His first Hollywood score was for the United Artists film, "White Lightning" (1973), starring Burt Reynolds. The film marked the first of many collaborations between Bernstein and director Joseph Sargent. Bernstein also scored the sequel to the film, "Gator" (1976). Other films Bernstein scored during the 1970s include "Hex" (1973), "That Man Bolt" (1973), "Mr. Majestyk" (1974), "Trackdown" (1976), "A Small Town in Texas" (1976), "Viva Knievel!" (1977), "Outlaw Blues" (1977) and "Love at First Bite" (1979). He even wrote the dance music in the latter film.