"W.W. & The Dixie Dancekings" is a 1975 American comedy film directed by John G. Avildsen, starring Burt Reynolds, and written by Thomas Rickman. The 20th Century Fox film features the acting debut of Jerry Reed.

Plot

In 1957, W.W. Bright (Burt Reynolds) is an easygoing crook who robs only SOS ("Southland Oil System") gas stations. He meets the Dixie Dancekings, a country music band, while fleeing from a policeman. Dixie (Conny Van Dyke), their singer, gives him an alibi. He claims to be in the music business, and ends up promoting the group. Wayne (Jerry Reed), the band's leader, does not trust him, but the others all have faith in him.

The SOS chairman sends for Bible-thumping ex-lawman Deacon John Wesley Gore (Art Carney) to catch W.W. Meanwhile, W.W. and the newly outfitted band go to see Country Bull Jenkins (Ned Beatty), a highly successful singer-songwriter. He is willing to write them a song for $1,000.

W.W. talks the Dancekings into a bank robbery (SOS has just expanded into the banking business) that does not work out quite as planned. When Gore broadcasts the description of the getaway car on a radio revival show, W.W. burns up his rare, distinctive "Golden Anniversary" Oldsmobile.

He is ready to separate from the Dancekings in order to shield them, but then he hears them rehearsing Wayne's new song. He persuades Country Bull to listen to it; the man is so impressed, he puts them on the Grand Ole Opry radio show. There, Gore catches W.W., using an exact replica of his burnt car as bait. Gore makes him drive to the police station, but just as they arrive, Gore realizes it is now Sunday, so rather than violate the Sabbath, he lets him go (with the car).

Cast

Burt Reynolds as W.W. Bright
Conny Van Dyke as Dixie
Jerry Reed as Wayne
Ned Beatty as Country Bull Jenkins
James Hampton as Junior
Don Williams as Leroy
Rick Hurst as Butterball
Mel Tillis as GOB
Furry Lewis as Uncle Furry
Art Carney as Deacon John Wesley Gore