Hotwire Poster

Hotwire 1980

★ 5.01 votes95 min📅 1980-09-01

Frank Q. Dobbs delivers a gritty yet darkly comedic adventure in *Hotwire (1980)*, blending action and humor into a wild ride through Texas backroads.

Director: Frank Q. Dobbs

Cast

George Kennedy
George Kennedy
Farley & Harley Fontenot
Strother Martin
Strother Martin
The Weasel
Bruce Paul Barbour
Bruce Paul Barbour
Cassidy
Lawrence Dobkin
Lawrence Dobkin
Bodine
Janell Griffith
The Blond
David S. Cass Sr.
David S. Cass Sr.
Bruce Paul Barbour
Bruce Paul Barbour
Virginia Stark

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hotwire (1980) about?

A world-weary older man and a brash drifter get dragged into a high-stakes repo job when they're blackmailed into stealing a luxury car from a dangerous crime boss. The plan quickly unravels, leading to a chaotic chase packed with fists, firepower, and fast-talking survival.

Who directed Hotwire?

Frank Q. Dobbs directed *Hotwire*, known for his work in gritty action films and rugged storytelling that often explores the Texas underbelly.

Who stars in Hotwire?

The film features genre icons George Kennedy and Strother Martin, alongside Bruce Paul Barbour, Lawrence Dobkin, and Janell Griffith.

Is Hotwire (1980) worth watching?

While not a household name, *Hotwire* delivers solid entertainment for fans of 80s action-comedies, offering a mix of humor, tension, and regional charm. Its brisk 95-minute runtime and charismatic leads make it a hidden gem worth tracking down—especially for George Kennedy and Strother Martin's chemistry.

How long is Hotwire?

The film has a runtime of 95 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Hotwire (1980) — Action-Comedy Classic with George Kennedy and Strother Martin

Frank Q. Dobbs delivers a gritty yet darkly comedic adventure in *Hotwire (1980)*, blending action and humor into a wild ride through Texas backroads. The story follows a gruff, hard-drinking retiree and a sharp-tongued drifter who find themselves blackmailed into stealing a sleek Rolls-Royce from a ruthless local gangster. What starts as a simple job spirals into chaos as bullets fly, fists clash, and trust becomes a scarce commodity. Dobbs crafts a world where desperation meets dark wit, filled with offbeat characters and an underdog charm that keeps the tension high.

Set against the sunbaked landscapes of 1980s Texas, *Hotwire* is a celebration of unlikely partnerships and the chaos that ensues when plans go sideways. With its mix of blue-collar grit and irreverent humor, the film captures the spirit of rebels on the run—both thrilling and unpredictable. Perfect for fans of offbeat action-comedy, this forgotten gem balances slapstick moments with genuine danger, leaving audiences guessing until the very end.