On this day June 19, 1981, The Cannonball Run premiered in theaters. The fast paced ensemble comedy starred Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, Dom DeLuise, Farrah Fawcett and Jackie Chan in his American film debut. Inspired by a real illegal cross country race, the movie delivered wild stunts, outrageous characters and nonstop laughs as drivers competed to reach California by any means necessary.
Packed with over the top action and slapstick humor, the film became a box office hit and one of the most iconic car chase comedies of the decade. Its star power and irreverent tone made it a cult favorite.
80s insight: The Cannonball Run captured the anything goes spirit of early 80s comedies. Jackie Chan’s inclusion brought martial arts flair to Hollywood, even though he later revealed he was frustrated his character was written as Japanese despite being Chinese.
Packed with over the top action and slapstick humor, the film became a box office hit and one of the most iconic car chase comedies of the decade. Its star power and irreverent tone made it a cult favorite.
80s insight: The Cannonball Run captured the anything goes spirit of early 80s comedies. Jackie Chan’s inclusion brought martial arts flair to Hollywood, even though he later revealed he was frustrated his character was written as Japanese despite being Chinese.
