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The Sugarland Express (1974)
Starring Goldie Hawn, William Atherton, Ben Johnson, and Michael Sacks. Cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond. Edited by Verna Fields and Edward M. Abroms. Produced by David Brown and Richard D. Zanuck. Written by Steven Spielberg, Hal Barwood, and Matthew Robbins. Directed by Steven Spielberg.
Lou Jean and Clovis Poplin are young, dumb, and almost out of luck. One day Lou Jean visits Clovis in jail and tells him that their two year old child, little baby Langston, has been taken from them by the state of Texas. She demands that he escape immediately and help her get their son back. He reluctantly follows, but after only a short stint of freedom they are pulled over by a police officer. Determined not to fail, the young couple hijacks a car and speeds off, leaving the officer no choice but to pursue. They quickly loose control and end up in a ditch, but a cleverly played trick gains them use of the police cruiser, as well as a cop to kidnap. The three of them speed along the highways of Texas, with up to and including two hundred police cars close behind, to fetch their baby. Reporters are soon hot on the trail as well and the event quickly becomes a media circus. People from all over the state come to line the sides of the highways to lend support to the young parents, but the authorities have deadly consequences lined up for their lawless actions.
After the amazing success of his made for TV movie turned theatrical feature, Duel, Steven Spielberg soon found his talents in demand. Job offers were coming in from a number of different studios, but the seven year contract that he had with Universal Pictures prevented him from taking any of them. So for the remainder of his obligation he drifted languidly in television projects like Something Evil and Savage. When the opportunity to venture out into the world of film finally presented itself, Spielberg was ready to go. A few years back in 1970, Spielberg had submitted an idea to Universal based on a newspaper article that he had read about a young couple that had taken a highway patrolman hostage to reclaim their baby. Universal had denied his proposal, but now Spielberg had the support of producers Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown who, ironically, wanted to make the film at Universal. With a screenplay worked over by Hal Barwood and Matthew Robbins, The Sugarland Express was ready to roll.
Even at such an early stage in his career, Spielberg’s confidence behind the camera was astounding. The skill he demonstrated in capturing The Sugarland Express’ high speeds chases, and the ability to comfortably maneuver in tight automobile interiors, proved that this was someone who was going to make waves in the filmmaking community. The critics noticed the film as well and praised it for its tight direction and compelling story. It even went as far as earning a Golden Palm nomination at the 1974 Cannes Film Festival. But despite the critical admiration, audiences only gave it a fair return at the box office. Success or not, Spielberg was already moving on to bigger and better things.
Budget: $3,000,000
Total US Gross: $7,000,000
Genre: Crime
Runtime: 110 Minutes
US Release Date: 4/5/74
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Awards: Cannes Film Festival: Won for best screenplay. Nominated for the Golden Palm. Writers Guild of America: Won for Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen.
Tagline: The True Story Of A Girl Who Took On All Of Texas And Almost Won.
Quote: “I want my baby back! Now are you gonna help me or not?”
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