Moonshine County Express

Moonshine County Express is a quintessential 1977 action-packed drama film that keenly explores the interplay of family rivalry, bootlegging, and entrenched corruption against the backdrop of rural America. The movie stars versatile actor John Saxon, the dynamic Susan Howard, and the renowned William Conrad, all of whom bring life to their characters in this Southern yarn.

The story revolves around the theme of vengeance and justice, unfolding in America's Deep South, a region synonymous with the time-honored bootlegging tradition. Here, the Dawson family, led by the assertive and resolute Dawson sisters, is wool drawn into an escalating feud when their father, a notorious moonshiner, is brutally murdered. Left with nothing but a large tract of valuable land, they are unexpectedly caught in a struggle to claim their father's legacy.

John Saxon, mapping the character of J.B. Johnson, is the affluent and brutally ambitious businessman. Coveting the Dawson's primely located land for its oil potential, he manifests the dark underbelly of capitalism, paying no heed to notions of decency or legality. Saxon's chilling performance as the ruthless businessman bent on seizing the Dawson property adds a palpable intensity to the film's plot.

On the other hand, Susan Howard, one of the distinguished Dawson sisters, delivers a spirited performance. Bold, intrepid, and quick-witted, her character helps anchor the family during this tumultuous time and plays a pivotal role in the ensuing struggle. Her character is emblematic of empowerment, challenging the traditional norms of her time.

William Conrad, with his sui generis acting style, adds another layer to this drama-thriller. He seamlessly slips into his role, adding depth to the narrative, and his organic performance is one of the movie's highlights.

Through the course of the 95-minute run, the Dawson sisters discover their father's moonshine recipe, a high-quality brew known around the county. They opt to venture into the illegal entrails of the moonshine business, not only as an act of survival but also to honor their father's legacy and defend their rightful inheritance.

Moonshine County Express sets itself apart by offering much more than high speed car chases and explosive moonshine stills. It is a film that pays homage to the moonshine tradition while tackling broader themes. The stark dichotomy between rural simplicity and cutthroat business acumen paints a fascinating picture of a society grappling with modernity against the backdrop of uncompromising tradition.

James L. Conway deftly directs this movie, beautifully intertwining the themes of family ties, revenge, and fierce determination with elements of suspense and hard-hitting action. The film's screenplay, written by William Bleich, is robust and dynamic. Each moment in the narrative paves the way for the next, seamlessly maintaining the pace and pulsating tension that underscore the movie's plot.

The movie also boasts dramatically intricate but realistic car chase sequences, which speak to the implacable toughness of the moonshine runners and add a classic 70s charm to the film. These chase sequences, combined with crisp cinematography, contribute to the raw zeal and thrill of the narrative.

The soundtrack, much in line with the film's atmosphere, is an evoking blend of Southern blues and hard country, accentuating the movie's Southern roots and the spirit of its characters.

Moonshine County Express is an engaging, thrilling, and dramatically rich tale that speaks to a unique American experience during a transformative era. Each character, with their intense passion, aspirations, and moral struggles, contribute to the dynamic plot that keeps viewers on edge. For lovers of retro action cinema and for those who appreciate films that shed light on cultural facets, this movie is definitely worth a watch.