Rollover (1981) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is primarily set in New York City, with key scenes at the World Trade Center as a symbol of commerce. Additional scenes take place in Saudi Arabia, representing international business dealings, and at the National History Museum where charity events occur.

• new york city
• world trade center
• saudi arabia
• setting
• locations

The film takes place in the late 20th century during a period of significant economic shifts in global markets. While no specific year is given, it reflects the contemporary era of financial practices and international investment that characterized that time.

• time period
• 1980s
• late 20th century
• era
• contemporary

Rollover explores three interconnected themes: betrayal in personal and professional relationships, corruption within the banking system, and how financial decisions can trigger a global crisis affecting worldwide economies.

• themes
• betrayal
• corruption
• global crisis
• financial

The betrayal theme manifests through manipulations between characters like Hub and Maxwell, leading to personal and financial ruin. It extends beyond individual relationships to affect broader economic stability, showing how deceit in love and business has cascading consequences.

• betrayal
• deception
• relationships
• trust

Corruption is central to the plot through illicit financial maneuvers at Boro National and First New York Bank. Characters navigate a world where unethical practices are normalized, and wealth is prioritized over integrity, creating a critical commentary on the risks of financial corruption.

• corruption
• banks
• finance
• greed
• ethics

Lee Winters is a determined and astute businesswoman portrayed by Jane Fonda. She transitions from a grieving widow to a powerhouse in the corporate world. Her emotional resilience and ability to navigate the cutthroat financial landscape make her a central figure driving much of the story's tension.

• lee winters
• jane fonda
• character
• businesswoman
• widow

Hubble 'Hub' Smith is a conflicted trader played by Kris Kristofferson whose moral compass wavers as he navigates financial ethics. His complicated relationship with Lee Winters creates tension between personal desire and professional responsibility, representing the struggle to maintain integrity in a corrupt system.

• hub smith
• kris kristofferson
• trader
• conflict
• morality

Maxwell Emery is the cunning chairman of First New York Bank, portrayed by Hume Cronyn. He is deeply embroiled in corrupt financial dealings and serves as Hub's mentor, representing the darker side of ambition in banking. His manipulative nature makes him a key antagonist driving the story's themes of betrayal.

• maxwell emery
• hume crony n
• chairman
• villain
• mentor

The catastrophic fallout from unethical financial decisions creates a global crisis that prompts panic transcending borders. The film illustrates how interconnected economies are and how localized financial fraud can spiral into worldwide panic, reflecting the fragility of globalized economies.

• global crisis
• economy
• crash
• financial panic
• worldwide

Rollover is a Drama/Mystery/Thriller with romantic elements. The film combines a tense, anxious tone with high-stakes financial intrigue, murders, and clandestine dealings. While there is a slight romantic subplot between Hub and Lee, it remains secondary to the dominant themes of suspicion, corruption, and economic collapse.

• genre
• drama
• thriller
• mystery
• romance
• tone