The Big Bus 1976
"At last — the first disaster movie where everybody dies (laughing)."
James Frawley's 1976 disaster-comedy *The Big Bus* sends a colossal, nuclear-powered transit vehicle on a high-stakes cross-country run from New York to Denver.
Director: James Frawley
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Big Bus (1976) about?
A colossal nuclear-powered bus embarks on its maiden non-stop trip from New York to Denver, only to face sabotage and disasters at every turn. The journey tests the nerves of its down-on-his-luck driver, whose knack for trouble may just be the bus's best shot at survival.
Who directed The Big Bus?
The film was directed by James Frawley, a filmmaker known for blending humor and social commentary in projects like *The Muppet Movie*.
Who stars in The Big Bus?
The cast includes Joseph Bologna, Stockard Channing, John Beck, René Auberjonois, and Ned Beatty.
Is The Big Bus (1976) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, its cult status among disaster-comedy fans speaks volumes. The film's mix of rapid-fire gags, inventive catastrophes, and retro energy makes it a fun, if flawed, time capsule of 1970s cinema.
How long is The Big Bus?
The movie runs for 88 minutes—just enough time for one wild ride and a few too many near misses.
🎥 Trailer
The Big Bus (1976): A Nuclear-Powered Comedy on a Run from New York to Denver — Full Movie Info
James Frawley's 1976 disaster-comedy *The Big Bus* sends a colossal, nuclear-powered transit vehicle on a high-stakes cross-country run from New York to Denver. What should be a triumphant engineering feat turns into a chaotic showcase of mechanical mayhem and corporate sabotage as a shadowy oil-backed conspiracy orchestrates every breakdown imaginable. At the wheel is a roguish, snack-obsessed driver whose less-than-stellar reputation with passengers may be the least of the bus's problems.
Beneath the laughs lies a playful jab at 1970s energy paranoia, blending slapstick set pieces with a wry critique of industry greed. The film balances frantic action with sharp one-liners, all set against a surprisingly affectionate portrait of public transit gone hilariously awry.