Skip to main content
Action Cult Classic

Florida moonshine runners, car stunts, and a liquor syndicate clash in a Southern-fried showdown.

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING

The whiskey is homemade. The trouble comes fully loaded.

1977 · 1h 35m · PG · Action / Thriller / Adventure / Comedy / Crime / Romance · IMDB TMDB

A Florida moonshine runner fights to keep his family recipe—and his stretch of backroad business—out of the hands of a ruthless liquor syndicate.

▶ Watch Now My List

Quick Answer

What is Thunder and Lightning about?

Thunder and Lightning is a 1977 American action-comedy directed by Corey Allen about a Florida moonshine runner who fights to keep his family business out of the hands of a ruthless liquor syndicate.

Programmer's Pick

Thunder and Lightning delivers moonshine and mayhem at full throttle, with David Carradine leading a parade of car stunts, Everglades grit, and bell-bottomed bravado. Come for the backwoods brawls, stay for the Southern-fried antiheroes and airboat chases.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set deep in the sun-soaked Florida Everglades, Thunder and Lightning follows Harley Thomas, a fiercely independent moonshine runner with a stubborn streak and a taste for trouble. As Harley hauls illegal whiskey along backroads and waterways, he finds himself squeezed between government agents and a rival moonshine gang led by a powerful syndicate boss with takeover on his mind. With airboats, car chases, and a supporting cast that includes a determined heiress and colorful Southern characters, the film blends action, comedy, and romance into a rollicking tale of rebellion and forbidden love. Expect high-octane stunts, organized crime intrigue, and a healthy pour of hixploitation flavor.

Details & Specs

Director
Corey Allen
Writer
William Hjortsberg
Release
1977
Runtime
1h 35m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Action, Thriller, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Romance

Cast & Crew

View all →
Director: Corey Allen Writer: William Hjortsberg
David Carradine David Carradine Harley Thomas Kate Jackson Kate Jackson Nancy Sue Hunnicutt Roger C. Carmel Roger C. Carmel Ralph Junior Hunnicutt Sterling Holloway Sterling Holloway Hobe Carpenter Eddie Barth Eddie Barth Rudi Volpone Ron Feinberg Ron Feinberg Bubba George Murdock George Murdock Jake Summers Patrick Cranshaw Patrick Cranshaw Taylor Charles Napier Charles Napier Jim Bob HP Hope Pomerance Mrs. Hunnicutt MJ Malcolm Jones Rainey CW Charles Willeford Bartender CR Christopher Raynolds Scooter Claude Earl Jones Claude Earl Jones Carl Emilio Rivera Emilio Rivera Honeydew Driver Royce D. Applegate Royce D. Applegate Mercedes-Benz Salesman (uncredited) Allan Arkush Allan Arkush Snack Stand Operator at Beach (uncredited) Richard Holden Richard Holden Race Announcer (uncredited)

Explore More

Why Cult

Moonshine Mayhem

Bootlegging in the Florida backcountry brings explosive car stunts and alligator-infested escapes.

Southern Hixploitation

Expect thick accents, outlaw charm, and a rollicking dose of hixploitation comedy and style.

Cars and Airboats

The film features wild car chases, airboat stunts, and a parade of gas-guzzling action.

Antihero Action

David Carradine's Harley Thomas breaks the law and the rules, staying one step ahead of both the feds and the mob.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Organized crime targets independent moonshine runners

Threat

Liquor syndicate and rival moonshiners

Effect

Attempts to take over and eliminate independent operations

Setting

Florida backroads and Everglades

Questions from the Vault

When was Thunder and Lightning released? +

Thunder and Lightning was released in 1977.

Who directed Thunder and Lightning? +

Thunder and Lightning was directed by Corey Allen.

How long is Thunder and Lightning? +

Thunder and Lightning has a runtime of 95 minutes.

What genre is Thunder and Lightning? +

Thunder and Lightning is an action, thriller, adventure, comedy, crime, and romance film.

Where can I watch Thunder and Lightning? +

You can watch Thunder and Lightning on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

You Might Also Like

See All →