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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Cannonball! yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Cannonball! (1976)

Trace every key event in Cannonball! (1976) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Coy Enters the Race

Coy 'Cannonball' Buckman, a former race driver recently released from parole, is drawn into the infamous Trans-Continental Road Race. Starting in Santa Monica Pier, this race ignites his yearning for speed but also raises concerns for his parole officer girlfriend, Linda, who worries about the consequences of his participation.

Santa Monica Pier
2

Zippo's Support

Coy’s loyal friend, Zippo Friedman, decides to support him by tuning up his brilliant red Pontiac Trans Am for the race. In a clever move, Zippo disguises himself as Coy and enters the race to avoid attention from law enforcement, making their friendship even more pivotal.

3

The Rivalry Begins

The competition heats up as Coy faces off against Cade Redman, a bitter rival who is also tasked with escorting a country singer named Perman Waters to New York. This rivalry escalates tensions, threatening Coy's focus as the race progresses.

4

Notable Competitors

Coy encounters several eclectic racers, including the European champion Wolfe Messer and the adventurous surfer couple, Jim and Maryann Crandell. Each competitor brings their own unique style and tactics to the race, heightening the overall intensity.

5

Bennie's Dangerous Bet

Unknown to Coy, his brother Bennie has placed a precarious bet with mob boss Lester Marks on Coy's success in the race. Bennie's dire financial situation adds another layer of tension, pushing him to take drastic measures to ensure his brother wins.

6

Linda Joins the Race

Initially reluctant, Linda decides to join Coy in the race but becomes concerned about the reckless behavior of Redman. Their relationship faces new challenges as the dangers of the competition become more evident.

7

Sabotage in the Desert

In a bid to gain an advantage, Bennie conspires with an ex-con named Sharpe to sabotage Wolfe Messer's car with a bomb. The bomb detonates during a police chase, escalating the already chaotic nature of the race.

Desert
8

The Supermarket Brawl

Tensions boil over when Redman confronts Coy in a supermarket, leading to a fierce brawl. The chaos spills throughout the store, showcasing the lengths competitors will go to in order to take down their rival.

Supermarket
9

Coy's Car Wreck

Coy faces a major setback when he totals his car on a treacherous mountain road. Thankfully, two supportive mechanics come to his aid, lending him a green Ford Mustang to continue his journey amidst the chaos of the race.

Mountain Road
10

Zippo's Mistaken Identity

In a desperate attempt to take out Coy, Redman mistakenly attacks Zippo, believing him to be Coy. Meanwhile, Linda channels her martial arts skills to protect her friends, demonstrating her strength amidst the turmoil.

11

The Shocking Revelation

Coy learns a heart-wrenching truth from Linda about Zippo's past, detailing how Zippo took the blame for an incident that led to Coy's imprisonment. This revelation adds complexity to Coy's feelings of guilt and gratitude towards his friend.

12

The Climactic Chase

The race reaches a fever pitch as Redman pursues Coy into an unfinished bridge construction site. The ensuing chaos leads to a nail-biting crash that ends Redman's reckless chase, demonstrating the race's perilous nature.

Bridge Construction Site
13

Zippo's Tragic Fate

As Coy nears victory, Sharpe's attempt to assassinate him ends in a tragic explosion that claims Zippo's life. This shocking event adds a layer of tragedy, dramatically impacting Coy’s emotional state as he continues the race.

14

The Race Concludes

In the final moments of the race, Jim and Maryann discover Linda injured but safe. Together, they overcome the odds to claim victory, but for Coy, the win is overshadowed by his emotional turmoil regarding Zippo and the betrayal by his brother.

15

Emotional Reunion

As the dust settles from the chaotic race, Coy rushes to the hospital where Linda is recovering. Their reunion is bittersweet, intertwining love, loss, and the devastating impact of the race on their lives.

Hospital

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:20

Unlock the Full Story of Cannonball!

Don't stop at just watching — explore Cannonball! in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Cannonball! is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Cannonball! Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cannonball!, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Cannonball! Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cannonball!

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Cannonball!. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cannonball!

More About Cannonball!

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cannonball!: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Cannonball!

Similar Movies to Cannonball!

Discover movies like Cannonball! that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.