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I am not a man of many traditions, but I like to keep the few ones that I do have intact. One of those traditions is that I pay tribute to a deceased actor or director by watching one of his/her movies as soon as I hear the sad news. Burt Reynolds died on 5th of September 2018 and, although he's far from my favorite actor of all times, I do feel an honoring is in place since titles like "Deliverance", "White Lightening", "The Cannonball Run" and "Smokey and The Bandit" are nevertheless favorites of mine. Reviewing "Gator" is even a bit of a double tribute, since the film also marked Reynold's debut as a director.

"Gator" is exactly what you expect a pulpy and trashy sequel to the 1973 semi-classic "White Lightening" to be like, except that everything now revolves even more around the hunky & cool persona of illegal liquor runner Gator McClusky. Freshly released from prison, Gator is forced by a New York DA to help apprehend his former childhood buddy Bama McCall, who's now a big-shot Bayou crook. Gator is initially reluctant to betray his old friend and sabotages the operation, but when he finds out that Bama has become a relentless gangster who runs mafia-like protection rings and forces underaged girls into prostitution, all his sympathy quickly vanished. Like "White Lightening", the tone of "Gator" is also primarily light-headed, but with many raw and dark edges as well as unexpected moments of extreme violence. The typically hillbilly-soundtrack and the speedboat-chases through the Bayou swamps are comical, but Bama McCall's sinister henchmen and their gangster practices are grim and more reminiscent to the dark and uncompromising type of 70s grindhouse/exploitation cinema. The role of Jerry Reed is particularly and utmost surprising! I previously just knew him as a country-crooner (he also sings the title song) or as the jolly but harmless sidekick (for example in "Smokey and the Bandit") but here Reed depicts a truly evil guy with a nasty shotgun and intimidating helpers. His lieutenants are a scary giant named Bones, so tall that he has stick his head out of the open roof when driving a car, and a perverse creep named Smiley (you'll see why).

Reynolds occasionally demonstrates that he holds the potential of a competent director, and "Gator" is overall good entertainment, but the film is too long and especially the romantic interludes between Gator and love-interest Lauren Hutton are too tedious and interfere with the explosive action & spectacle during the finale. Throughout the 70s and 80s, it seemed like Burt Reynolds had a fun career with a few classics and a quite large number of genuine crowd-pleasers. He made a remarkable comeback in the 90s, with a few hits ("Boogie Nights") and more misses ("Striptease", "Cop and a Half") but always kept his Bayou bad-boy coolness. Rest in peace, Mr. Bandit.

A Sequel to ¨Joseph Sargent's White Lightning¨ follows the adventures of Gator (Burt Reynolds), he's a good ol' southern boy who has served four years of his five year prison sentence for moonshining. Then Gator McKlusky is recruited to gather evidence to convict a corrupt political boss (Jerry Reed) who also happens to be his friend. As agents force a former con man to help them nab a nasty mobster and his hoodlums. Meanwhile, Gator falls for a cool, gapteethed heroine, news reporter Aggie Maybank (Lauren Hutton). Only one man delivers 100-proof excitement!. Come and get him. Gator never strikes twice - 'cause once is enough!. Meet the Bayou's baddest good ol' boy. Take a bite and feel all right!.If You Haven't Seen "Gator" You Haven't Seen Burt Reynolds It's my kind of film. Booze, broads, car chases, corruption and revenge -- all the things that make life worthwhile!

Here Reynolds in his good tough boy role with lots of chases and fighting scenes. This movie was "the earliest in the cycle of hick flicks that Burt Reynolds rode to superstardom" on. The story starts with a tongue-in-cheek he-man opening with a number of motorboats jumping and causing destruction through the swamps and following further bouts of action, but things dawdle to standstill while Burt projects his sensitivity, lazy singalong good nature, and old-fashioned romanticism, he even expresses doubts about his style and inability to cope with independent women. The plot is formula pulp -Burt is blackmailed into exposing a former buddy, now a big-shot Southern crook- but it takes far too long to tell. All through the movie it is evident that Burt Reynolds is attempting to do a little something different with each scene. Sometimes he can't prevent the story becoming bogged down in his own routineness and the violence of the final highlight only just survives its juxtaposition with the previous humor, as roles we have come to like get brutally killed off; in spite of it, the action scenes are first class. It is acceptable and passable film with its ups and downs, but the reasonable cinematography by cameraman William A. Fraker and good action material help. There's also enjoyable musical score from Charles Bernstein, as well as catching songs, such as: ¨Gator¨ written & performed by Jerry Reed; ¨For a Little While¨ written &performed by Bobby Goldsboro and ¨Hey, Country Boy¨ written by Rusty Richards, performed by Dinah Shore . Some of composer Charles Bernstein's music score from this movie was re-used in two Quentin Tarantino movies: Kill Bill: part 1 (2003) and Inglorious Bastardos (2009). The main and support cast are pretty good . Beginning with Reynolds himself, he's very attractive and likable. While Lauren Hutton exudes charm and beauty as a personable news reporter, she creates a very good love chemistry with her partner Reynolds. Country singer Jerry Reed makes a good heavy, he steals the show as the villain who lends real menace and evil to the rather cardboard vice king; Alice Ghostley as a cranky social crusader with a passion for cats and Talk show host Mike Douglas made his film debut in the role of governor, and , of course, Jack Weston as a plump and faintly incompetent federal agent.

First film Reynolds directed, being professionally made. Burt keeps it simple, his direction suggests the makings of a model craftsman. And Reynolds gets uniformly nice interpretations from his actors. Gator chalked up a decent start for its budding director which he hasn't followed through enough. This was the first of the car stunt movies set in the American South that Burt Reynolds made during the 1970s and involved some kind of battle with a sheriff or official. This group of movies includes Smokey and the bandit (1977) and its follow-ups, as well as White Lightning (1973) and its sequel, Gator, (1976). Burt Reynolds went on to direct a few more films for both the big and small screen, such as: ¨Stick¨, ¨The End¨, ¨Hard Time¨, ¨The Man from Left Field¨, ¨Hawk¨ , ¨Amazing tales¨, ¨The Last Producer¨, ¨The Newton Family¨, ¨B. L. Stryker¨, and ¨Sharky's Machine¨ at his best. Gator(1976) rating: 6/10. The film will appeal to Burt Reynolds fans.

I watched the 1973 movie "White Lightning" and then followed up with the 1976 movie "Gator" here, as I happened to stumble upon two Burt Reynolds movies that I hadn't previously seen. I did enjoy the 1973 movie, so I was looking forward to watching what writers William W. Norton and Roderick Taylor had to offer with the 1976 movie that was directed by Burt Reynolds.

While "Gator" certainly is watchable, it differs from the 1973 movie quite a lot. Whereas the 1973 movie "White Lightning" incorporated comedy, the 1976 movie "Gator" incorporates a more serious and mature aspect, as it deals with some pretty heavy contents, such as drugs and prostitution involving underage girls. That change of pace and contents was definitely no what I was expecting, and certainly not from a Burt Reynolds movie, wherein the previous movie they were setting the stage with mixing crime and comedy.

The movie stars Burt Reynolds, whom carries the movie quite well as the Gator McKlusky character. But it also have the likes of Jack Weston, Lauren Hutton, Alice Ghostley, Dub Taylor and Jerry Reed on the cast list. It was quite odd to see Jerry Reed's character Bama McCall take such a drastic turn of personality in "Gator" in comparison to the "White Lightning" movie.

"Gator" is not a bad movie, it just differed a lot from what I was expecting. And just a heads up, if you do sit down to watch "Gator", don't do so with the intent of being entertained with comedy.

My rating of "Gator" lands on a six out of ten stars.

one of the most endearing qualities about this movie is the fact that it brings the seventies back to your memories...it was filmed in 1976 and it shows it often....the scene where jerry (reed) enters the "southside shuffle "topless" bar...nails the period completely... as well as other fashions, lingo, and of course burt himself...who "owned" the seventies....due to this movie and his other good ole boy films of the south....coupled with the overwhelming popularity of smokey and the bandit (yet to come a year later)...established burt as a seemingly permanent fixture in cinema back then...I always thought burt would stay on top I guess...he seemed invincible as the #1 box office attraction...he is definitely an icon of the seventies time capsule...his swagger and his sense of humor put a brand on me as I remember many times in my life (silently) asking myself...what would burt do in a situation like this?....

as pure acting goes...the film had one of the best supporting actors around and due to his lack of experience I guess you would just have to sum up jerry reed as being a "natural".....he played the villain so well you wanted him to stop...and go back to the good ole boy that you knew he could be (later as cletus snow in smokey and the bandit)

gator is/was one of my all time favorite films...from a time period that I thought would never end...I miss it and this film will help you reunite with it if you are nostalgic at all...

1970s superstar Burt Reynolds made his directorial debut with this sequel to his 1973 vehicle "White Lightning". He also returns to the title role, and Gator is now living a quiet existence with his cantankerous, talkative old pop (John Steadman) and spunky nine year old daughter (Lori Futch). Justice Department agent Irving Greenfield (Jack Weston) is pretty sure Gator is still making and running moonshine, so he intends to offer Gator a proposal. He won't be arresting him (a bust this time would make Gator a three time loser), but asking him to hook up with a childhood buddy, Bama McCall (Jerry Reed). Bama is a crooked politician and crime kingpin, and it's really him that the authorities are after. Gator isn't happy about the assignment at first, but he changes his tune when he realizes the depths of Bamas' depravity.

The main problem with "Gator" is that it goes on so long (at least a couple of minutes could have been trimmed) and is so heavy on comedy, that when it takes a side step into ugliness, it's ultimately too jarring. It should have tried striking more of a balance throughout. At first we think it might be "Smokey and the Bandit" type hijinks, with Greenfield bumbling quite a bit for a character who is supposed to be a crack Federal agent. It is mildly funny at times, but it's mostly the performances that keep this watchable for close to two hours. Reeds' title song, which he wrote and sang, gets us in a good mood, and the widescreen Todd AO 35 photography by William A. Fraker is first rate.

Burt is good as Gator. He's charming when he needs to be, but is also believable when he's required to get serious. Reed makes Bama a rather engaging villain, full of personality, for a while. Lauren Hutton is appealing as the reporter who becomes Gators' love interest and co- conspirator. TV personality Mike Douglas has a pre-credits cameo as The Governor. Particularly fun in supporting roles are the ever smiling Burton Gilliam as a henchman, Dub Taylor in peak hammy form as a corrupt mayor, Alice Ghostley as a former public servant, and William Engesser as towering creep Bones. Incidentally, there's a 'Dukes of Hazzard' connection here, as James Best (Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane) was assistant to the producers, and Sonny Shroyer (Deputy Enos Strate) has a tiny part as a Federal agent.

"Gator" is fairly enjoyable, but isn't among the best of Burts' work from this period.

Six out of 10.

This film essentially begins with the "Governor" (played by Mike Douglas) of a Southern state lamenting the fact that crime in Dunston County is wrecking his political chances for further advancement. And the one person orchestrating much of this criminal activity is a vicious crime boss by the name of "Bama McCall" (Jerry Reed). Having tried everything he can think of he turns to a federal agent from New York City named "Irving Greenfield" (Jack Weston) who tells him that the solution to the problem is to get an informant planted inside of Bama's organization. Not only that, but he has the perfect candidate for the job: a moonshiner by the name of "Gator McCluskey" (Burt Reynolds) who also happens to be a "2-time loser" and if apprehended again for another crime would face a long prison sentence. But first they have to venture into the Okefenokee Swamp and catch him. And that's a difficult task in and of itself. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this sequel to "White Lightning" was just as good-if not better-than the original film. I especially liked the acting of Jerry Reed who I thought put in an excellent performance. That being said, I enjoyed this film and have rated it accordingly. Above average.

Burt Reynolds both plays the title role and repeats his character from White Line Fever in this film Gator. Reynolds played one of his most endearing characters as the amiable moonshiner who has certain talents and the right acquaintances that an ambitious Governor of Georgia needs at the moment.

As we saw in White Line Fever Reynolds was a tough man for law enforcement to deal with. But Mike Douglas, the TV host not Kirk's son, is the Governor who has a Phoenix City like county that is gaining national attention and putting a crimp on his plans for higher office.

As it turns out Reynolds happens to know the boss of said county who is played by country singer Jerry Reed. They've got history together and Reynolds has to be hammer-locked into cooperating by federal investigator Jack Weston. But one look at Reed's operation, particularly one aspect of it, and Reynolds then becomes a willing crusader.

Also helping out are Lauren Hutton and Alice Ghostley and this is the fantastic four of Georgia. Gator as a film is nicely paced between some good old boy comedy, serious drama, and some really nice action sequences especially at the climax. I'd give it a look and for Burt Reynolds fans, Gator is a must.

What a disappointment this film was. I was pleasantly surprised with the film's predecessor, White Lightning. While no master piece in film, White Lightning was an enjoyable film set in the deep south. Gator on the other hand leaves so much to be desired. The film opens with one of the most ridiculous chase scenes I have ever seen. There is little improvement as the film goes on. Jerry Reed plays a kingpin and does not do it very convincingly. Burt Reynolds, as Gator, does not seem nearly as tough this time around. Perhaps his second stint in prison made him soft? It seems Gator is not as confident this time around. The remaining cast members are most forgettable. Most forgettable was the slob/federal agent that Gator is in cahoots with. There was one good shot the entire movie. Gator visits with a 15 and a half year old prostitute and the part of the scene is shot in the reflection of a music box mirror. Somebody else must have suggested this to Burt Reynolds as the rest of his directing in this movie is deplorable. The film's failings can't lie solely on bad directing, most every film making element of "Gator" falls short. What a shame, Burt Reynolds seemed to be such a promising talent in White Lightning.

Gator is a good action film: a story of corruption, extortion and illegal business, a tough, but pleasant hero and a love story. I enjoyed very the performances of Burt Reynolds and Lauren Hutton.

Why oh why do people make films that start off with a light-hearted attitude but in the end become grim and depressing. "Hickey and Boggs" and "Shout at the Devil" also come to mind in this respect. The only things saving this film from being lumped in with "Hustle" (the worst '70's Reynolds film in my opinion) is Jack Weston as a bumbling federal investigator and Jerry Reed as the icy evil villain. Of course, with the acting talents of Lauren Hutton on display, a lot more is needed than just a couple of good character actors. Add an exploitative ending that feels like it was tacked on for a sense of serious "drama" and you get one bad movie.

The movie Gator is full of action. As with many Burt Reynolds movies the cops are once again practically useless. The standout is Jerry Reed as Bama McCall. Jerry Reed takes his role and runs with it till their is nothing left. The evil laugh and twinkle in his eye only adds to his portrayal. The bar scene with Bama, Gator, Bones and Smiley is a 10 easily. If you enjoy Burt Reynolds you will like this movie, however I hope you will walk away with a new appreciation for Jerry Reed. I really got a kick out of the 70's suits Mr. Reed wore. Classic. The opening motorboat scene is done well, but you can see the stunt men instead of the main actors. Lauren Hutton is sweet and there seemed to be some chemistry between her and Burt. Great acting, morality play and Jerry Reed, what more could one ask for?

A good time-capsule treasure from 1976. The formula for later,better-known Reynolds movies can be found here. I just read that Bert died today and I will miss him.

Have seen White Lightning a few times and really loved its southern exploitation vibes and the rough and sweaty filming.

Finally got a copy of Gator so did a double bill of White Lightning followed by Gator.

Yikes, I wish I had not done that, the character from WL appears to have been totally rewritten and is very different, in a bad way, gone is the down and dirty sweaty original replaced by a lighter more wise cracking character.

Really wish they stayed within the originals direction of an anti-hero and not went almost proto-Bandit with this one.

"Gator " marks a time in that there were not limits for the pleasure, for the happiness and for the adventure! this film is a typical turn to the seventies, and it has as the protagonist the star who reigned absolute for this time and who is finally returning: Burt Reynolds. Seen today, of course " Gator " seems a simple film and with a weak story, but if we analyze the context of the time in what it was done, Gator " is memorable and, without a doubt, an entertaining film and that deserves to be watched! Burt Reynolds offers all his charm, all his talent, interpreting Gator McKlusky, a scoundrel who is forced by the policemen to infiltrate in the criminal organization of an old childhood friend, and discover evidences that will lead him to the prison. Jerry Reed, another great icon of the seventies, is excellent as Bama McCall, the boss of the organized crime who seems to be owner of the south of Florida, Lauren Hutton was never so pretty and nice, particularly in the scene in what she and Burt Reynolds are talking at the beach, at night, near of a bonfire. Gator " is a celebration of a time where everything was simpler, truer and tasty, it is a memorable and efficient film that, even after so many years, preserves the tension and unforgettable scenes . Watch " Gator ", it is not the best film of Burt Reynolds career, but it is one of the good ones!

Being a Burt fan I find it rather odd that I never got around to watching "Gator" completely from start to finish, even though I've seen "White Lightning" over 100 times, I think I like that film slightly better, but, this one is still enjoyable it seems to try and go straight leaving a lot of the exploitation of the first film behind. This is when we first got "Ah Shucks" Burt that you would see in "Smokey and the Bandit" and pretty much all his other early '80s output. Jerry Reed sings the cool theme song and his presence makes it ten times better as well If he wasn't here it defiantly would have been a major loss.

Crime plot 8/10 Underbelly of organized crime in the South vs a good ole boy outlaw.

Weakness is the New York element, which adds nothing except perhaps some sort of condescension.

Romantic plot 2/10 Feminist liberationist claptrap.

Real snooze fest, best thing about it was the theme song by Jerry Reed. I was in a Burt 70s mood after watching White Lighting and decided to watch the sequel, big mistake, it sucked. Don't bother.

I'm rating this a tad higher than I feel it deserves but that's because the movie commands some respect for its honesty and authenticity. Staying true to the genre conventions, it features a reformed crook battling against an irredeemable crook in a somewhat charming southern setting with a hint of corruption and pessimism in the air per the 70s obligatory outlook towards government and life in general. All in all, watchable, has some interesting characters and delivers what it promises: some fun, action and romance.

I watched the prequel, White Lightning (1973), which is a notch better movie than this one and if you liked that one the chances are you'll enjoy this as well. Reynolds is a believable Gator and Reed as Bama portrays a despicable charmer with the slickness and sickness worthy of a Clare Quilty.

Well, there you have it. Falling outside the best Hollywood Era (post Bonnie & Clyde and pre-Jaws) we have Gator, a cheesy, slick, facile, mindless sequel to a subversie bit of New American Cinema called White Lightning. There is more substance in candy floss. And that's before they get to the caper scene. Was that Burt's attempt to recreate a bit of screwball comedy from the 30s? Didn't work. Lauren Hutton turned in a fine performance, considering she started as a smokin' hot cover model. But that's about all this movie has going for it.

Burt Reynolds is quoted as saying this was "The worst script he ever read". Once he was told he could direct he said "This is the best script he ever read". White Lightning worked because it was a pretty straightforward revenge movie with tight direction. The tone on this is all over the place with baffonish comedy that would be out of place in the first film along with more serious moments. Burt plays himself in this film, more or less and is much less angry than the earlier film. There is bigger action scenes, but there were better chases and action scenes in White Lightning. I like Burt as a director, but this is his first time in the director's chair and the screenplay is not the greatest. What's positive about Gator is casting Lauren Hutton as Burt's love interest and journalist. She gives a good performance and is gorgeous. Country star and future sidekick Jerry Reed would later work with Burt as Snowman in Smokey And The Bandit, he is absolutely fantastic here before he makes his babyface turn as the bad, bad Bama McCall. This is only Jerry 's second movie role, but is one of the best onscreen villains I have ever seen. Overall, Gator is fairly entertaining, but does have it's flaws(which I previously stated).

This movie is a sad excuse for a movie. Burt Reynolds should have gotten anyone besides home to direct. How about Sam Peckinpah or anyone else. The only bright spot in this train wreck is Jerry Reed

This is White Lightning with the budget. Great story, and action with a mix of directing that gives the viewer a feel for the south. A tailor made role for Burt Reynolds, which became a high water mark, he never could reach again. I love the part where the tall guy uses the sun roof in order to drive the car, and the beginning narration. Too bad this format was not in use for Sharky's Machine, he would have done better in the 80's. This movie made him a star of the 70's, and this film ages well, which is the test of time. 8 out of 10 rent it today.

One of Burt Reynolds' signature early roles came as good old boy moonshine runner Gator McCluskey, who finds himself squaring off against supposedly legitimate authorities whose criminal activities by far dwarf his own in White Lightning. This sequel came a few years later and followed much the same formula. 'Gator', while still set deep in the Everglade swamps, has a glossier look than its predecessor and Burt now has ex-supermodel Lauren Hutton for a love interest (a plus), but their romantic sub-plot tends to get in the way of the story and the middle of the picture really drags as a result. With fewer stunts and chases, this sequel is simply less exciting and less fun that the original, while looking more like a Big Hollywood Production. This is not a plus, it is a step down. Watch White Lightning first, and enjoy its action, its sense of fun and its grungy lack of pretense. Then, if you just have to have more, hold your nose and try this one.