McCabe & Mrs. Miller

McCabe & Mrs. Miller

Year: 1971

Runtime: 120 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Altman

DramaWestern

In a remote mining town, charismatic gambler John McCabe establishes a brothel, quickly gaining the attention of the locals with his charm and ambition. Constance Miller, a shrewd and independent madam, recognizes his potential and proposes a partnership, seeking a share of the profits. Together, they build a thriving business, but their success attracts unwanted attention from a powerful corporation determined to control the town. As their empire grows, they face escalating challenges that test their trust and threaten to destroy everything they’ve built in this gritty and atmospheric Western drama.

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Timeline – McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)

Trace every key event in McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) 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

John McCabe Arrives in Presbyterian Church

In the dusty boomtown of Presbyterian Church, Washington, in 1902, John McCabe makes a grand entrance. His enigmatic charm and audacious reputation precede him, captivating the lethargic residents of the town.

1902 Presbyterian Church, Washington
2

McCabe Establishes His Enterprises

McCabe quickly establishes a thriving brothel and gambling hall, partnering with the British madam Constance Miller. The businesses flourish, reflecting McCabe's charismatic influence over the townspeople.

Presbyterian Church, Washington
3

The Romantic Involvement with Constance

As McCabe and Constance's businesses prosper, their romantic involvement deepens. However, it is underlined by a sense of transactionality that defines their relationship amidst the backdrop of the bustling boomtown.

Presbyterian Church, Washington
4

Mining Company Attempts to Purchase McCabe's Enterprises

Representatives from the Harrison Shaughnessy Mining Company arrive in town, aiming to purchase McCabe's establishments and the nearby zinc mines. McCabe, however, staunchly declines their initial offer, igniting their fury.

Presbyterian Church, Washington
5

Threatening Hired Guns Enter Town

Following McCabe's rejection, three hired guns—Butler, Breed, and Kid—come to town with an ominous mission to eliminate him. Their presence heightens the sense of doom that hangs over McCabe as he grapples with his fears.

Presbyterian Church, Washington
6

McCabe's Intimidated Contemplation

Feeling intimidated by the threats against him, McCabe debates whether to sell his enterprises. Mocked by Butler's scornful remarks about his past, he contemplates a path forward as the danger closes in.

Presbyterian Church, Washington
7

Attempt to Negotiate in Bearpaw

Desiring a peaceful resolution, McCabe travels to Bearpaw to seek out the mining company agents. Unfortunately, he discovers that they have mysteriously vanished, leaving him with growing uncertainty.

Bearpaw
8

Consultation with Lawyer Clement Samuels

Returning to Presbyterian Church, McCabe consults with Clement Samuels, a lawyer and aspiring politician. Samuels advises him to stand his ground against the mining company, encouraging McCabe to fight back.

Presbyterian Church, Washington
9

Confrontation in the Chapel

In a moment of introspection, McCabe seeks refuge in the chapel but is confronted by the pastor, who defiantly holds a shotgun. The confrontation escalates, culminating in the pastor's tragic death at the hands of Butler.

Chapel, Presbyterian Church
10

Chapel Fire Erupts

Following the pastor's death, chaos ensues as a lantern shatters, igniting a fire that engulfs the chapel. The townsfolk scramble to extinguish the flames, showcasing their efforts to protect their community from destruction.

Chapel, Presbyterian Church
11

McCabe's Vengeful Ambush

Amidst the chaos, McCabe takes matters into his own hands by ambushing hired guns Breed and Kid. Although he succeeds in eliminating them, he suffers a grievous injury during the fight, impacting his fate.

Snowy Expanse, Presbyterian Church
12

The Fatal Showdown

As the townspeople focus on battling the flames, Butler targets McCabe with a hunting rifle. In a desperate last move, McCabe retrieves a derringer and manages to kill Butler before succumbing to his own injuries.

Presbyterian Church, Washington
13

McCabe's Lonely Demise

While the townspeople celebrate their victory over the fire, McCabe lies dying alone in the cold. The contrast between the community's triumph and his tragic fate underscores the solitary nature of his final moments.

Snowy Landscape, Presbyterian Church
14

Constance's Opiate Laced Fate

In the aftermath of McCabe's demise, Constance Miller is left in a haze within the opium den, her future forever intertwined with McCabe's tragic story. Her plight reflects the loss and chaos that ensues in the wake of his fall.

Opium Den, Presbyterian Church

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:30

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McCabe & Mrs. Miller Summary

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McCabe & Mrs. Miller Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in McCabe & Mrs. Miller

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Characters, Settings & Themes in McCabe & Mrs. Miller

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