Convoy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Truckers get mad at a sheriff, so they drive a bunch of big rigs really fast and inspire a state governor to grandstand, culminating in a bridge explosion that maybe kills everyone… or not, who knows?

🍿 Convoy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Encounter with Sheriff Wallace

Independent trucker Martin ‘Rubber Duck’ Penwald and his fellow drivers Pig Pen and Spider Mike are driving through Arizona. They are entrapped by the unscrupulous Sheriff Lyle ‘Cottonmouth’ Wallace, who uses their CB radios against them. Rubber Duck and Cottonmouth have a history of antagonism, setting the stage for conflict.

The Bar Fight and Escape

The situation escalates when Cottonmouth threatens Spider Mike at a truck stop. A brawl ensues, leading Rubber Duck, Pig Pen, Spider Mike, and a hitchhiker named Melissa to flee. They decide to head to New Mexico to avoid prosecution, igniting a chase.

The Convoy Forms

News of their defiance spreads via CB radio, and other truckers join their cause, forming a large convoy. This demonstration of support gains media attention, turning their personal conflict into a public movement. Cottonmouth and other law enforcement officers attempt to stop them, but the growing convoy and Rubber Duck’s explosive cargo make it difficult.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Martin ‘Rubber Duck’ Penwald (Kris Kristofferson): An independent trucker known as ‘Rubber Duck’ becomes the charismatic leader of a massive convoy protesting police corruption and injustice.
• Sheriff Lyle Wallace (Ernest Borgnine): A corrupt and vindictive sheriff, known as ‘Cottonmouth’, relentlessly pursues Rubber Duck and the convoy, fueled by a long-standing personal feud.
• Melissa (Ali MacGraw): A free-spirited photographer who hitches a ride with Rubber Duck and becomes involved in the escalating events of the convoy.
• Pig Pen (Burt Young): A loyal and boisterous trucker who is one of Rubber Duck’s closest allies in the convoy.
• Spider Mike (Franklyn Ajaye): A trucker whose unjust treatment by Sheriff Wallace sparks the initial conflict and the formation of the convoy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rubber Duck: “Pig Pen this here’s the Rubber Duck and I’m about to put the hammer down!” – Rubber Duck announces his intention to speed up and lead the convoy.
• Rubber Duck: “Why do they call you the Duck? Because it rhymes with ‘luck’. See, my daddy always told me to be just like a duck. Stay smooth on the surface and paddle like the devil underneath!” – Rubber Duck explains his nickname to Melissa.
• Sheriff Lyle ‘Cottonmouth’ Wallace: “My name is Bob Bookman, sir, and I hate truckers.” – The sheriff makes no attempt to hide his disdain.
• Big Nasty: “I’m just here because I like kicking ass!” – Trucker states his simple motivation for joining the convoy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,765,081
• Worldwide Gross: $22,765,081

💥 Convoy Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching Convoy as a kid and being blown away by the trucks! The sheer scale of the convoy was awesome. The bar fight scene was pretty epic, too. While the story is a bit simple, it’s a fun ride down memory lane. The CB radio lingo is hilarious now. I always wanted my own big rig after seeing this!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1970s road movies”
  • “Viewers interested in trucking culture”
  • “Those who enjoy action-packed chase films”
  • “Fans of Kris Kristofferson and Ernest Borgnine”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Language”
  • “Some mature themes”
  • “Brief drug references”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Convoy delivers impressive stunts and truck action, but the plot is thin and the character development is lacking. Borgnine’s performance as the villainous sheriff is a highlight, while Kristofferson provides stoic charisma.
• Roger Ebert: “While not Peckinpah’s best work, Convoy offers visually striking scenes and an interesting look at the 70s trucker culture. The film suffers from inconsistent pacing and a lack of depth, but the action sequences are undeniably entertaining.
• TV Guide: “A somewhat silly story elevated by strong performances and impressive stunt work. Convoy is ultimately a fun but forgettable road movie that captures the rebellious spirit of the 70s.

Audience Reactions

The truck stunts were spectacular and intense.: Viewers loved the high-octane action and the feeling of rebellion.

Ernest Borgnine’s performance as the sheriff was memorable and hilarious.: The villain was over-the-top and entertaining.

Overall Consensus: Convoy is a fun, if somewhat flawed, action movie that appeals to fans of truck chases and 70s cinema. The performances and stunts are praised, while the plot is criticized for being thin.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Sam Peckinpah was known for his erratic behavior and substance abuse issues during filming, leading to speculation that James Coburn directed some scenes.”
• “The film is based on the 1975 country song ‘Convoy’ by C.W. McCall, which was a novelty hit inspired by the CB radio craze of the era.”
• “The production used approximately 24 trucks, employing camera tricks to create the illusion of a much larger convoy.”
• “Kris Kristofferson’s casting was considered a good fit, capitalizing on his laid-back, anti-establishment persona at the time.”
• “While the film is known for its action, it notably avoids on-screen deaths, which is atypical for Peckinpah’s filmography.”

🖥️ How to Watch Convoy?

Convoy (1978) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for streaming options or DVD/Blu-ray availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Convoy, you might like these similar films:

• Smokey and the Bandit (1977): Similar themes of rebellious outlaws evading the law in high-speed chases. It also taps into the CB radio craze of the 70s and features a lighthearted tone.
• White Line Fever (1975): Focuses on the life and struggles of an independent trucker fighting against corruption, aligning with the themes of independence and anti-establishment sentiment in Convoy.
• Vanishing Point (1971): A counter-culture film about a man driving a car cross-country, pursued by the police, becoming a symbol of freedom and rebellion, much like Rubber Duck.
• Mad Max: Fury Road (2015): Features a group of rebels in a convoy of vehicles fighting against a corrupt authority in a post-apocalyptic desert landscape, echoing the themes of rebellion and vehicular action.

🛒 Convoy Related Products

• Convoy (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: Limited Edition Blu-ray with restored footage, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and interviews. A must-have for die-hard fans of the film.
• Convoy Movie Poster (Original): Original theatrical poster from 1978. A vintage piece of movie history for collectors.
• Highway CB Radio Simulator Game: Trucking simulator game with realistic CB radio chatter, customizable rigs, and challenging delivery missions. Play as Rubber Duck and lead your own convoy across the country.
• Convoy T-Shirt – Rubber Duck Logo: High-quality t-shirt featuring the iconic Rubber Duck logo from the movie. Made from comfortable, durable material.

🎧 Soundtrack

Convoy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Convoy” – performed by C.W. McCall
• “Lucille” – performed by Kenny Rogers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Original ‘Rubber Duck’ 1970 Mack RS700 of caretaker/small fleet owner Anthony Fox

Ever wondered what happened to the ‘Rubber Duck’ truck after filming ‘Convoy’? This video interviews the guy who takes care of it! It’s pretty cool to see how well it’s been preserved and hear some behind-the-scenes stories.

M60 gpmg vs Mack truck

Remember that insane climax from ‘Convoy’? Buckle up and relive it! This clip of the M60 vs. the Mack truck is pure action, even decades later.

✨ Rate