Watch Silver Streak

Silver Streak is a 1976 American action-comedy film directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor, and Jill Clayburgh. The story follows book editor George Caldwell (played by Wilder) as he takes a cross-country train ride from Los Angeles to Chicago on the Silver Streak. Along the way, he meets a beautiful woman named Hilly Burns (played by Clayburgh) and becomes embroiled in a dangerous scheme involving murder, theft, and corruption.

As the train speeds through the American West, Caldwell witnesses a murder committed by a mysterious man in a trench coat. When he reports the crime to the authorities, he is dismissed as a delusional passenger and ignored. Undeterred, Caldwell decides to investigate the murder himself and enlists the help of a quirky thief named Grover Muldoon (played by Pryor). Together, they attempt to uncover the truth behind the murder while dodging dangerous criminals and trying to stay alive.

Throughout the film, Wilder and Pryor showcase their comedic chemistry in a series of hilarious and memorable scenes. From improvised banter to physical comedy, the actors bring a sense of spontaneity and humor to the otherwise tense and action-packed story. Meanwhile, Clayburgh adds a touch of romance and elegance to the film as the love interest of Caldwell.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring notable actors such as Patrick McGoohan, Ned Beatty, and Clifton James. McGoohan plays the villainous Roger Devereau, a wealthy art dealer who is involved in a scheme to steal a valuable painting. Beatty plays the hapless Bob Sweet, a bumbling associate of Devereau who gets caught up in the criminal conspiracy. And James plays Sheriff Chauncey, a belligerent lawman who is always one step behind Caldwell and Muldoon.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its use of trains as a central motif. The train setting provides a sense of claustrophobia and urgency, as the characters are forced to navigate their way through confined spaces while also dealing with danger and suspense. The train also serves as a symbol of progress and mobility, reflecting the changing landscape of America in the 1970s.

Overall, Silver Streak is a classic romantic comedy that combines action, suspense, and humor in a way that is both entertaining and engaging. With its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and thrilling plot, the film has remained a fan favorite for over four decades. It is a must-watch for fans of Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor, and classic comedy films in general.

Silver Streak is a 1976 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 41.