Can you imagine a spectacle involving the roar of engines & the suspense of pursuit, yet moving at the pace of molasses? Picture this: on a balmy June evening in 1994, a white Ford Bronco glided across California’s freeways, carrying a precious cargo more gripping than the Super Bowl. At the helm was Al Cowlings, and in the backseat sat O.J. Simpson, in a situation tense enough to make the hands of a clock hold their breath.
This live slow-motion drama became one of television’s most-watched events, with an entire nation scarcely believing that sometimes truth can indeed be stranger than fiction. And don’t forget Steven Spielberg’s The Sugarland Express, which released similar cinematic chaos with Goldie Hawn & William Atherton leading a parade of cops.
Spielberg himself, drawn back to the memories of his directorial debut, couldn’t help but connect the dots between his portrayal of a relentless chase for familial love and the real-world drama that had viewers clutching their remote controls.
The Connection Between Steven Spielberg’s First Film & O.J. Simpson’s Infamous Pursuit
Let’s slow things down a bit and talk about a classic film that may have inspired one of the most iconic slow-speed chases in TV history. Remember that infamous white Ford Bronco cruising down the freeways of California back in 1994 (see The Guardian)?
Yep, that’s right. O.J. Simpson and Al Cowlings caught the nation’s attention in a way that no one could have foreseen. It was like a scene straight out of a movie, with all eyes glued to their screens as the slow-moving Bronco entranced audiences around the country.
Now, let’s take a trip down memory lane to Steven Spielberg’s directorial debut, The Sugarland Express. This film, released in 1974, featured an extended car chase that kept viewers on their toes as Goldie Hawn and William Atherton’s characters tried to outrun a convoy of police vehicles. Sound familiar?
Well, Spielberg himself couldn’t help but draw parallels between his film and the real-life Bronco chase that unfolded on live television.
Recently, during the 50th anniversary screening of the film, the director, 77, shared some behind-the-scenes stories and reflected on the film’s journey (via THR). In a playful way, Spielberg claimed that when he saw the Simpson chase, he thought:
S*it, they’re stealing my thunder.
Further, Spielberg praised Goldie Hawn for her dedication to the role and credited her with making the film a reality:
She has a pure and honest heart. The movie wouldn’t have gotten made without her.
The Sugarland Express eventually found its gleaming spot in the halls of film excellence. Anchored by Hawn’s spellbinding performance and enhanced by stunning cinematography, the film’s belated yet blossoming appreciation reminded us of Simpson’s infamous chase of the century.
Revisiting the O.J. Simpson White Ford Bronco Chase
In June of 1994, the nation was nodded by the infamous police chase involving O.J. Simpson in a white Ford Bronco. The former football star turned actor had been ordered to turn himself in following the brutal murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman (see PEOPLE). But instead of following orders, Simpson led police on a wild goose chase through the streets of Southern California, with millions of viewers glued to their television screens.
News helicopters hovered above, capturing every moment as Simpson and Al Cowlings drove towards the former’s home in Brentwood. The sight of Simpson in the back seat with a gun to his head sent shockwaves across the country. Cowlings reportedly asked police when he called them from a cell phone, according to CBS.
You gotta tell the police to back off. He’s still alive, but he’s got a gun to his head.
Despite the chaos and confusion, Simpson eventually surrendered to authorities at his home, where he was arrested and charged with the murders (see PEOPLE). The ensuing trial ended with Simpson being acquitted of the charges. However, Simpson was later found liable for the murders in a civil court case brought by the Brown and Goldman families.
In the aftermath, Simpson released a controversial book titled If I Did It, which many saw as a confession of guilt. The events of 1994 will forever be etched in the nation’s memory, a cautionary tale of fame, wealth, and the lengths some will go to evade justice.
