Caravan to Vaccarès

Caravan to Vaccarès

Year: 1974

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: English

Director: Geoffrey Reeve

ActionThrillerMystery

Neil Bowman, an American traveler in France, meets British photographer Lila. They are hired by landowner Duc de Croyter to escort a Hungarian scientist from the gypsy settlement of Vaccarès to New York. The mission quickly turns dangerous as a ruthless kidnapping gang pursues the scientist, forcing them into a deadly confrontation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Caravan to Vaccarès yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Caravan to Vaccarès (1974)

Trace every key event in Caravan to Vaccarès (1974) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Assassination in Southern France

In Southern France, a mysterious assassin shoots one man, then another, establishing a deadly mood and signaling danger for anyone who crosses the killer. The killings set the tone for a world where trust is scarce and threats await at every turn. The incident is described but its target remains unclear, drawing Bowman into a web of intrigue.

opening scene Southern France
2

Bowman meets Lila on the road

A wandering young American adventurer, Bowman, meets Lila, a pretty British photographer, when she hitches a ride. They quickly form a wary alliance as they travel together through unfamiliar countryside. The encounter introduces a central human connection amid the danger surrounding them.

shortly after the opening killings On the road, Southern France
3

Roadside encounter with the assassin

They run into the assassin while helping a couple who have broken down by the side of the road. The encounter forces Bowman to confront the threat directly and deepens the sense of peril. The assassin's presence implies more hostile agents are pursuing their group.

shortly after meeting Roadside near a broken-down car, Southern France
4

Dinner with the Duke and a mysterious job

In town they meet a French duke who invites them to dinner. Bowman learns the duke had previously met him in Paris and offered a job for $3,000 plus a return ticket to New York, though the purpose is unknown. The duke lends Bowman a car, foreshadowing a covert assignment.

that evening Town in Southern France
5

A break-in at their lodging

That night a man breaks into the place where they are staying, and Bowman fights him off. The intrusion confirms the Duke's ominous influence over their fate and raises the stakes. The danger feels personal as their protectors and enemies blur together.

that night Lodging in town, Southern France
6

The Duke hires Bowman to smuggle a scientist

The Duke appears and hires Bowman to smuggle a Hungarian scientist out of France for the United States. Bowman is reluctant, but the threat of having the car reported stolen pushes him to accept. The assignment ties them to a dangerous international chase.

soon after the break-in Duke's residence/office, Southern France
7

Backstory: the scientist's escape

The Hungarian scientist escaped the Iron Curtain by hiding with a caravan of gypsies, but is being pursued by an unscrupulous gang bent on capturing him for sale. His flight adds urgency to Bowman’s mission and explains why various enemies are chasing them. The chase adds international stakes to the local pursuit.

as context Background in Europe
8

Murder at the bull fight: the ducal daughter

A woman who helps Bowman is murdered at a bull fight, and she turns out to be the Duke's daughter. Her death intensifies the Duke's involvement and raises the personal stakes for Bowman and Lila. The bull ring scene also underscores the film's blend of action and danger.

during the bull fight Bull fighting arena, Southern France
9

Lila and the scientist kidnapped; Bowman rescues

Lila and the scientist are kidnapped, and Bowman launches a risky rescue to save them. The rescue tightens their bond and propels the plot toward the climactic sequence. The stakes are high as rival groups close in.

after the murder Outskirts of town, Southern France
10

Lila and Bowman sleep together

In the aftermath of the rescue, Lila and Bowman sleep together, signaling a shift from wary allies to more intimate partners. The moment deepens their relationship while the broader danger remains unresolved. They temper their romance with resolve to complete the mission.

following the rescue Safe house or vehicle, Southern France
11

Escape sequence: the disguise and the rope

Bowman drives the scientist to safety as a helicopter pursues them and drags the car off the road. It appears the scientist has fallen into quicksand and a rope is lowered to retrieve him, but the man in distress is actually Bowman in disguise. He then overpowers a pursuer and continues the escape.

during the escape sequence Road and helicopter chase in rural France
12

Bull ring showdown and Duke's intervention

Bowman is dropped into a bull ring where he defeats a bull fighter, and is saved when the Duke shoots the charging bull dead. This moment marks the Duke's final intervention and helps secure Bowman's escape with the scientist. The confrontation blends action with a dramatic rescue.

climax of chase Bull ring, then arena adjoined by the Duke's presence
13

Airport farewell

The Duke bids farewell to Bowman, Lila, and the scientist at the airport, signaling the end of their volatile alliance. They part ways with a mix of gratitude and unresolved danger lingering just beyond the runway. The journey ends with a bittersweet send-off in a foreign land.

at the end Airport, Southern France

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:41

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Caravan to Vaccarès

Don't stop at just watching — explore Caravan to Vaccarès in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Caravan to Vaccarès is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Caravan to Vaccarès Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Caravan to Vaccarès, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Caravan to Vaccarès Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Caravan to Vaccarès

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Caravan to Vaccarès. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Caravan to Vaccarès

More About Caravan to Vaccarès

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Caravan to Vaccarès: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Caravan to Vaccarès

Similar Movies to Caravan to Vaccarès

Discover movies like Caravan to Vaccarès that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.