Today, we’re diving deep into the classic car chase comedy *Smokey and the Bandit* from 1977. This film, featuring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, and the unforgettable Jackie Gleason, became an unexpected hit that left a lasting mark on pop culture. But behind the wheel of this high-speed adventure lies a treasure trove of fascinating trivia and behind-the-scenes stories that even die-hard fans might not know. So rev up your engines as we speed through 20 things you never knew about *Smokey and the Bandit*!

1. **Real-Life Inspiration**: The film’s plot was inspired by a real-life issue involving Coors beer. While working as Burt Reynolds’s stunt double on the film *Gator* (1976), director Hal Needham learned that Coors beer was nearly impossible to find east of the Mississippi River due to its lack of pasteurization and refrigeration requirements. This led him to develop the film’s bootlegging storyline.

2. **Burt Reynolds’s Decision**: Despite being an A-lister, Reynolds faced objections from friends when he decided to star in *Smokey and the Bandit*. In his autobiography, he recounted how his friends even got down on their knees and begged him not to take on the role, fearing it would harm his career.

3. **Casting Changes**: Jerry Reed was originally cast as the Bandit, but once Reynolds agreed to the project, Needham quickly recast Reed as Snowman.

4. **Sally Field’s Leap of Faith**: Sally Field accepted the role of the runaway bride, known as Frog, partly to reshape her public image. Concerned about being perceived as unattractive, she seized the opportunity when Reynolds personally offered her the role, despite there being no finished script.

5. **Car Troubles**: Needham had ambitious plans for the film’s cars but only secured three Pontiac Trans Ams instead of the six he initially wanted. By the end of filming, the Trans Ams had suffered significant damage, with the last functioning car needing a push to roll into the final scene.

6. **Modified Stunts**: The Trans Am needed extra power for some stunts, particularly the jump over the Mulberry Bridge. While rumors of rocket boosters circulated, Needham clarified that a modified engine from a NASCAR garage provided the necessary boost.

7. **Sound Effects**: If the Bandit’s Pontiac Trans Am doesn’t sound quite like one, that’s because the film used sound effects from a 1955 Chevrolet custom, featured in *Two-Lane Blacktop* and *American Graffiti*.

8. **Budget Constraints**: With a budget initially set at $5.3 million, Needham faced a setback when Universal cut it by $1 million just before filming began. Despite Reynolds’s $1 million paycheck, Needham managed to stretch the remaining budget.

9. **Casting the Dog**: To save on hiring a dog trainer, an ad was placed for a dog competition to find a Basset Hound for the film. The winning dog became the adorable Fred.

10. **Character Inspiration**: Sheriff Buford T. Justice, portrayed by Gleason, had real-life inspiration. Reynolds’s father, a police chief, would mispronounce phrases, which Gleason incorporated into the character’s dialogue.

11. **Casting Decisions**: Richard Boone was initially considered for the role of Sheriff Justice, but Reynolds wanted someone crazier and funnier, leading to Jackie Gleason’s legendary portrayal.

12. **Improv Genius**: Jackie Gleason’s comedic genius shone through, with about 70-80% of his lines being improvised. For example, the famous scene where he exits a barbecue with toilet paper trailing was Gleason’s idea.

13. **Secret Drink Code**: Known for his love of liquor, Gleason had a code for his drink requests. He would ask his assistant for a hamburger when he wanted bourbon, a secret that soon became common knowledge among the crew.

14. **Script Changes**: The original screenplay featured significant differences, including the Bandit’s last name (originally Laro) and other character names. Even the reward for the bootlegging run was initially a new truck instead of $80,000.

15. **Creation of Junior**: The character of Junior, Sheriff Justice’s son, was Jack Gleason’s idea, as he wanted someone to play off of for comedic effect.

16. **Musical Contribution**: Jerry Reed, who played Cletus, contributed the iconic song “Eastbound and Down.” Despite having no song prepared, he delivered the tune to Needham the following day after promising he would have something ready.

17. **Hitchcock’s Favorite**: In his later years, famed director Alfred Hitchcock revealed that *Smokey and the Bandit* was one of his favorite films. His daughter Patricia shared that it was the last film he screened in his office.

18. **Box Office Success**: The film grossed an estimated $300 million worldwide, becoming the second-highest-grossing movie of 1977, just behind *Star Wars*.

19. **Trans Am Sales Surge**: The film not only popularized the Pontiac Trans Am but also skyrocketed its sales, with the Trans Am outselling the Camaro for the first time post-release.

20. **Television Edits**: When *Smokey and the Bandit* aired on network television, much of the dialogue was toned down. Gleason’s signature line, “son of a b*tch,” was changed to “scum bum,” with voice actor Henry Cordon re-recording the line.

And there you have it! You now know a little more about *Smokey and the Bandit*. If you enjoyed this video, hit that like button and subscribe so you don’t miss any future content coming your way!