The Cannonball Run 1981
"You'll root for them all...but you'll never guess who wins."
Hal Needham's 1981 high-octane comedy *The Cannonball Run* transforms a real-life cross-country speed dash into a wild, star-studded romp that barrels from Connecticut to California in search of glory and bragging rights.
Director: Hal Needham
Cast
Burt Reynolds
J.J. McClure
Roger Moore
Seymour
Farrah Fawcett
Pamela
Dom DeLuise
Victor
Dean Martin
Jamie Blake
Sammy Davis Jr.
Fenderbaum
Jack Elam
Doctor
Adrienne Barbeau
Marcie
Terry Bradshaw
Terry
Jackie Chan
Subaru Driver #1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Cannonball Run (1981) about?
Inspired by a real-life illegal cross-country race, this 1981 comedy follows eccentric drivers on a mad dash from the East Coast to the West, each using hilarious and high-speed tactics to outmaneuver rivals. Along the way, they dodge law enforcement, swap wild stories, and prove that sometimes the journey is even wilder than the destination.
Who directed The Cannonball Run?
The film was directed by Hal Needham, a stuntman-turned-filmmaker known for his knack for blending action with humor in classic car-chase comedies.
Who stars in The Cannonball Run?
The film features Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett, Dom DeLuise, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. in a legendary ensemble cast.
Is The Cannonball Run (1981) worth watching?
As a pure, no-frills action-comedy with an unbeatable cast, *The Cannonball Run* delivers crowd-pleasing fun that holds up remarkably well over time. While it's not deep, its blend of speed, satire, and star power makes it a must-see for fans of classic road-trip comedies and nostalgic '80s flair.
How long is The Cannonball Run?
The Cannonball Run (1981) has a runtime of 95 minutes, making it a perfect quick fix of adrenaline and laughter.
🎥 Trailer
About The Cannonball Run (1981) — The Ultimate Road Race Comedy with Legends Behind the Wheel
Hal Needham's 1981 high-octane comedy *The Cannonball Run* transforms a real-life cross-country speed dash into a wild, star-studded romp that barrels from Connecticut to California in search of glory and bragging rights. Packed with sharp wit, colorful cameos, and non-stop energy, the film follows a motley crew of racers—each with their own outlandish schemes and over-the-top vehicles—pushing the limits of speed, style, and sheer audacity. From smugglers and millionaires to a pair of bumbling doctors and a suave spy with a taste for trouble, every character is crafted with humor and heart, making this a celebration of reckless fun against a backdrop of sun-drenched highways and neon-lit diners.
Fueled by Burt Reynolds' charismatic charm and an all-star lineup that includes Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett, Dom DeLuise, and Dean Martin, *The Cannonball Run* rides the line between chaotic escapades and lighthearted satire, all while paying playful homage to the golden age of road movies. With themes of adventure, rivalry, and the pursuit of the impossible, Needham crafts a cinematic joyride that feels as fresh today as it did over four decades ago—pure escapism with a throttle full open.
