Citizen's Band

Watch Citizen's Band

  • PG
  • 1977
  • 1 hr 38 min
  • 6.4  (882)
  • 68

Citizen's Band, also known as Handle with Care, is a 1977 American comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Demme. The movie is set in a small town in the United States and portrays the daily lives of its inhabitants who use CB radio as a means of communication. The central character is a truck driver named Spider (Paul Le Mat), who spends most of his time on the road, communicating with other truckers over the CB radio. He falls in love with a waitress named Electra (Candy Clark) and the two of them start to have a long-distance relationship using the radio. Spider's best friends are a number of fellow truckers whom he communicates with over the CB radio. Among them are the ruggedly handsome Chrome Angel (Bruce McGill), and a group of aging hippies known as the Pharaohs.

The plot of the movie is driven by a series of incidents that occur over the CB radio, including a high-speed police chase and the rescue of a stranded family during a snowstorm. The film also explores the individual lives of the various characters, including their personal struggles, relationships, and financial difficulties. The movie highlights the importance of community, friendship, and love in overcoming life's challenges.

Citizen's Band was praised for its realistic portrayal of the CB radio culture of the 1970s, which was popular among truckers, ham radio operators, and others. The movie also captured the spirit of the era, with its themes of individualism, rebellion, and anti-establishment sentiment.

The film features an ensemble cast of well-known character actors, including Roberts Blossom, Marcia Rodd, and Charles Napier. The performances were praised for their authenticity and depth. Paul Le Mat, who had previously starred in American Graffiti, gives a strong performance as the protagonist Spider, while Candy Clark brings a sweet and charming presence to her role as Electra.

The movie was directed by the up-and-coming Jonathan Demme, who would later become known for his work on films such as The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia. Demme's directorial style is characterized by a naturalistic approach, with an emphasis on authenticity and character development. The film's soundtrack features a mix of country and rock music, including songs by The Byrds and Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen.

Overall, Citizen's Band is a heartwarming and entertaining film that captures the spirit of small-town America in the 1970s. The movie is a celebration of community, friendship, and the power of human connection. It remains a cult classic and a must-see for fans of 1970s cinema.

Citizen's Band is a 1977 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 68.

Citizen's Band
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Where to Watch Citizen's Band
Citizen's Band is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Citizen's Band for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1977
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 38 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.4  (882)
  • Metascore
    68