Colin Higgins Director, Screenwriter Burt Reynolds Sheriff Actor Dolly Parton Mona Stangley Actor Dom DeLuise Melvin Actor Charles Durning Governor Actor Jim Nabors Deputy Fred Actor Robert Mandan Senator Wingwood Actor Lois Nettleton Dulcie Mae Actor Theresa Merritt Jewel Actor Noah Beery Jr. Edsel Actor Raleigh Bond Mayor Actor Barry Corbin C.J. Actor Ken Magee Mansel Actor Mary Jo Catlett Rita Actor Mary Louise Wilson Modene Actor Howard K. Smith Howard K. Smith Actor Paula Shaw Wulla Jean Actor Lee Ritchie Actor Alice Drummond Governor's Secretary Actor Karyn Harrison Chicken Girl Actor Randy Bennett Privates Boy Actor Peter Masterson Screenwriter Larry L. King Screenwriter Thomas L. Miller Producer Edward K. Milkis Producer Robert L. Boyett Producer William A. Fraker Cinematographer David Bretherton Film Editing Nicholas Eliopoulos Film Editing Walter Hannemann Film Editing Pembroke J. Herring Film Editing Jack Hofstra Film Editing Carol Hall Original Music Robert F. Boyle Production Design Norman Newberry Art Director Arthur J. Parker Set Decoration Theadora Van Runkle Costume Design Terry Liebling Casting