynolds as an action-comedy star

Burt Reynolds‘ performance in “The Cannonball Run” solidified his status as an action-comedy star, setting the stage for many more successful films in his career.

The movie propelled Jackie Chan into Hollywood stardom

Jackie Chan’s appearance in “The Cannonball Run” helped propel him into Hollywood stardom, leading to a successful career in martial arts and action films.

The film captured the essence of 1980s pop culture

The Cannonball Run” embodies the spirit of 1980s pop culture, with its vibrant characters, catchy music, and fast-paced, high-energy storytelling.

The movie features exciting race sequences

The race sequences in “The Cannonball Run” are filled with excitement and suspense, keeping audiences engaged and invested in the outcome of the race.

It blends action, comedy, and adventure

Combining elements of action, comedy, and adventure, “The Cannonball Run” offers a unique cinematic experience that appeals to a wide range of viewers.

The film’s script incorporates improvisation

The script of “The Cannonball Run” allowed room for improvisation from the cast, resulting in spontaneous and humorous moments that added to the film’s charm.

It celebrates the freedom of the open road

“The Cannonball Run” celebrates the freedom and exhilaration of the open road, capturing the essence of road trips and the desire for adventure.

The movie is a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era

For many viewers, “The Cannonball Run” is a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era, evoking memories of 1980s cinema and its distinctive charm.

“The Cannonball Run” remains a beloved cult classic

Decades after its release, “The Cannonball Run” continues to have a dedicated fan base and remains a beloved cult classic in the action-comedy genre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Cannonball Run is a classic action-comedy film that has entertained audiences for decades. With its star-studded cast, thrilling race sequences, and hilarious moments, it continues to captivate viewers of all ages. Its impact on the movie industry cannot be denied, as it paved the way for a new genre of comedic racing films and showcased the incredible talents of actors such as Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise.

Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced action, comedic genius, or simply looking for a fun movie night, The Cannonball Run is definitely worth a watch. So buckle up, get ready to race, and prepare to laugh out loud as you embark on this unforgettable adventure.

FAQs

1. Who directed The Cannonball Run?

The Cannonball Run was directed by Hal Needham.

2. When was The Cannonball Run released?

The movie was released on June 19, 1981.

3. Who are some of the main cast members in The Cannonball Run?

The film features an ensemble cast including Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Farrah Fawcett, Roger Moore, and Sammy Davis Jr.

4. Is The Cannonball Run based on a true story?

The film is loosely based on the real-life cross-country race known as the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash.

5. What are some notable race cars featured in the movie?

Some iconic vehicles include Burt Reynolds’ black Trans Am, Jackie Chan’s Subaru, and the ambulance driven by Dom DeLuise and Farrah Fawcett.

6. Are there any sequels to The Cannonball Run?

Yes, there was a sequel called Cannonball Run II released in 1984, featuring most of the original cast members.

7. Is The Cannonball Run available for streaming?

The movie is available for streaming on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube.

8. What is the runtime of The Cannonball Run?

The film has a runtime of approximately 95 minutes.