
A highway patrolman goes after a ring of hit-and-run drivers known as "Banzai runners," who have fast, expensive cars and stage illegal, dangerous high-speed races on the freeways at night.
Directed by John G. Thomas, Banzai Runner leans on a strong ensemble — Dean Stockwell, John Shepherd, Charles Dierkop — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about action titles of 1987.
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A cross-country road race is based on an actual event, the Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, organized by Brock Yates to protest the 55 mph speed limit then in effect in the U.S. The Cannonball was named for Erwin G. "Cannonball" Baker, who in the roaring 20's rode his motorcycle across the country. Many of the characters are based on ruses developed by real Cannonball racers over the several years that the event was run.
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