Tank

Tank

Year: 1984

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Marvin J. Chomsky

ActionDramaComedy

After leaving the military, decorated officer Zack Carey seeks a quiet life as a small-town sheriff. However, he quickly finds himself clashing with the corrupt Sheriff Cyrus Buelton. When Zack's own son is wrongly accused and imprisoned, he is forced to take drastic action. To free his son, Zack commandeers a vintage tank, leading to a tense and thrilling pursuit as he battles against the local authorities.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Tank 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 – Tank (1984)

Trace every key event in Tank (1984) 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

Zack's Arrival at Fort Clemons

Sergeant Major Zack Carey arrives at Fort Clemons, Georgia, with his wife Ladonna and son Billy. They are welcomed by the guard as they drive in with their belongings and Zack's prized Sherman tank, signaling the start of a new chapter in their lives.

Fort Clemons, Georgia
2

Zack's Interview with Soldier Magazine

At the base, Zack is interviewed by Jerry Elliott from Soldier Magazine about his tank. Zack shares his passion for restoring the tank over the years and humorously explains why he owns such an impressive military vehicle, showcasing his unique personality.

Fort Clemons, Georgia
3

Visit with Base Commander

Zack meets with Major General V.E. Hubik, who expresses hopes for Zack’s future as the Senior Sergeant Major of the Army. However, Zack prioritizes spending quality time with his son Billy, indicating his desire for a more personal life.

Fort Clemons Base
4

First Assembly with Command Personnel

During his first assembly with the troops, Zack emphasizes the importance of caring for their own and adhering to Army regulations. He makes a humorous remark about the noise level at local clubs, looking to foster a more favorable environment for the personnel.

Fort Clemons, Georgia
5

Conflict at Outpost Café

While trying to relax at the Outpost Café, Zack confronts Deputy Euclid Baker when he witnesses him abuse waitress Sarah. In a heated exchange, Zack stands up for Sarah, demonstrating his protective nature, but it leads to escalating tensions with local law enforcement.

Outpost Café
6

Sheriff Buelton's Threats

Sheriff Cyrus Buelton and Deputy Euclid prepare to retaliate against Zack for the incident at the café. Their determination to humiliate Zack reveals the corrupt nature of law enforcement in the area and sets the stage for future conflicts.

Fort Clemons, Georgia
7

Billy's Arrest

Zack's son Billy is wrongfully accused when marijuana is planted in his locker. This wrongful arrest pushes Zack to confront Sheriff Buelton, leading to a tense negotiation for his son's well-being amid an already charged atmosphere.

Fort Clemons School
8

Under Pressure from the Sheriff

Zack faces Sheriff Buelton's intimidation tactics as he tries to negotiate his son's release. The sheriff demands a hefty bribe, illustrating the miserable conditions and threats faced by those who dare to confront the local authority.

Sheriff's Office
9

Zack's Desperate Move

In a bold act of defiance, Zack takes his tank and drives it to the sheriff's office. He successfully creates chaos, demanding the freedom of his son while also making a powerful statement against the corruption he faces.

Sheriff's Office
10

Rescue of Billy

Zack successfully rescues Billy from the work farm using his tank. With bold maneuvers and the help of Sarah, he manages to extricate his son, illustrating the lengths a parent will go for their child in the face of injustice.

Work Farm
11

Running from the Law

As Zack, Billy, and Sarah make a run for it, they face mounting pressure from local law enforcement. Buelton mobilizes his forces to capture them, but the support Zack gains from locals begins to turn the tide in their favor.

Georgia/Tennessee Border
12

Ladonna's Determination

Ladonna works tirelessly to rally support for her family as they face overwhelming odds. She reaches out to local authorities in Tennessee to seek help, showcasing her strength and resolve in protecting her loved ones.

Tennessee Governor's Office
13

The Standoff

In a climactic standoff, Sheriff Buelton's men attempt to corner Zack and his family as they near the state line. Tensions escalate as both sides prepare for a showdown, highlighting the conflict between authority and personal freedom.

Georgia/Tennessee Border
14

Crossing the State Line

With public support at an all-time high, Zack makes one final push across the state line in his tank. The crowd cheers as they witness this act of defiance, representing hope and the fight against corruption.

Georgia/Tennessee Border
15

Victory and Reunion

Zack manages to cross the state line, achieving freedom for his family. In a heartwarming conclusion, he reunites with Ladonna and Billy, symbolizing their resilience against adversity and the triumph of familial love against systemic oppression.

Tennessee Side

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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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.

Movies about fighting corruption like Tank

A lone hero pushes back against a corrupt and oppressive local authority.If you enjoyed seeing Zack Carey stand up to the corrupt sheriff in Tank, you'll like these movies. This list features similar stories of defiant individuals, often former military or ordinary citizens, who take justice into their own hands against a crooked system in small towns or communities.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a principled outsider or a disillusioned insider who uncovers deep-seated corruption in a seemingly peaceful community. The conflict escalates from verbal confrontations to physical and tactical battles, often involving a skilled protagonist using their unique abilities or resources to level the playing field against the villains.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a core premise of righteous rebellion, a fast-paced and tense tone, and a satisfying arc where a single determined individual can expose and dismantle systemic injustice. They deliver a cathartic experience of fighting back against the odds.

Father rescue action movies like Tank

A father’s love and skills are put to the ultimate test to save his family.If you liked the storyline in Tank where Zack Carey uses a tank to save his son, explore these films. These are thrilling action dramas centered on paternal love, featuring determined fathers who stop at nothing to protect their children from criminals, corrupt systems, or kidnappers.

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Narrative Summary

The plot is triggered by a direct threat to the protagonist's child, wrongfully accused, kidnapped, or endangered. The father's specific skill set becomes the key to the rescue mission, leading to a high-stakes, fast-paced sequence of events where he battles the antagonists to bring his child home safely.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by the powerful theme of paternal devotion, translating love into violent, decisive action. They blend medium emotional weight with high-intensity action, creating a compelling mix of family drama and thrilling set pieces that center on a father's ultimate sacrifice and determination.

Unlock the Full Story of Tank

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

Tank Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tank, 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.

Tank Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tank

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tank

Tank Spoiler-Free Summary

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Tank Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Tank

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