Directed by
Hal Needham
Made by
Universal Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Smokey and the Bandit II (1980). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the intense gubernatorial race between Big Enos Burdette and John Conn reaches its peak in Texas, Burdette becomes obsessed with obtaining the former governor’s prized endorsement. His determination leads him to overhear a phone call about a mysterious shipment destined for the Republican National Convention in Dallas. Seizing the chance, Burdette devises a plan involving Cledus “Snowman” Snow and Bo “Bandit” Darville, offering them a whopping $400,000 for its delivery. Bandit, while initially reluctant, is eventually persuaded to accept, demanding half of the payment upfront.
Cledus, brimming with excitement, along with Bandit, prepares for their Dallas adventure. However, Bandit’s mind is preoccupied by heartbreak following his breakup with Carrie. The situation becomes even more complicated when Cledus calls Carrie in Texarkana, enticing her with a $50,000 reward to rejoin their crew. She agrees, abandoning Junior at the altar once more, and partners with the duo to help Bandit steer clear of his drinking challenges. With Carrie back on board, the trio sets their sights on Miami, only to find that their precious cargo is actually a live elephant named Charlotte, humorously named after Cledus’s aunt.
Their journey to Dallas begins, and they encounter Sheriff Justice for the first time. Bandit’s quick thinking allows them to escape, but not before making a pit stop at a remote fueling station, where they notice something isn’t quite right with Charlotte. An ambulance soon arrives, bringing along Dr. Giovanni, an Italian gynecologist who finds himself stranded after being abandoned by his driver. In dire need of transportation, he agrees to keep an eye on Charlotte while joining their unconventional traveling party.
As the road trip progresses, Doc realizes that Charlotte is about to give birth. Despite Cledus and Carrie’s pleadings to prioritize Charlotte’s impending motherhood, Bandit is laser-focused on reaching Dallas to secure the $400,000 payday. Entering Louisiana, Doc forewarns them that Charlotte needs to rest immediately; however, Bandit stands firm in his decision to continue driving. A fiery argument erupts, leading them to take an unexpected detour to a local nightclub where Don Williams is performing. There, Carrie spot Bandit sketching an odd contraption designed to keep Charlotte off her feet, prompting her to leave in frustration, declaring that she’s fed up with Bandit’s self-centeredness and will not return until he prioritizes others.
Later that evening, after a few drinks, Bandit brings his eccentric design to life, and surprisingly, Doc agrees it might be effective. Meanwhile, Buford Justice is quietly plotting his next move, setting up an elaborate trap as they enter Texas with an intimidating fleet of cruisers manned by his brothers Reggie, a Mountie Sergeant from Quebec, and Gaylord, a flamboyant Texas State Patrolman. Bandit instructs Cledus to speed towards Dallas, but Cledus rallies assistance from fellow truckers, leading to a thrilling demolition derby that leaves several of the pursuing cruisers in ruins. As the dust settles, Doc and Charlotte view the scene, while Buford stays in relentless pursuit, albeit with his cruiser hanging on by a thread.
Upon nearing the safari reserve, Cledus convinces Bandit to pull over, resulting in a moment of sweet triumph as Charlotte gives birth. However, their celebration is cut short when Bandit’s frustrations boil over regarding Charlotte being treated with tenderness and care. This anger leads to tensions rising when Cledus knocks Bandit down, forcing him to evaluate the mission’s true nature. At that critical moment, Bandit recognizes that nurturing Charlotte, Carrie, and their newfound family holds far greater value than any monetary reward.
This awakening transforms Bandit’s outlook: he seeks out Carrie, who has been waiting in the background, showering her with love and apologies. With a newfound understanding, he professes his love for her, admitting he hasn’t delivered Charlotte or spent the money at all. Carrie’s quick forgiveness warms Bandit’s heart, and excitement floods in as they celebrate the arrival of Charlotte’s baby. In a heartfelt moment, Bandit gets down on one knee, asking Charlotte for her blessing to marry Carrie, a proposal met with uncontainable joy from everyone present.
As they get ready to continue their journey, Doc hops into the cab with Cledus, while Fred observes with a knowing smile. With Charlotte and her newborn safely secured in makeshift circuses, the group heads towards Dallas, still pursued by Buford, who now has his sights set on them from a Greyhound bus. The scene is set for an epic finale that will challenge the strength of their friendships and resolve amidst the chaotic adventure.
Track the key events of Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Gubernatorial Race
The intense battle between Big Enos Burdette and John Conn for the governorship reaches its peak in Texas. Burdette becomes increasingly obsessed with winning the former governor's endorsement, which leads him to plot a daring scheme.
Overhearing the Shipment
Burdette manages to overhear a phone call discussing a mysterious shipment set for delivery to the Republican National Convention in Dallas. Recognizing an opportunity, he decides to leverage this shipment for his gain.
Recruiting the Bandit and Snowman
To execute his plan, Burdette enlists the help of Cledus 'Snowman' Snow and Bo 'Bandit' Darville, offering them $400,000 for delivering the shipment. Bandit, initially hesitant, eventually agrees to participate, demanding half the payment upfront.
Bandit's Heartbreak
Bandit is grappling with emotional pain from his recent breakup with Carrie. His focus on the task becomes clouded by thoughts of his lost relationship, adding complexity to their journey ahead.
Carrie's Reunion
In an attempt to mend their crew, Cledus reaches out to Carrie in Texarkana and offers her $50,000 for her help. Carrie, willing to abandon her wedding plans, quickly decides to rejoin Bandit and Cledus on their adventure.
The Unexpected Cargo
The trio's excitement turns to disbelief as they discover the shipment is actually a live elephant named Charlotte. Named humorously after Cledus’s aunt, Charlotte adds a twist to their delivery mission that none of them expected.
Encountering Sheriff Justice
As they embark on their journey to Dallas, they have a run-in with Sheriff Justice. Bandit’s clever maneuvering allows them to escape, but the group's troubles are only beginning.
Dr. Giovanni Joins the Crew
The group stops at a remote fueling station where they meet Dr. Giovanni, an Italian gynecologist stranded without a ride. In need of help and promising to care for Charlotte, he joins their unconventional traveling crew.
Charlotte's Imminent Motherhood
As the adventure continues, Doc realizes Charlotte is about to give birth, putting pressure on the group's timeline. Despite this, Bandit remains fixated on reaching Dallas quickly for the payday.
The Nightclub Detour
An argument about Charlotte's needs leads the group to a detour at a nightclub featuring Don Williams. Here, Carrie expresses her frustration with Bandit’s selfishness and decides to take a break from their mission.
The Demolition Derby
Cledus gathers fellow truckers to help evade Buford Justice, leading to an outrageous demolition derby that disrupts the sheriff’s fleet. The high-speed chase culminates in chaos but allows them to momentarily escape.
Charlotte Gives Birth
After a moment of triumph near a safari reserve, Charlotte finally gives birth. The joyous moment is overshadowed by Bandit's unresolved anger towards his priorities, causing tension between him and Cledus.
A Change of Heart
Bandit experiences a transformation as he reflects on what truly matters. Confronted by his friends, he realizes love and care for Charlotte and Carrie outweigh any financial incentives.
Bandit's Proposal
In a heartfelt moment, Bandit proposes to Carrie, seeking her forgiveness and her hand in marriage. The celebration is full of joy as they embrace their newfound happiness amidst the craziness.
The Final Dash to Dallas
With Charlotte and her newborn secured, the group resumes their journey to Dallas, now facing pursuit from Buford. A thrilling race unfolds as they navigate challenges together, testing their friendships.
Meet the characters that bring Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Bo 'Bandit' Darville (Sally Field)
Bo 'Bandit' Darville is a charismatic and resourceful lead whose initial motivation is financial, but he undergoes a significant transformation. Struggling with heartbreak and selfishness, Bandit learns to value relationships over monetary gains, evolving into a more compassionate character. His journey is not just about the destination but also about understanding the importance of love and friendship.
Cledus 'Snowman' Snow (Jerry Reed)
Cledus 'Snowman' Snow is Bandit’s loyal and enthusiastic sidekick, eager for adventure and challenge. His excitement often drives the narrative, and he plays a crucial role in rallying support from their trucker community. Cledus showcases a zest for life, balancing humor and camaraderie with loyalty toward his friends throughout their chaotic journey.
Carrie
Carrie is a pivotal character whose decisions greatly impact Bandit's journey. Initially conflicted by her feelings, she ultimately chooses to help Bandit while asserting her independence. Her character embodies strength and resilience, showcasing how love can be complicated yet powerful in driving one’s choices.
Sheriff Justice (Jackie Gleason)
Sheriff Justice is the relentless antagonist in pursuit of Bandit and his friends. Known for his comedic yet intimidating presence, he adds an element of chaos to their journey. His determination to catch the Bandit showcases his character's humorous obsession, making for entertaining confrontations throughout the film.
Uncover the settings of Smokey and the Bandit II (1980), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
While the exact time period is not specified, the film takes place in a contemporary setting relative to its release in the late 1970s. This period was marked by significant political and social changes in America, influencing the film's narrative involving a gubernatorial race.
Location
Texas, Dallas, Miami, Louisiana
The movie traverses several notable locations, including Texas, known for its vast landscapes and vibrant culture, where the political tension plays out. Dallas serves as a focal point for the political maneuverings, while Miami represents the spirited adventure ahead for the characters. Louisiana adds a unique touch to the journey, filled with its rich musical heritage and lively atmosphere.
Explore the core themes of Smokey and the Bandit II (1980). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Greed
Greed is a central theme, driving characters like Big Enos Burdette to manipulate others for financial gain. Bandit initially succumbs to the lure of money, but he ultimately learns that relationships and compassion outweigh material wealth. The enticing sum of money motivates the characters, yet it is their personal growth that shapes their journey.
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Love
Love, both romantic and platonic, plays a vital role in the character development throughout the film. Bandit's quest for reconciliation with Carrie highlights the importance of love over ambition. The bonds formed during their chaotic adventure reveal how love can inspire individuals to prioritize others' well-being over selfish desires.
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Adventure
The movie embodies adventure as the characters embark on a wild road trip filled with unexpected escapades. From transporting a live elephant to facing law enforcement, the journey is rife with humorous and thrilling challenges. This adventure ultimately brings the crew closer together, reinforcing the theme of camaraderie amidst chaos.
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