Return to Macon County (1975)

Return to Macon County was made in 1975 and is a sequel to the previous year's Macon County Line, which is another of my favorite films. This one was also written and directed by Richard Compton. Then unknowns Nick Nolte (as Bo) and Don Johnson (as Harley) play best friends heading to California to race their car. Harley is the mechanic and Bo is the driver. Their plans take a detour when they meet Junelle (future soap star Robin Mattson), a waitress with a good heart but definitely in her own world. Junelle accidentally spills food on a customer and Bo goes to her rescue. Bo and Harley attempt to leave the diner before the police arrive, but find Junelle (with suitcase in hand) wanting to leave with them. They reluctantly take her along and they are soon on the run from the police after Junelle tries to force store owners to give her money (I think that's called robbery) so Bo and Harley can use it for their entry fee at the drag race when they all get to California. The tension grows between the two friends as they realize that Junelle is coming between them. One police officer, Sgt. Whittaker, makes it his personal mission to catch the trio, with tragic results. The movie ends with Bo and Harley on foot, discussing how they build their next race car.

I don't think this movie has nearly the cult following of MCL, but in its own way it is a great movie. Sure, the plot is a little far-fetched, but it has some good scenes. Not long after the boys meet Junelle, the three stop in the woods and while Harley goes to town, Bo and Junelle hang around a ruins of a house and talk. It's one of the best parts of the movie. I also like the way Junelle leaves Bo when she realizes that they are just too different to stay together. She catches a ride with a guy in a convertible and as the car is pulling away, Bo starts to run after her (possibly regretting her leaving). I think Return to Macon County is actually a better movie than Macon County Line in a lot of ways. It is definitely work a look as an example of a good low-budget, little-known film.