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 – Road House (1989)

Trace every key event in Road House (1989) 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

Arrival at Bandstand

The story opens at Bandstand, a lively bar bustling with people enjoying drinks and music. A tall gentleman arrives in a limousine, confidently presenting his business card to the bouncer at the entrance and gaining entry to the establishment.

Bandstand
2

Dalton Intervenes

Inside the bar, we are introduced to Dalton, the head bouncer, who is keenly observing the crowd. When a fight breaks out involving multiple bouncers, Dalton steps in and attempts to de-escalate the situation, advising the troublemakers to leave.

Bandstand
3

Dalton Gets Injured

Despite Dalton's efforts, a customer pulls out a knife, wounding him on the arm. Undeterred by the injury, Dalton insists on taking the fight outside, showcasing his resilience in the heat of chaos.

Bandstand
4

Tilghman Offers Dalton a Job

After the altercation, a businessman named Tilghman introduces himself, expressing interest in hiring Dalton for a bar he recently purchased in Kansas City. Dalton sets his price, requesting $5,000 upfront and $500 a night until the bar is under control.

Bandstand
5

Dalton Refuses the Plane Ticket

Tilghman provides Dalton with a plane ticket to Kansas City, but Dalton refuses, revealing his fear of flying. Instead, he opts to drive away in a vintage 1964 Buick Riviera before revealing his sleek 1986 Mercedes 560.

6

Dalton Arrives at the Double Deuce

Dalton finally arrives at the Double Deuce in Jasper, Missouri, ready to tackle the turmoil at the bar. Upon entering, he witnesses one of the brutish bouncers, Morgan, brutally ejecting patrons, further illustrating the need for Dalton's expertise.

Double Deuce
7

Dalton's Reputation Recognized

As Dalton observes the chaotic atmosphere, one of the waitresses recognizes him, acknowledging his infamous reputation in the bouncing industry. This moment underscores Dalton's past experiences and sets the stage for his authority at the bar.

Double Deuce
8

Brawl Erupts

Later that evening, a major brawl breaks out, resulting in significant damage to the bar. This chaos highlights the urgent need for Dalton's intervention and signals the tumultuous journey ahead for him in restoring order.

Double Deuce
9

Dalton Moves In

Dalton purchases a second vintage Buick Riviera and moves into a loft rented from an elderly man named Emmet. He quickly learns of local troublemaker Brad Wesley, who has been harassing Emmet, establishing immediate tension in the community.

10

Employee Meeting

Dalton holds an employee meeting to lay down strict rules for conduct at the Double Deuce. He dismisses employees who do not meet his standards, beginning the process of instilling discipline within the bar.

Double Deuce
11

Retaliation from Wesley's Gang

As Dalton restores order, he faces retaliation from Wesley's gang, resulting in escalating violence. This cycle deepens the conflict as Dalton strives to regain full control over the bar and protect his friends.

12

Growing Affection for Elizabeth

Amidst the chaos, Dalton finds solace in a budding romantic relationship with a local doctor, Elizabeth Clay. Their connection intensifies, but complications arise due to Wesley's jealousy and his past with Elizabeth.

13

Arson and Confrontation

An arson attack leads to the destruction of local business Red's shop, further raising tensions. Dalton's encounters with Wesley's enforcers become increasingly violent, as he refuses to back down from defending his territory.

14

Wade Garrett's Beating

Dalton's mentor, Wade Garrett, suffers a brutal beating at the hands of Wesley's men, intensifying the conflict and threatening Elizabeth's safety. This event pushes Dalton to confront Wesley, setting the stage for a final showdown.

15

Showdown with Wesley

In a climactic confrontation, Dalton stands up to Wesley, culminating in a pulse-pounding fight that determines the future of the Double Deuce. With the fight concluded, a sense of freedom and new beginnings settles over the bar and its patrons.

Double Deuce
16

Celebration and New Beginnings

The narrative concludes on an uplifting note as Cody's band performs at the newly revitalized Double Deuce. Dalton and Elizabeth celebrate their relationship with a romantic swim, symbolizing the promise of love and peace in their lives.

Double Deuce

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 21:44

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Road House Summary

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Road House Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Road House

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Road House

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