The credits read that this was directed by John Schlesinger but that's very hard to believe. VARIETY called it "Nashville on wheels," and that's even harder to believe. This $24,000,000 mess about a small town in Florida trying to get an exit ramp off of a new highway is more head scratcher than anything else. It's a way too long, rambling curiosity that manages to cast William Devane, Beau Bridges, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy and Geraldine Page and utterly waste all of them. None of these people are known for their comic prowess and having them bicker, talk in silly southern twangs and dress like nuns is almost embarrassing to watch. Ironically, genuinely funny actors like Howard Hesseman, Teri Garr and Beverly D'Angelo have zero to do. The screenplay is by Edward Clinton, who, not surprisingly, has no other screen writing credits. If you've been dying to see a water-skiing elephant, here's your chance. The great Schlesinger got back on track with seven more feature films including the excellent THE FALCON & THE SNOWMAN and PACIFIC HEIGHTS.
Review of Honky Tonk Freeway
