Deadhead Miles (1972)

25% want to see it
(41 ratings)

One of Terrence Malick's early screenwriting efforts, this loosely-structured road movie finds a questionably sane long-distance trucker named Cooper (Alan Arkin) winding his way through the heart of America. An employee of a questionable hauling outfit who has been assigned to drive a newly… More One of Terrence Malick's early screenwriting efforts, this loosely-structured road movie finds a questionably sane long-distance trucker named Cooper (Alan Arkin) winding his way through the heart of America. An employee of a questionable hauling outfit who has been assigned to drive a newly hijacked rig to an as-of-yet undisclosed-location, Cooper quickly ditches his partner and points his eighteen-wheeler westward. Picking-up a hitchhiker (Paul Benedict) for some company in the cab, the unstable trucker's journey westward grows increasingly surreal as he runs into numerous eccentric characters, portrayed in cameo roles by such noted names as Ida Lupino, George Raft, Charles Durning, Loretta Swit, Richard Kiel and future director John Milius. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Vernon Zimmerman
Genres: Classics, Comedy

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Interesting more for who passes through the film than the episodic rambling storyline. Alan Arkin turns in his usual accomplished performance, his is really the only character with any dimension although Paul Benedict is fine in a part vastly removed from his most famous role as Mr.… More
Interesting more for who passes through the film than the episodic rambling storyline. Alan Arkin turns in his usual accomplished performance, his is really the only character with any dimension although Paul Benedict is fine in a part vastly removed from his most famous role as Mr. Bentley on The Jeffersons. The rest of the time it's more a case of spot the up and coming or once famous star passing through than any kind of sensible story. It's a shame that the director had old pros Ida Lupino and George Raft at his disposal and wasted them in what is nothing more than a bit that could have been played by anyone. Not for viewers who enjoy a firm narrative line through their pictures.

Cast

            Alan Arkin as Cooper

            Paul Benedict as Tramp

            Hector Elizondo as Bad Character

            Oliver Clark as Durazno

            Charles Durning as Red Ball Rider

            Larry Wolf as Pineapple

            Barnard Hughes as Old Man

            William Duell as Auto Parts Salesman

            Madison Arnold as Hostler

            Loretta Swit as Woman with Glass Eye

            Donna Anderson as Waitress

            Allen Garfield as Juicy Brucey

            Dan Resin as Foreman

            Diane Shalet as Donna James

            Bruce Bennett as Johnny Mesquitero

            John Milius as Second State Trooper

            Bill Littleton as Chicken Farmer

            Tom Waters as Truck Driver

            Phil Kenneally
            
            Bill McCutcheon as Used-Car Dealer

            George Raft as Himself

            Avery Schreiber as The Boss

            John Steadman as Old Sam

            Ida Lupino as Herself

            Patrick Dennis-Leigh
            
            Richard Kiel
            
See full cast