The Great American Traffic Jam (alternate title Gridlock) is a 1980 American made-for-television movie which first aired on NBC on October 2, 1980. The comedy revolves around a large "all-star" cast getting stuck in a massive Los Angeles area traffic jam, with multiple interweaving story lines among those stuck.(26 September 1980) History's Worst Traffic Jam, Suffolk News-Herald
Background and reception The movie debuted on NBC on Thursday October 2, 1980.(28 September 1980). We Interrupt to Bring A Traffic Bulletin, San Bernardino Sun The TV Guide summary of the week's TV movies described it as a film that "provides stale characters in staler situations,"(Sept 27-Oct 3, 1980). This Week's Movies, TV Guide, p. A-6, A-23 but another promotional blurb in the same issue stated "what sets this 1980 TV-movie apart are its flashes of wit, delivered in a running commentary by a glib disc jockey (Howard Hesseman) and its satirically staged sequences--such as a helicopter's convoy's delivering portable toilets."(Sept 27-Oct 3, 1980). Up: The Great American Traffic Jam, TV Guide, p. A-88
Though Ed McMahon refers to the movie as a "semiclassic" in his biography,McMahon, Ed with David Fisher. For Laughing Out Loud: My Life and Good Times, p. 194 ("I've acted in several movies made for television.... A lot of people don't remember that I was in the semiclassic Great American Traffic Jam...") (1998) Rue McClanahan (who plays his wife) admits she did it just to fill a contractual obligation with NBC and said "it was about as funny as Mom and Me, MD", a reference to another television movie she did in 1979.McClanahan, Rue. My first five husbands-- and the ones who got away, p. 234 (2007)(29 May 2008). Un Atasco Guay (review), Fotogramas
On its debut, the movie was the 14th most watched primetime show of the week with a 17.8/30 rating. The serious Holocaust drama Playing for Time, which won a number of Emmys, was the most watched program that week.(10 October 1980). Playing for Time, Top-rated TV Program, Desert Sun, p. C5 (Associated Press story)(13 October 1980). Specials Come Through for CBS, Broadcasting, p. 56
Writers Steve Hattman and Dave Hackel dreamed up the idea for the movie when they were stuck in an L.A. traffic jam. It appears the original title of the film was "Gridlock", but there is no evidence of it ever being released under that title.Variety's Complete Home Video Directory, p. 170 (1988) ("Original/Alternative Title: Gridlock") It was released on VHS in the United States in December 1987.(26 December 1987). New releases, Courier Journal ("a less-than-hilarious made-for-TV comedy about traffic")
Primary cast Though the cast is large, the opening credits billed cast are listed in alphabetical order as follows: Desi Arnaz Jr. - Robbie Reinhardt John Beck - Buzz Gregory Noah Beery - Barney René Enríquez - Mayor Julio Escontrerez Shelley Fabares - Louise Gregory Phil Foster - Koppleman James Gregory - General Caruthers Lisa Hartman - Nikki Michael Lerner - Marv Rue McClanahan - Adele James McEachin - Speed-O Ed McMahon - Henry Al Molinaro - Sightseer Charles Napier - Sonny Christopher Norris - Linda Reinhardt (pregnant woman) Alan Sues - Dudley Vic Tayback - Floyd 'Snake' Kraslowski
Other actors appearing in the film include Lyle Waggoner, Abe Vigoda, Marcia Wallace, and Paul Willson; game show hosts Wink Martindale, Jack Clark, Art James, and Jim Perry; and Howard Hesseman (who was playing a DJ role on WKRP in Cincinnati at this time) as the voice of the radio announcer.
References
External links
Great American Traffic Jam on YouTube