Her first feature film was 1972 comedy "The Honkers" co-starring opposite James Coburn and Lois Nettleton. She later had supporting roles in "Cancel My Reservation" (1972), "The All-American Boy" (1973), and "Trackdown" (1976). In 1976, she had a female leading role in the drama film "Lifeguard" starring alongside Sam Elliott. She auditioned for the role of Lois Lane in the 1978 superhero film "Superman", a role eventually awarded to Margot Kidder. Archer continued to appear in feature films, including "Good Guys Wear Black" (1978) starring Chuck Norris, "Paradise Alley" (1978) opposite Sylvester Stallone, and "Hero at Large" (1980), co-starring John Ritter.