THUNDER AND LIGHTNING

US, 1977, 95 minutes, Colour.
David Carradine, Kate Jackson.
Directed by Corey Allen.

Yet another story of bootlegging in modern America and chases on the road. It is reminiscent of Charles B. Pierce's stories about bootlegging, and such films as Stock Car Hero, Greased Lightning. This one is not as expert as the others but is interesting enough in its way. David Carradine of TV’s Kung Fu and Kate Jackson, one of Charlie’s Angels are perhaps one of the main reasons for the film. The conventional story of bootlegging, clashes with modern takeover business methods and chases on the or road are conventional enough material.

1. The significance and focus of the title? The American bootlegging film genre? The American films of cars and the highways? How well did they blend in this one?

2. American response to these stories, issues and characters? An overseas response? The impact of the two stars with their television background?

3. Interest in the opening, the stills, the old men, the old tradition of bootlegging and its transport? The contrast with the new men, Hunnicut as boss? Violence?

4. The contribution of fast boats, speed?

5. David Carradine and his style as Harley? In himself, helping the old men, involvement in bootlegging, in car sports, his skills? As a type? His principles? Harassed by his relationship with his girl friend, her father? Saving the victims of poisonous whisky?

6. How attractive was the heroine, in herself, relationship with Harley, different worlds, her father, her participation in the adventures?

7. The various thugs and their portrayal? The violence? The contrast with the New York hit men and their violence? Individual scenes of brutality?

8. Hunnicut and his attitudes, respectability, bootlegging, communications? henchmen?

9. The portrait of the police and their attempts to control the situation?

10. The atmosphere of violence, smashes etc.? The impact of the chases?

11. An American picture, values, moral tone and attitudes?