Joe Kidd

Joe Kidd

Year: 1972

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: John Sturges

Western

In dusty New Mexico, Joe Kidd, a former bounty hunter, seeks a quiet life on his ranch. However, the turmoil of Mexican rebels fighting for their land disrupts his peace. A powerful and ruthless landowner hires Kidd to track down the rebels, led by Luis Chama, but Kidd soon finds himself caught between conflicting loyalties and facing a complex moral dilemma. As Kidd’s own interests become intertwined with the conflict, he must decide where his loyalties truly lie and what justice really means.

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Timeline – Joe Kidd (1972)

Trace every key event in Joe Kidd (1972) 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

Joe Kidd's Imprisonment

In the dusty landscape of Sinola, New Mexico, around 1900, Joe Kidd finds himself imprisoned for hunting on sacred Indian land. This act disrupts the fragile peace in the region, marking the beginning of a tumultuous journey for Kidd.

1900 Sinola, New Mexico
2

Luis Chama's Arrival

The charismatic revolutionary Luis Chama enters the scene, inciting a peasant revolt against the oppressive landowners. His actions trigger widespread unrest as he rallies the marginalized to fight for their ancestral lands.

3

Frank Harlan's Counteraction

Wealthy landowner Frank Harlan swiftly reacts to Chama's movement by assembling a posse. His intent is clear: to capture Chama and quash the uprising that threatens his dominion over the land.

4

Kidd's Reluctant Decision

Initially, Kidd declines to join Harlan and his posse, but the situation changes dramatically. When he learns that Chama's group targets his own ranch and his worker has been attacked, he reluctantly decides to assist Harlan.

5

The Ultimatum

The posse descends upon a nearby village, terrifying the locals and commanding them to seek refuge in the church. Harlan delivers a menacing ultimatum: hand over Chama or face dire consequences, including the execution of five Mexican hostages.

Local church
6

The Revelation of Helen

Inside the church, Kidd discovers a mysterious hostage named Helen, complicating his plans. His emotions escalate when he realizes she is Chama's beloved, heightening the stakes of his impending escape plan.

Local church
7

Kidd's Escape Plan

Seizing an opportunity, Kidd formulates an escape plan to liberate both himself and the hostages. Utilizing his wit and cunning, he manages to slip away from his captors and heads out into the perilous landscape.

8

Deceit and Strategy

Kidd seeks out Chama and his compatriots, employing clever strategies to navigate his way through the current chaos. He deceitfully tells Harlan that he will deliver Chama to Sheriff Mitchell, while secretly planning to rebel against their oppressive rule.

9

Mingo's Demise

As the posse advances with determination, they encounter Kidd and fall victim to the deadly aim of Mingo, a phenomenal marksman. In a twist of fate, Kidd utilizes a long-range rifle he acquired to eliminate Mingo, shifting the tide of the confrontation.

10

Kidd's Return to Town

Upon capturing Chama, Kidd arrives back in town only to find Harlan and his remaining posse plotting their revenge. Despite this looming threat, Kidd's resolve remains unshaken as he focuses on turning Chama in to Sheriff Mitchell.

Sinola
11

The Dramatic Train Ride

In a bold move, Kidd commandeers a steam train and crashes it directly into Harlan's saloon. This unexpected act ignites a fierce gunfight, showcasing Kidd's determination to confront Harlan's merciless gang.

Saloon
12

Climactic Confrontation

The climactic confrontation unfolds in the courthouse where Kidd's ordeal originally began. He faces off against Harlan and his men, battling against overwhelming odds in a high-stakes fight for freedom.

Courthouse
13

Victory and Freedom

Kidd triumphs over Harlan and his forces, showcasing his growth throughout the ordeal. With Chama finally free and surrendering to Sheriff Mitchell, Kidd is able to reclaim a sense of agency and purpose.

14

A Final Gesture

Before leaving town, Kidd delivers a well-deserved punch to Sheriff Mitchell as a form of retribution for past grievances. With Helen by his side, he departs, signaling a new chapter in his life filled with hope and redemption.

Sinola

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:23

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