“You'll root for them all...but you'll never guess who wins.”
A cross-country road race is based on an actual event, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S. The Cannonball was named for Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle across the country. Many of the characters are based on ruses developed by real Cannonball racers over the several years that the event was run.
Hal Needham
Albert S. Ruddy
Brock Yates
Michael C. Butler
Al Capps
Burt Reynolds
J.J. McClure
Roger Moore
Seymour
Farrah Fawcett
Pamela
Dom DeLuise
Victor
Dean Martin
Jamie Blake
Sammy Davis Jr.
Fenderbaum
Jack Elam
Doctor
Adrienne Barbeau
Marcie
Terry Bradshaw
Terry
Jackie Chan
Subaru Driver #1
Bert Convy
Brad
Jamie Farr
Sheik
... and 44 more
CinemaSerf
Though some of the wheezes employed by the drivers do raise a smile or two, this really doesn't catch fire as Burt Reynolds' brand of mischievous charm struggles to hold it together. He and his pal "Victor" (Dom DeLuise) are determined to win the eponymous, infamous and illegal transcontinental dash...
The Cannonball Run ≣ 1981 ≣ Trailer
Trailer • YouTube
The Cannonball Run 1981 TV trailer
Teaser • YouTube
The Cannonball Run (trailer)
Trailer • YouTube
The Cannonball Run (1980) (TV Spot)
Teaser • YouTube
Orange Sky Golden Harvest
ASR Productions