The Sugarland Express 2 2160 X 1023
The Sugarland Express (1973) © Universal

The Melbourne Cinémathèque & ACMI present

The Sugarland Express

Steven Spielberg | United States of America | 1973 | M

When

Wed 11 Feb 2026

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Based on real lovers-on-the-lam Ila Fae Holiday and Bobby Dent, Spielberg’s assured and riotous theatrical debut stars Goldie Hawn as a woman breaking her husband (William Atherton) out of prison in order for the pair to retrieve their son from child welfare services.

Spurred by the extraordinary success of his 1971 TV movie Duel, the film initiated Spielberg’s collaborations with cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, who delicately captures the sun-dazzled Texan landscape during numerous chaotic car chases, and composer John Williams, whose soundtrack features famed harmonica player Toots Thielemans. With Ben Johnson.

Format: 4K DCP
Language: English
Source: Universal
Courtesy: Universal
Runtime: 110 mins

Event duration

110 mins

Rating

M

The content is moderate in impact.

Where

Cinema 1, Level 2
ACMI, Fed Square

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About Melbourne Cinémathèque

Australia's longest-running film society, Melbourne Cinémathèque screens significant works of international cinema in the medium they were created, the way they would have originally screened.

Melbourne Cinémathèque is self-administered, volunteer-run, not-for-profit and membership-driven. 

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