Pale Rider

Pale Rider

Year: 1985

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Western

A ruthless landowner uses hired thugs to terrorize and steal from a group of gold miners in a small town. Their situation changes when a mysterious stranger, known only as "Preacher," arrives and challenges the landowner's oppressive control. He defends the miners, leading to a violent confrontation between his resolve and the corrupt forces at play, testing the limits of justice and survival in the harsh landscape of the Old West.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Pale Rider (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Pale Rider (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Gold Rush Era

The Gold Rush era was a significant period in American history characterized by mass migration and excitement surrounding gold discoveries. This period fostered a culture of mining, lawlessness, and conflicts between settlers, miners, and those wielding power in towns, leading to tense relationships and struggles for survival.

Location

California, Carbon Canyon, LaHood

The movie takes place in the expansive wilderness of California during the Gold Rush era. California is known for its rich mineral resources and the influx of prospectors seeking fortune. Carbon Canyon is depicted as a rugged area where survival is precarious, while LaHood represents the settlement besieged by greed and exploitation.

🏞️ Wilderness ⛏️ Mining Town

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Main Characters – Pale Rider (1985)

Meet the key characters of Pale Rider (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Megan

Megan is a young girl caught in the chaos of a violent raid who experiences profound loss when her dog is killed. Her resilience and emotional depth are highlighted, showcasing her vulnerability and determination as she mourns for her beloved pet, reflecting a deeper longing for safety and compassion.

👧 Child 💔 Grief

Hull Barret

Hull Barret is a practical and determined character who seeks to rebuild his life amidst turmoil. His interactions display a blend of courage and vulnerability as he confronts the dangers in town, showcasing his resolve to protect those he cares about while navigating a world filled with threats.

🧔 Hero ⚒️ Miner

Coy LaHood

Coy LaHood is the menacing antagonist involved in the exploitation of miners and townsfolk, embodying the greed that permeates the environment. His calculating demeanor and powerful influence challenge the locals, positioning him as a clear threat to their livelihoods and freedoms.

👨‍💼 Villain 💰 Greed

The Preacher

The Preacher, played by Clint Eastwood, is a mysterious figure whose arrival brings both hope and uncertainty. He embodies resilience and the quest for justice, appearing as a beacon of strength amid adversity and inspiring those around him to fight for their rights and dignity.

🧙‍♂️ Mentor ✊ Resistance

Sarah

Megan's mother, Sarah, reveals the emotional toll of the violence and loss that envelops her family. Her character is driven by a protective instinct and deep love for her daughter, portraying the struggles of a woman attempting to hold her family together in desperate times.

👩 Mother 🤲 Caregiver

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Major Themes – Pale Rider (1985)

Explore the central themes of Pale Rider (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Justice

The theme of justice is prevalent as the characters strive to reclaim their dignity and rights against the oppressive forces of Coy LaHood. The narrative illustrates the struggle between the powerless and the exploiters, encapsulating the spirit of resistance that defines the characters' fight for survival.

💔 Loss

Loss resonates deeply throughout the film, particularly through Megan's heartbreaking experience after the death of her dog. This theme captures the emotional weight carried by the characters, as they navigate grief and the yearning to restore their lives amid chaos and violence.

🙏 Faith

Faith emerges as a critical theme as characters grapple with despair while longing for miracles in dark times. Megan’s poignant recitation of the 23rd Psalm emphasizes her hope for divine intervention and the need for belief in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Unlock the Full Story of Pale Rider

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

Pale Rider Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Pale Rider, 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.

Pale Rider Summary

Pale Rider Timeline

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

Pale Rider Timeline

More About Pale Rider

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

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