Firecreek

Firecreek

Year: 1968

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Vincent McEveety

DramaRomanceWestern

In the isolated and impoverished town of Firecreek, part-time Sheriff Johnny Cobb struggles to balance his duties as a lawman and a father. The arrival of the notorious outlaw Bob Larkin and his gang throws the community into turmoil, pushing Cobb's limited resources and resolve to their limits. Faced with escalating tensions and sudden violence, he must confront his own shortcomings and find the courage to protect the people he serves.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Firecreek 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 & Setting – Firecreek (1968)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Firecreek (1968). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Firecreek

Firecreek is a once-peaceful small town that becomes the backdrop for a dramatic conflict between law and lawlessness. Known for its tight-knit community, the town is thrown into chaos by the arrival of a ruthless gang. As violence erupts, the streets reflect the tension and the struggle between good and evil that defines the narrative.

🏜️ Western 🏡 Small Town

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:10

Main Characters – Firecreek (1968)

Meet the key characters of Firecreek (1968), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Johnny Cobb (James Stewart)

Johnny Cobb is a humble part-time sheriff who finds himself in a violent conflict that tests his character and moral compass. He is dedicated to protecting his community and his future with Henrietta. As chaos envelops him, his determination to uphold justice leads him to confront the criminal elements head-on, showcasing his transition from peacekeeper to avenger.

👮‍♂️ Sheriff ❤️ Husband-to-be ⚔️ Avenger

Arthur (Jay C. Flippen)

Arthur is a gentle giant with a childlike innocence, serving as Cobb's only ally in a tumultuous situation. His protective instincts propel him into dangerous actions, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. Arthur embodies the struggle between kindness and the harsh realities of a violent world.

🤗 Gentle 😇 Innocent ⚔️ Tragic

Evelyn (Inger Stevens)

Evelyn is a captivating widow who plays a crucial role in the climax of the film. Despite being an observer at first, she demonstrates bravery and resourcefulness when she intervenes during the final confrontation. Her actions ultimately alter the course of the conflict, highlighting themes of unexpected heroism.

🌹 Widow 💪 Brave 👀 Observer

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:10

Major Themes – Firecreek (1968)

Explore the central themes of Firecreek (1968), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice plays a crucial role as Johnny Cobb grapples with the chaos brought by the gang. His profound sense of duty drives him to confront the evil threatening his community, emphasizing the struggle between personal morality and societal law. Ultimately, the quest for justice results in both victory and tragedy.

💔 Loss

Loss is a pervasive theme, particularly with the tragic fate of Cobb's ally, Arthur. The emotional toll of violence and the personal sacrifices made underscore the harsh realities faced by the characters. This theme serves as a reminder that every action has consequences, especially in a world torn by animosity.

🔥 Vengeance

Vengeance fuels Cobb’s resolve after the brutal death of his friend, driving him into confrontation with Larkin. This theme highlights the dark side of human nature and the lengths one will go to seek retribution. Cobb's transformation from a humble sheriff to a man consumed by vengeance lends intensity to the story.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:10

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.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Slow-burn confrontations in isolated towns like Firecreek

Tensions simmer and erupt in a small, cut-off community under threat.If you liked the tense atmosphere of Firecreek, you'll find similar movies here. This thread gathers stories where a quiet, isolated community is pushed to its limits, featuring a slow build of dread that erupts into a high-stakes showdown. Discover other tense dramas and westerns with a similar feel of claustrophobic suspense.

tenseoppressivegrittydesperateclaustrophobiclonelyvengeful

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with the arrival of a threat to a vulnerable, often rural, community. The story unfolds with a deliberate pace, focusing on the psychological impact on the townsfolk and the gradual erosion of peace. A catalytic event accelerates the conflict, forcing a reluctant hero to make a stand against overwhelming odds.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared structure of a community under siege, a variable pacing that builds from slow to fast, and a tone that blends tension with a dark examination of human nature under pressure.

Movies about reluctant heroes like the sheriff in Firecreek

An ordinary person is forced to find extraordinary courage for the sake of others.For viewers who enjoyed the character arc in Firecreek, this section highlights films about part-time or reluctant protectors pushed into action. These stories explore themes of courage, sacrifice, and the heavy weight of duty, often ending with a bittersweet resolution. Find similar dramatic and action-packed movies about ordinary people becoming heroes.

desperategrittytensemelancholiclonelycourageoussacrificial

Narrative Summary

The protagonist is initially hesitant, often doubting their own ability to confront a significant threat. The plot challenges their resolve through escalating events, forcing them to overcome self-doubt and make significant personal sacrifices. The journey is defined by a heavy emotional weight and typically ends with a victory that comes at a profound personal cost.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their central character archetype—the reluctant hero—and the exploration of themes like sacrifice, moral duty, and the high price of justice. They share a heavy emotional weight and often a bittersweet conclusion.

Unlock the Full Story of Firecreek

Don't stop at just watching — explore Firecreek 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 Firecreek is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Firecreek Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Firecreek, 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.

Firecreek Summary

Firecreek Timeline

Track the full timeline of Firecreek with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Firecreek Timeline

Firecreek Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Firecreek that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Firecreek Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Firecreek

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Firecreek: 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 Firecreek

Similar Movies to Firecreek

Discover movies like Firecreek 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.