Cold Turkey

In the small town of Eagle Rock, Illinois, every resident is challenged by the mayor to quit smoking for 30 days in November 1970 in exchange for $100. The town's leading lady, Gloria, and her doctor husband, Paul, are among the many struggling with the sudden cessation of nicotine. As the days pass, the town descends into a chaotic and often hilarious battle of wills against addiction, with the ultimate prize hanging in the balance.

Cold Turkey received mixed reviews upon its release. While many critics praised its unique premise and the comedic performances, particularly from Dick Van Dyke, some found the humor to be too dark or the message heavy-handed. The film's satire on societal issues and the struggles of addiction resonated with some audiences, while others were put off by its portrayal of a town in utter disarray.

• Praised for its ambitious premise and Dick Van Dyke's comedic performance.

• Criticized by some for its dark humor and at times, heavy-handed social commentary.

• The film's depiction of addiction's chaotic effects was seen as both funny and disturbing.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's comedic take on a serious issue and the strong performances from the lead actors. However, some found the humor to be a bit dated or the overall message less impactful than intended.

The film was originally set to be directed by John Rich, but he was replaced by Norman Lear just before production began. Lear, who was more known for his television work at the time, took on the project with a renewed vision.