Road House

Road House

Year: 1989

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Rowdy Herrington

ActionThriller

A former special forces operative takes a job as a bouncer at a Missouri roadhouse, seeking a quiet life. However, the bar is targeted by a ruthless drug lord seeking to control the area. To protect the bar and his newfound sense of peace, he must fight back against the escalating violence and confront dangerous criminals, risking everything to defend the legacy of the bar’s owner and the people he's come to care for.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Road House 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 – Road House (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Road House (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in a contemporary period reflecting the 1980s lifestyle, characterized by flashy cars and a nightlife full of conflict and camaraderie. This era showcases a blend of rebellion and rugged charm, creating an engaging backdrop for Dalton's story as a bouncer trying to restore order in a chaotic environment.

Location

Bandstand, Double Deuce, Jasper, Missouri

The narrative features several key locations, with the lively Bandstand bar and the chaotic Double Deuce at the forefront. Bandstand is known for its vibrant atmosphere filled with bluesy rock music, where patrons dance and socialize. The Double Deuce, the bar Dalton is hired to restore, is notorious for its unruly behavior and violence, making it a focal point of the town's nightlife.

🍺 Bar 🏙️ Town 🎶 Music Venue

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:42

Main Characters – Road House (1989)

Meet the key characters of Road House (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dalton (Patrick Swayze)

Dalton is the head bouncer with a legendary reputation for maintaining order in rowdy establishments. He is tough yet principled, willing to stand up against violence and chaos in pursuit of peace. Dalton's vulnerability is revealed through his wounds and his romantic attachments, adding layers to his character amidst his physical strength.

🦸‍♂️ Hero 🌟 Bouncer 💔 Romantic

Elizabeth Clay (Kelly Lynch)

Elizabeth is a young doctor who becomes romantically involved with Dalton. She exhibits compassion and strength, treating Dalton's injuries while dealing with her complex past relationships that intersect with Wesley. Her character serves as a symbol of love and support, grounding Dalton amid the chaos.

👩‍⚕️ Doctor 💖 Love Interest ⚠️ Tension

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:42

Major Themes – Road House (1989)

Explore the central themes of Road House (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💪 Strength

The theme of strength is prevalent throughout the film, particularly in Dalton's character as he faces physical challenges and emotional turmoil. Dalton embodies resilience in the face of violence, demonstrating both physical prowess and the power of resolve. This strength ultimately helps him protect those he cares about and restore the bar’s former glory.

❤️ Love

Romantic love plays a significant role in the narrative, especially in Dalton's relationship with Elizabeth. Their bond grows amidst danger, showcasing the complexity of love when intertwined with conflict. The film emphasizes how love can be a source of strength and motivation while facing external threats.

⚔️ Conflict

The theme of conflict underscores the entire story, manifesting through Dalton's confrontations with Wesley's gang. This ongoing battle represents not only a struggle for physical control of the bar but also a moral conflict regarding order and violence in the community. The resolution of these conflicts drives the narrative forward and ultimately leads to Dalton's transformation.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:42

Unlock the Full Story of Road House

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

Road House Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Road House, 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.

Road House Summary

Road House Timeline

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

Road House Timeline

More About Road House

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

Similar Movies to Road House

Discover movies like Road House 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.