Watch Honky Tonk Freeway

Honky Tonk Freeway is a quirky comedy film from 1981 that follows the small town of Ticlaw, Florida as it prepares for the opening of a new freeway that is expected to bring in tourists and revitalize the local economy. As a result, local business owners and residents are eager to welcome the visitors with open arms and showcase their town's charm.

The film features an ensemble cast of eccentric characters, such as the town's goofy mayor, Kirby T. Calo, played by William Devane, and his wife, Darlene, portrayed by Teri Garr, who is trying to keep their marriage intact. David Rasche plays Eddie, a traveling businessman who ends up stranded in Ticlaw and reluctantly becomes a participant in the town's antics. Paul Jabara plays Duane, a drag queen who runs a diner and helps Eddie adjust to his new surroundings.

Meanwhile, Howard Hesseman portrays Snapper, a zookeeper who is determined to save his beloved animals from being transported to a new location, which would likely be their death sentence. In one scene, Snapper is seen transporting a group of pelicans through the town's grocery store, much to the confusion of the shoppers.

As the opening of the freeway approaches, chaos ensues as the town tries to put its best foot forward. One of the highlights of the film is a scene where a con artist (George Dzundza) attempts to create a fake traffic jam using mannequins and model cars, which ends up causing a real traffic jam that brings the whole town to a standstill.

Despite its light-hearted tone, the film touches on deeper societal issues, such as the effects of big business and urbanization on small towns and the struggle for individuals to maintain their identities in changing times. It also features an upbeat soundtrack with original songs by Jabara, including the infectious theme song 'Honky Tonk Freeway'.

While not a critical or commercial success at the time of its release, Honky Tonk Freeway has since gained a cult following for its offbeat humor and colorful characters. The film's director, John Schlesinger, had previously won an Academy Award for Midnight Cowboy and was known for his ability to bring a fresh perspective to a variety of genres, and Honky Tonk Freeway is no exception.

Overall, Honky Tonk Freeway can be best described as a charming, quirky comedy that offers a glimpse into small-town America and the lengths that people will go to in order to achieve their dreams. With its colorful cast of characters and fun storyline, it's the perfect film for those in need of a lighthearted escape.

Honky Tonk Freeway is a 1981 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.