Moonshining, or illicitly producing and selling alcoholic beverages, became an industry during Prohibition as people sought ways to produce their alcohol to bypass tax payments.
Roger Corman gives this simple moonshine story a larger budget than Smokey and the Bandit and includes several stunning car chase sequences. Additionally, it includes family life as well as some humor.
Thunder Road (1958)
Thunder Road was an impressive accomplishment from writer-director Robert Mitchum despite its low production values, featuring himself as Luke Doolin, a Korean War veteran returning home and taking over his family moonshine business in the mountains after serving overseas. However, Luke runs into trouble from both large city gangsters as well as law enforcement agents: Kogan (Jacques Aubuchon) wants a piece of Luke’s operation, while Treasury agent Troy Barrett (Gene Barry) seeks their destruction. But Luke stands his ground, dodging arrest on several occasions while transporting liquor between clandestine distribution points in his black Ford two-door sedan driven by Keely Smith (who sings the film’s title track “Whippoorwill”).
This movie’s car chase scenes are legendary, making it a beloved cult classic among drive-in theatergoers in the South. Famous automotive stuntman Ray Loftin built several of the cars used in it – including that which kills Kogan at the end of it all!
Thunder Road was an important career milestone for Robert Mitchum, a critically acclaimed actor who later went on to create other highly regarded films. Mitchum not only wrote the screenplay and co-wrote its song but also featured Sandra Knight who would go on to appear in such classic B-movies as They Saved Hitler’s Brain and Species – making this an entertaining film to watch for B-movie fans as well as Mitchum enthusiasts alike!
Preacherman (1971)
In this 1971 hicksploitation classic, Amos T. Huxley plays the part of an unorthodox preacher determined to fleece his congregation, steal moonshine profits, and seduce Mary Lou (played with great charm by Ilene Kristen). However, their operations come under attack by an aggressive federal agent determined to shut them down permanently.
Preacherman, featuring some of the greatest country-boy acting of its era, is an entertaining and often touching comedy that explores rural Southern life. Additionally, Preacherman serves as a commentary on churchgoing folk who hide their sinful lifestyles under an outward religiosity facade – making this film essential viewing for fans of both Southern sex and action movies alike!
Albert T. Viola ensured that this movie’s racy script and precise direction kept audiences gripped from beginning to end, with its top-notch supporting cast including Slim Pickens and an early Jaclyn Smith who were already becoming stars at that point in her career. Furthermore, its cinematography captured all of the rural Southern scenery perfectly.
Preacherman is not without its shortcomings, however. The movie uses stereotypes which are sometimes ineffective while its overreliance on humor detracts from the narrative. Furthermore, Preacherman may sometimes become too long and overshadow its protagonist.
Though this movie boasts some of the finest acting seen in hicksploitation films, it doesn’t quite work as well. While Moonshine Mountain or Bad News Bears were more enjoyable films to watch. Still, Preacherman Meets Widderwoman should still provide plenty of laughs; and Bill Simpson who played Zero Bull returns as sheriff (he also co-wrote both films!). Additionally, Preacherman Meets Widderwoman was created due to an earlier short film called Preacherman from 1949 which featured Alice Faye as sheriff’s deputy; that original short was lost so the title changed after its initial run-out.
Bootleggers (1974)
Bootleggers run illegal liquor operations across the South in this comedy and crime film from Charles Pierce. Paul Koslo and Dennis Fimple star, while it can be streamed for free on Tubi, Freevee (Via Prime Video), Roku Channel, or Amazon Video. You can also purchase it.
The movie follows two families in rural Arkansas as they engage in an epic feud over moonshine business. Inspired by classic Hatfields and McCoy stories of feuding family members, it stars Jaclyn Smith from Charlie’s Angels fame, making her first feature film appearance here. Though moving slowly overall, there is a final violent showdown that should keep audiences entertained; make sure not to miss this classic in its genre!
This movie not only tells an amazing tale but also features stunning scenery of the American Southwest. Filmed on location in Calico Rock and Emerson, Arkansas – some locations used are still standing today – this masterpiece was an instant classic.
The plot centers around an American war veteran who works at his family’s moonshine operation after returning home. This movie offers plenty of humor, action, romance, and memorable performances from its cast. It makes an enjoyable viewing experience!
This movie about moonshining was one of the best I’ve seen. Its characters were very well developed, making for a thrilling viewing experience that I recommend highly to all movie enthusiasts.
This movie provides an engaging account of how prohibition impacted Southerners during its period. I found this to be both emotionally gripping and stunningly acted by its talented cast – I would strongly advise watching it! As someone who enjoys drama films, this must-watch movie should make its way onto any movie fan’s must-watch list!
Lawless (2012)
Lawless is the story of three bootlegging brothers living in Franklin County, Virginia during Prohibition who attempt to expand their illegal alcohol empire while dodging corrupt officials and Chicago mobster Floyd Banner (an outstanding performance from Gary Oldman). Writer-director John Hillcoat has created an engaging crime drama with this feature film featuring an outstanding cast including rising talent Dane DeHaan as crippled bootlegger Cricket; Jessica Chastain as Amish preacher’s daughter Bertha Minnix and Shia LaBeouf as baby brother Jack; John Hillcoat has made this film truly captivating for viewers of all ages!
Based on Matt Bondurant’s historical novel The Wettest County, Lawless features Tom Hardy as Forrest, who heads up his family business. Howard serves as Howard’s go-to guy while Jack attempts to impress both Howard and Maggie (played brilliantly by Mia Wasikowska). Guy Pearce in one of his finest performances since The Proposition) arrives to bring down the boys, only for them to refuse to play his game and begin an all-out war that includes punches to faces, throat cuts, and weapons such as shotguns, hunting knives, and brass knuckles being deployed effectively against one another.
This movie captures perfectly the sense of danger and rebellion associated with moonshining, such as when brothers boldly cross a bridge to deliver hooch to a police officer. Furthermore, this film does an outstanding job of showing the family dynamics associated with running an illegal business venture.
Lawless is an engaging period drama with a predictable plot and sometimes overwrought dialogue, featuring an impressive ensemble cast and impressive production values that are well worth your time.
