Cold Turkey (1971)

In the heart of the corporate tobacco world, Merwin Wren, the enduring PR head of Valiant Tobacco, devises an audacious scheme. His objective is simple: to elevate the company's figurehead, Hiram C. Grayson, from the notorious seller of 13 trillion cancer-causing cigarettes to a philanthropist on par with Alfred Nobel. His plan? To offer a staggering $25 million to any American town whose inhabitants can collectively abstain from smoking for an entire month. Despite initial ridicule, Wren convinces the executives that this public relations stunt is foolproof—no town will achieve total participation nor sustain it for a month, thus securing Grayson's legacy without costing a dime. However, as the deadline draws near, a plot twist emerges from the quiet and economically declining town of Eagle Rock, Iowa. The town, desperate to reverse its dwindling fortunes, surprisingly meets the sign-up criteria. This feat is orchestrated by the ambitious Rev. Clayton Brooks, who dreams of revitalizing the town and earning a reassignment to a more prosperous location. Through a blend of motivation and manipulation, Brooks persuades every citizen, including the most hardened smokers, to sign up for this challenge. As Eagle Rock embarks on its collective cold turkey journey, a myriad of problems surface, exposing societal and individual flaws. Among these is Rev. Brooks’ struggle as a husband to his suppressed wife, Natalie. Meanwhile, the possibility of Eagle Rock winning the $25 million becomes increasingly real, prompting Wren to engage in a covert mission to ensure the town's failure. Simultaneously, the town engages in a fierce battle against their nicotine cravings while battling the underhanded tactics of the tobacco executives, determined to see them fail. As the tension mounts, the townspeople are pushed to the brink of sanity. They must endure the torment of withdrawal, the threat of internal conflict, and the relentless sabotage from the very company that fed their addiction. If they withstand these trials and conquer their cravings, a life-changing prize awaits them. The question remains: will they succumb, or will they triumph over the smoke-filled battlefield that is their town?

Cold Turkey is a comedy movie featuring Dick Van Dyke and directed by Norman Lear.

Cold Turkey is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video.

It is also possible to buy Cold Turkey on Amazon Video and Vudu.