This big-budget take on the illegal coast-to-coast car race movie was made at the height of Burt Reynolds's stardom and Roger Moore's tenure as James Bond. Not surprisingly, it was a global smash, but as entertainment it leaves a lot to be desired. There are not nearly enough pile-ups and too many duff jokes from a cameo-studded cast, who act as if they're all starring in each other's home movies. Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr offer a geriatric version of their Rat Pack routine; Farrah Fawcett makes Barbie look like Katharine Hepburn; and Jackie Chan's martial arts prowess is sorely underused. You'd have thought Hal Needham would have learnt his lesson after Smokey and the Bandit II. The biggest highlight is undoubtedly the collection of out-takes that run over the end credits, proving the stars had more fun making the film than you'll ever have watching it.

A cross-country road race is based on an actual event, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S. The Cannonball was named for Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle across the country. Many of the characters are based on ruses developed by real Cannonball racers over the several years that the event was run.