Concrete Cowboys Starring Jerry Reed & Tom Selleck

 

Here we have a TV-Movie from 1979 that allows us to ask the question, “What would happen if you took one of John Wayne’s directors, a screenwriter noted for Hammer horror films, Jerry Reed in his Smokey & the Bandit ‘Snowman’ raconteur guise, and added as his Burt Reynolds stand-in, an affable Tom Selleck?”

Well, the answer is this film.

It served as a pilot for a short-lived series that aired in 1981, with Geoffrey Scott taking over the Selleck role.

I’ve not seen the series and can’t vouch for it but…the telefilm is no great shakes plot wise, the duo move through rote Nashville PI machinations but the pair have an undeniable charm and an affable chemistry to them.

I am an unabashed Jerry Reed fan, I regard him as one of THE best guitar pickers who ever lived and am equally charmed by his easy way with a story-telling song and good ol’ boy stage demeanor.

This Southern charisma served him well in his film and television appearances.

Selleck is just as good in a tolerant, level-headed, “Aw, shucks” role.

I’d love to have seen these two work together again in a more solid vehicle.

The film is generic, but the stars work every scene they are in.

Fans of either should find much to admire here.