Cannonball!

Cannonball!

Year: 1976

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

ActionDramaThrillerComedyCrime

Coy "Cannonball" Buckman, played by David Carradine, enters the Trans-America Grand Prix, an underground road race with no rules and a $100,000 prize. Behind the wheel of his distinctive red Pontiac, he faces a diverse group of international drivers pushing their vehicles to the limit. Buckman’s ambition to join the prestigious Modern Motors team puts him in direct competition with rival Cade Redman, leading to intense clashes and a thrilling battle for supremacy on the open road.

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Cannonball! (1976) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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The Trans‑America Grand Prix is the kind of outlaw contest that lives in the shadows of the open road, a cross‑country sprint where the only rule is that there are no rules. From the sun‑bleached pier of Santa Monica to the steel skyline of New York, a kaleidoscope of souped‑up machines roar across deserts, mountain passes and endless highways. The atmosphere crackles with a raw, high‑octane energy that feels both reckless and intoxicating, a perfect playground for anyone who dreams of pushing limits beyond the ordinary.

At the heart of the race is Coy “Cannonball” Buckman, a charismatic former driver who’s just been released on parole and is desperate to prove that his name still carries weight. Behind the wheel of a striking red Pontiac, Coy’s blend of daring skill and restless ambition sets him apart, while a lingering sense of redemption fuels every mile he covers. His personal stakes are heightened by a determined love‑interest who worries that a single misstep could send him back behind bars, and by a coveted seat with the prestigious Modern Motors team that could finally cement his place among racing’s elite.

Racing alongside Coy is a colorful roster of international competitors, each boasting their own style, cars and motives. Among them, the formidable Cade Redman stands out as a natural adversary, his sleek confidence and own hunger for victory promising an electrifying clash of wills. The field teems with daring personalities and exotic machines, creating a tension‑filled backdrop where alliances form and break as quickly as tire smoke on the asphalt. In this high‑stakes, rule‑free world, every turn could be the one that propels a driver toward glory—or spirals them into the chaos that defines the Grand Prix.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:15

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Cannonball! Summary

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Cannonball! Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cannonball!

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cannonball!

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