The Sugarland Express

3.3

Crime

Drama

Comedy

1974

110 min

Married small-time crooks Lou-Jean and Clovis Poplin lose their baby to the state of Texas and resolve to do whatever it takes to get him back. Lou-Jean gets Clovis out of jail, and the two steal their son from his foster home, in addition to taking a highway patrolman hostage. As a massive dragnet starts to pursue them across Texas, the couple become unlikely folk heroes and even start to bond with the captive policeman.

Starring:

Crime

Drama

Comedy

6.7/10

66%

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"(1974) The Sugarland Express is like a mashup of Bonnie and Clyde and Thelma and Louise, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. The non stop car chase scenes dragged on a bit too long, and I found myself zoning out. Goldie Hawn's performance didn't particularly stand out to me either. Based on a true story, the film tells the tale of a couple's desperate attempt to get their son back from foster care, which takes a dark turn when they kidnap a Texas Highway Patrolman. Interestingly, this was Steven Spielberg's feature film directorial debut, though some might argue his 1971 TV movie Duel was his first major directing gig. However it's classified, The Sugarland Express showcases Spielberg's early talent. 6/10"