Burt Reynolds' hit film "Smokey and the Bandit" has just turned 40. In honor of the event, MSN reports that a 350 Trans Ams made the very same trip that was made in the film from the Texas/Arkansas state line to Atlanta.
Fans celebrate the 40th anniversary of 'Smokey and the Bandit'
Fans of the 1977 hit film made the long drive in honor of the film. Dave Hall Of Lincoln, Nebraska, the organizer of the Bandit Run, stated that in every town the Trans-Am convoy drove through, fans came out to take pictures.
Special celebration: 'The Bandit Run' pays tribute to 1977 pop culture hit
Let's not forget to honor another important driver, The Snowman. Jerry Reed played the role of the Bandit's wild, truck-driving buddy who makes the trip to haul the beer safely in his semi with his trusty co-pilot Fred. Truck drivers and others also paid tribute to the "Smokey and the Bandit film by taking part in the "Snowman's Run." The drivers took the road trip to also raise money for wounded veterans in memory of the late Jerry Reed.
The drivers all gathered in Jonesboro, Georgia -- the town 15 miles south of Atlanta where much of the movie was filmed. Over the weekend there are plans recreate some of "Smokey and the Bandit's best scenes.
There will be a Burt Reynold look-alike contest held, as well as a professional stunt driver who will attempt to jump 150 feet through the air in a Trans Am.
"Smokey and the Bandit" fans will also get a chance to meet Bo Bandit himself as film star Burt Reynolds will be arriving at the event and holding a Q&A in the park. Ricky Clark Jr., the Jonesboro City Manager, revealed that fans are coming in for the anniversary event from all over the world.
"Smokey and the Bandit" is listed as the first major film shot in Georgia. The pop culture hit opened the doors for other big film companies to follow suit, including "The Hunger Games" and a little AMC series that folks may have heard of called "The Walking Dead."
For those who have never watched "Smokey and the Bandit," the film follows the story of Bo Bandit (played by Burt Reynolds) and The Snowman, Jerry Reed, who races against the clock to grab 400 cases of Coors beer and deliver them safely to Atlanta in under 28 hours against any and all obstacles that come their way.
It was during the filming of "Smokey and the Bandit" that Burt Reynolds first fell in love with co-star Sally Field. The two carried on a hot and steamy romance for five years before breaking up. Reynolds claims it was his fault that the relationship ended because he "screwed it up." He also revealed that losing Sally Field is one of his biggest regrets of his life, calling her the "love of his life."
Sally, on the other hand, is not as sentimental, believing that they are both exactly where they are supposed to be in life.
As previously reported, Burt Reynolds, 81, made a rare public appearance in April at the Tribeca Film Festival promoting his latest film "Dog Years." It will a real treat for Burt Reynolds' loyal fans to get an opportunity to meet and talk with the legendary film star. What is your favorite scene from "Smokey and the Bandit"?
