Honky Tonk Freeway (1981)
Directed by John Schlesinger
Genres - Comedy |
Sub-Genres - Ensemble Film |
Release Date - Aug 21, 1981 (USA - Unknown), Aug 21, 1981 (USA) |
Run Time - 107 min. |
Countries - United Kingdom, United States |
MPAA Rating - PG
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Synopsis by Michael P. Rogers
In this involved send-up of two American icons -- the automobile and the tourist trap -- the tiny Florida town of Ticlaw strives desperately for success after it has been denied the most essential of all tourist amenities -- a freeway exit. The insane, and mostly successful, schemes of the mayor (William Devane) and other distinctly unbalanced citizens interrupt, often hilariously, the lives of various eccentric travellers forced into a place they never intended to be. Critics disagree violently on whether this is a neglected classic or sophomoric nonsense. The winning record of director (John Schlesinger) (Midnight Cowboy, Marathon Man, Cold Comfort Farm, etc.,) and first-class performances by William Devane, Beau Bridges, Beverly D'Angelo, Hume Cronyn, JessicaTandy and a plethora of great character actors -- not to mention the water-skiing elephant and the wild rhino -- argue that it's worth a look.
Characteristics
Themes
Keywords
con/scam, corruption, highway, on-the-road, politician, rurality, tourist, vacation, village