13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cult 1975 trucker film with a youthful Jan Michael Vincent, April 5, 2005
Ever popular B-grade trucker movie starring square jawed Jan-Michael Vincent as a returned Vietnam veteran who comes home to Tuscon, Arizona to take over his fathers trucking business and marry his teenage sweetheart. However, the well meaning Carrol Jo Hummer (Vincent) soon finds to his dismay that wholesale corruption has permeated the trucking game, and he is forced to either haul illegal loads of cigarettes and slot machines, or he doesn't work at all.
Directed by Jonathon Kaplan ( who later directed many episodes of the hit medico TV series "ER" ), the movie ticks along at a brisk pace and for a modest production, it hits all the right notes. Waif like Kay Lenz is believable as Carrol Jo Hummer's equally strong headed wife, Jerri, and serial cowboy star Slim Pickens ( in obligatory ten gallon hat, bolo ties and embroided suits ) is a hoot as friendly, but weak willed trucking depot boss, Duane Haller. A young Martin Kove is excellent as the taciturn bully, Klem ( breaking Carrol Jo's ribs with a tyre iron ), and another Western genre regular, L.Q. Jones, is equally impressive as the leering Buck Wessell. Plus, keep an eye out for wonderful character actor Dick Miller playing a fellow trucker named R. "Birdie" Corman. ( A film about independant truckers with a sly reference to Hollywood's maverick independant film producer ! )
The truck stunt work was capably handled by noted Hollywood stunt driver, Carey Loftin, who had previously handled the stunt driving in such memorable films as "Duel", "Bullitt", "Vanishing Point" and "Diamonds are Forever", and the creative cinematography of the big rigs was provided by Fred J. Koenekamp. "White Line Fever" was quite a success upon it's release (especially on the drive in circuit ) as it was cashing in on the then popularity of CB radio and the image of truckers as knights of the highways struggling against big business and politics. Not sure if this cult film will ever turn up as a studio release DVD, but one can only wait and hope !
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
White Line Fever, February 5, 2000
If you like big trucks, lots of action and a pretty good story line, you have to check this movie out! I'm a trucker and loved this movie when it 1st came out and I still love it today! The real star of the movie is the 1974 Ford WT9000 called the Blue Mule as far as I'm concerned! A guy I know in San Diego bought the truck after the movie was filmed and it's still truckin' down I-5 between San Diego and LA. Whether you're a trucker or not, you'll still enjoy the great ride this movie will give you!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
independant trucker -vs- large scale corp. trking company, March 17, 2002
very good movie depicting the hardships of an independant trucker
trying to support his family, pay his bills, ect... but is inadvertantly confronted by strongarm BIG business hardball players, who undercut the freight prices, brutally beat- mame- rape- wreck- run off the road- anything to put the little guy independant trucker out of business. The "Blue Mule" handle for Jan Micheal Vincent, ultimately, gets his revenge, at the Glass House,where the corporate Big wigs hang out. A must see movie if you are a trucker, or happen to know anyone who is...
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
