THE MOONRUNNERS
US, 1975, 110 minutes, Colour.
James Mitchum, Keel Martin, Arthur Hunnicutt, Waylon Jennings.
Directed by Gy Waldron.
The Moonrunners is a film about moonshine, a theme popular in the road movies and action movies of the 1970s. However, this film had a further life because it influenced the television series The Dukes of Hazzard. Writer-director Gy Waldron went on to write and direct some episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard as well as producing some of the films in later decades including the 2005 cinema movie.
Robert Mitchum’s son James is the leading moonshiner along with Keel Martin as his brother working for their uncle Jesse (Arthur Hunnicutt). However, the Mafia from New York wants to move in to take over the moonshine business – much to the displeasure of the old-timers who like the old ways.
Singer Waylon Jennings appears as the balladeer.
1. Interest value, enjoyment?
2. Critics said the technical aspects of the film were poor. Is this true? The importance of location, the moonshine area, authentic atmosphere?
3. How did the film build up local atmosphere? As a piece of Americana? Real people, events, Issues? The film was supposedly based on fact. Violent America?
4. How were Bobby Lee and O'Grady presented as heroes? Characters, within this setting, their background and the way they grew up? The bonds of their friendship? Their fights, way of life? Their involvement in the moonshine trade? Fights, clashes with the police, gaol sentences? Family loyalties? The work, their skill? The purpose of their life, credible characters within this framework? Bobby Lee as the hero? O'Grady as the odd man out?
5. The film's portrayal of Jessie, genuine old man, his skill in his work, his age and experience, his way of life, background in the mountains, pride, attitude towards moon-shining? His being an independent, being caught up in deals? Forced to doing the transporting himself, heart attack? Audience sympathy for him?
6. The contract with Rennie and his way of life, work, lack of pride? Involvement with the syndicates? His deals, violence?
7. The influence of the syndicate? In the moonshine trade? Moral judgements, violence, greed?
8. The importance of the women in the film, Beth wandering the American roads, being caught up with the heroes, running the risk of the dangers? Reba and her husband, O'Grady, the outlook for a place within this society?
9. The film's build-up to the clashes, emotional fights, the work? The cases and the dynamiting? Spectacular for its own sake? For the film?
10. The irony of the happy ending, the deals, peace being made? The value of a look at this aspect of the American way of life?
