Run, Simon, Run

Run, Simon, Run

Year: 1970

Runtime: 74 mins

Language: English

Director: George McCowan

ActionThrillerCrime

A Native American man and a white woman are bound by a love that even death cannot break. After completing a prison sentence, the Papago Indian returns to his reservation, determined to track down the man who murdered his brother, confronting his past and the harsh realities of his community.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Run, Simon, Run 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 – Run, Simon, Run (1970)

Trace every key event in Run, Simon, Run (1970) 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

Simon Zuniga is hit by Carroll Rennard's car

While running down the road after being released from prison, Simon Zuniga is struck by Carroll Rennard's vehicle. She then takes him to the reservation, where she also works. This incident sets the story in motion and introduces the main characters' connection.

2

Simon sleeps on his brother's grave

At the reservation, Simon rests on his brother's grave, reflecting on his past. During this time, he dreams vividly about the night his brother was shot and how Henry Burroughs framed him for the murder, revealing his deep-seated grievances.

reservation
3

Simon is appointed head of the tribal council

Simon learns that he is to assume the role of head of the tribal council, a position of authority. This new responsibility causes him to confront tribal traditions, such as the 'Dance of the 20 Virgins,' which he protests during a public event.

4

Protest at the 'Dance of the 20 Virgins'

During a cultural event, Simon protests the 'Dance of the 20 Virgins' by standing and covering his eyes, causing the performers to become uncomfortable and leave. His act symbolizes his rejection of certain tribal customs and highlights tensions within the community.

5

Simon overhears Santana mentioning Burroughs

While overhearing a conversation, Simon learns from Santana that Henry Burroughs is still alive. This revelation reignites Simon’s desire for revenge as he finds out that Burroughs has become stronger and is still at large.

6

Simon seeks revenge by breaking into Burroughs' house

Simon breaks into Henry Burroughs' old home intending to confront him, but finds the house occupied by new renters instead. His failed attempt reflects his obsessive pursuit of vengeance and the difficulty in confronting his past.

Henry Burroughs’ house
7

Simon is arrested and bail is paid by Carroll

After the break-in, Simon is detained by authorities. Carroll pays his bail, showing her support for him and strengthening their bond. She then drives him to Tucson, further connecting their personal stories.

police station, Tucson
8

Simon and Carroll grow closer and share a party

Simon and Carroll develop a romantic relationship, with Carroll hosting a party to introduce him to her friends. During the event, they ask Simon to perform a rain dance, but he declines, indicating his connection to his own beliefs.

party location
9

Carroll confesses to being pregnant

During the party, Carroll confesses to her friend that she is pregnant with Simon’s child, adding a personal and emotional layer to their relationship. Her revelation emphasizes the intertwined fates of the characters.

10

Rosetti finds Burroughs’ new location

Private detective Cesar Rosetti informs Simon that Burroughs has moved to Phoenix under the name Henry Bagley and is currently fishing nearby. This intelligence sets the stage for Simon's final confrontation.

11

Simon tracks down and captures Henry Burroughs

Simon locates Henry Burroughs’ house, sneaks inside at night, and ties him up. The confrontation is intense, culminating in Simon waving a dagger and ultimately stabbing Henry in the stomach during a struggle.

Henry Burroughs’ house
12

Henry is shot after the fight

Following the stabbing, Henry tries to grab a knife, leading to a struggle with Simon. Simon gets injured when he is shot by other men from the house as he attempts to leave and confront his past.

13

Carroll helps her friends and leaves the reservation

Carroll makes her way to a road to catch a bus reserved for her tribe. She persuades the bus driver to allow her to take the bus back to the reservation, trying to escape the chaos and move forward from the conflicts.

road and bus stop

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:15

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Grievance-fueled revenge thrillers like Run, Simon, Run

A protagonist's singular, fatalistic quest for retribution defines their tragic path.If you liked the driven, tragic quest for justice in Run, Simon, Run, explore these movies about characters motivated by a deep-seated grievance. These stories often feature tense pacing, heavy emotional weight, and endings that question the true cost of revenge.

drivengrittytensemelancholicfatalisticoppressiveresigned

Narrative Summary

The narrative arc is defined by a character's obsessive pursuit of retribution for a past wrong, often leading them down a dark path with little hope of a peaceful resolution. The story is propelled by this singular goal, building tension towards an inevitable, often violent confrontation.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their core narrative engine: a character's all-consuming need for revenge. They share a tense, gritty mood, a steady pacing driven by the protagonist's focus, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from themes of loss, injustice, and the cyclical nature of violence.

Social issue thrillers with a heavy feel like Run, Simon, Run

Genre tension amplifies a stark exploration of systemic injustice and cultural conflict.For viewers who appreciated the exploration of racism and cultural identity within the thriller framework of Run, Simon, Run. This list features movies where tense, genre-driven plots serve as a vehicle for examining harsh societal realities and community struggles.

grittytenseoppressivemelancholicsocial commentarydrivenresigned

Narrative Summary

A straightforward, often personal crime plot is deeply intertwined with a larger social commentary. The protagonist's journey forces a confrontation not just with an antagonist, but with an oppressive system or prejudiced community, leading to a conclusion that highlights systemic flaws.

Why These Movies?

This thread connects films that blend the tension and pacing of a thriller with the heavy emotional impact of social realism. They share a gritty, oppressive mood, a focus on justice within a flawed system, and often feature protagonists grappling with identity and belonging.

Unlock the Full Story of Run, Simon, Run

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

Run, Simon, Run Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Run, Simon, Run, 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.

Run, Simon, Run Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Run, Simon, Run

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Run, Simon, Run. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Run, Simon, Run

Run, Simon, Run Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Run, Simon, Run that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Run, Simon, Run Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Run, Simon, Run

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Run, Simon, Run: 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 Run, Simon, Run

Similar Movies to Run, Simon, Run

Discover movies like Run, Simon, Run 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.