Return to Macon County

Return to Macon County
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Richard Compton
Written by	Richard Compton
Produced by	Elliot Schick Samuel Z. Arkoff (executive producer)
Starring	Nick Nolte Don Johnson Robin Mattson Eugene Daniels Robert Viharo Devon Ericson
Cinematography	Jacques R. Marquette
Edited by	Corky Ehlers
Music by	Robert O. Ragland
Distributed by	American International Pictures
Release date	September 3, 1975 (1975-09-03)
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$800,000 (estimated)
Box office	SEK 1,146,410 (Sweden) $3.5 million

Return to Macon County (1975 film)

Return to Macon County is a 1975 American action-drama film directed by Richard Compton. A sequel in name only to Macon County Line (1974), the film stars Nick Nolte and Don Johnson as two young drag racers traveling through the Southern United States in the early 1950s. Unlike its predecessor, which was more of a crime drama, Return to Macon County leans into action and road-movie elements, focusing on youth rebellion and car culture.

Plot

The film follows Bo (Nick Nolte) and Harley (Don Johnson), two friends who dream of making it to California to compete in a national drag racing event. They drive a customized 1957 Chevy hot rod, seeking adventure and challenges on the open road. Along the way, they pick up a feisty young hitchhiker, Junell (Robin Mattson), who quickly becomes entangled in their journey. However, their carefree road trip takes a dangerous turn when they run afoul of a local lawman with a personal vendetta, setting off a chain of events that threaten their dreams and their lives. As they race against time and authority, Bo and Harley must rely on their skills, friendship, and wits to escape trouble and keep their California dream alive.

Cast

• Nick Nolte as Bo
• Don Johnson as Harley
• Robin Mattson as Junell
• Robert Viharo as Deputy Morgan
• Eugene Daniels as Sheriff Johnson
• Howard Needham as Bartender

Production

Directed and written by Richard Compton, Return to Macon County was produced on a modest budget and aimed to capture the growing popularity of car culture films in the 1970s. The film’s aesthetic and tone were influenced by the success of American Graffiti (1973), with its nostalgic look at the 1950s and its focus on fast cars and youth rebellion.

Filming took place in various locations across Georgia and Tennessee, with an emphasis on authentic backroads and small-town settings to enhance the film’s rural Southern atmosphere. The film’s 1957 Chevrolet hot rod, a central element of the story, became an iconic part of the movie’s identity.

Reception

Return to Macon County received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, with praise for the chemistry between Nolte and Johnson, as well as the film’s high-energy car chases. While some critics noted that it lacked the gritty realism of Macon County Line, others appreciated its lighter, action-oriented approach. The film gained a cult following among fans of 1970s car films and road movies.

Legacy

Over the years, Return to Macon County has been rediscovered as a classic of the car-chase genre and an early showcase for both Nick Nolte and Don Johnson, who would later achieve major stardom. It remains a favorite among enthusiasts of 1970s road movies and Southern action films, often cited alongside other films of the era that celebrated American car culture.

See also

• List of American films of 1975

External links

• Lost Movie Car: The Return to Macon County ’57 Chevy is Alive & Well
• Return to Macon County from Roger Ebert.com

External links

• Return to Macon County at IMDb
• Return to Macon County at Rotten Tomatoes