Barbeque is woven into America like threads in the flag. Barbeque can be found everywhere in this great country from the great northwest eastward to the Carolinas and up into the northeast and all the many spots in between. When any past time or cultural passion is this prevalent it is inevitable that it finds its way onto the screens in Hollywood. Barbeque is no different.
I have found many films and TV shows where barbecues pop up in a significant scene or as the very subject of the production. Below are some of my favorite BBQ scenes from the movies and television (in no order).
Giant (1956)
A modern western classic starring Rock Hudson, Liz Taylor, and the legendary James Dean. Giant is a sprawling film covering a couple of generations of the Benedict cattle ranching family. Part of the picture is a fish out of water story about Taylors character leaving Connecticut horse country for Texas after she marries into the Benedict clan. Upon arriving in Texas there is a large scene involving a celebratory Texas BBQ featuring a wonderful display of old school smoking of a calf’s head and dishing out the brains.
The Flintstones (1994)
We are all familiar with the bronto burger and a rack of dino ribs so big it can tip over a family sedan. These delicacies exist in the prehistoric world of Fred Flintstone. The discovery of fire opened a whole new world of meat preparation. Check out the backyard BBQ scene with John Goodman as Fred and Rick Moranis as Barney. You can smell the huge steaks cooking on the grill. The scene repeats itself in backyards every Saturday across America from May through September.
Yellowstone
Season 5 Episode 6- Yellowstone has been a runaway hit since it first came on our TV screens in 2018. The series follows the trials and tribulations of the Dutton family and their struggle to hold on to their ranch and their traditional way of life. Season 5 episode 6 “Cigarettes, Whiskey, a Meadow and You” has the Dutton’s holding a roundup of their cattle at the ranch as well as a “welcome all comers” Montana BBQ. Lots of little bits showing meal prep, cooking, and eating at the center of which is a tragedy. Great episode. Real life chef Gabe “Gator” Guilbeau plays the Dutton ranch cook “Gator”.
Boyz N The Hood (1991)
I know what you are thinking: “Boys N The Hood”?? Well BBQ tradition and enjoyment knows no bounds my friends and it surely does not care where it happens. The 1991 film by John Singleton and starring a noticeably young Cuba Gooding and rap star Ice Cube from the groundbreaking NWA gives viewers a look at the Compton of the late 80s and how several youths try to navigate through it. The BBQ scene is about midway through and is a party for Ice Cube’s character Doughboy getting out of prison. The tradition of backyard BBQ thrives no matter what neighborhood you live in.
BBQ Showdown
If you need a show to binge on a rainy weekend, then try BBQ Showdown on Netflix. Season 1 dropped on Sept 18, 2020, and it has been very successful. A showdown reality tv show highlights 8 backyard pitmasters as they compete in a variety of challenges each week such as cooking with old school techniques or using exotic meats. The goal? Become The American BBQ Champion. You want a fix for BBQ here it is. Currently you can find 2 seasons on Netflix 8 episodes each. Season 3 is scheduled for July 2024.
The Fast and the Furious 2001-present
You can say a lot of things about Vin Diesel’s character (Dom Toretto in the highly successful Fast and Furious franchise) he’s a man of few words “They say the open road clears your mind” he can drive anything with four wheels up to and including down the side of the Hoover dam and he’s a devout family man. One of the best parts of these films is the gathering for cookouts by the whole Toretto clan at the end. Cold beers are passed around fresh food is laid out on the table and someone says Grace. Love it.
First Blood 1982
As John Rambo, Sylvester Stallone gives us possibly the purest form of barbeque ever depicted on the big screen. While on the run from the local sheriffs and the National Guard Rambo finds himself cold and hungry. At this point he hunts and kills a wild boar, hacks off a shoulder, and then roasts it over an open fire in a derelict mine shaft. Rambo slices off slabs of roast pork with his survival knife. That there is cooking out. I wonder what he used for a rub?
