The Electric Horseman

The Electric Horseman

Year: 1979

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Sydney Pollack

DramaComedyRomanceWestern

A celebrated rodeo star, now performing in a commercial cereal show, finds his life unfulfilling. He uncovers a disturbing secret: a valuable horse is being medicated to enhance its performance. Defying his current situation, he escapes into the desert atop the magnificent animal. A tenacious journalist sets out to follow their journey, hoping to expose the story behind their flight.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Electric Horseman 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 – The Electric Horseman (1979)

Trace every key event in The Electric Horseman (1979) 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

Sonny Steele's New Life

Former five-time World Champion Sonny Steele has transitioned into a life of fame as the national ambassador for Ranch breakfast cereal. Clad in a dazzling cowboy outfit, he embarks on a promotional tour, captivating audiences while hiding the struggles behind his image.

2

Media Event and Hallie's Arrival

As preparations for an AMPCO media event begin, television newscaster Hallie Martin arrives, intrigued by the company's reluctance to allow interviews with Sonny. Her curiosity grows as she senses there's more beneath the surface regarding Sonny's celebrity status.

AMPCO Headquarters
3

The Tranquilized Racehorse

During rehearsals for an upcoming show's performance, Sonny discovers that Rising Star, the prized racehorse he is supposed to ride, has been deliberately tranquilized. Furious at the unethical treatment of the horse, Sonny confronts AMPCO chairman Hunt Sears but is dismissed.

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
4

Sonny's Defiant Escape

On the night of the highly-anticipated show, Sonny defies AMPCO by riding Rising Star and making a breathtaking escape down the Las Vegas strip. Amidst an audience's exhilaration, he creates chaos that forces AMPCO executives to scramble for control.

Las Vegas Strip
5

Grand Larceny Charges

In response to Sonny's dramatic actions, AMPCO holds a press conference to announce that he is being charged with grand larceny. This announcement triggers a media frenzy and puts the corporation's operations at risk, particularly a crucial merger.

6

Sonny's Solitary Journey

Under the Nevada sun, Sonny begins a solitary journey in a camper van with Rising Star, focusing on the horse's recovery from injury. This time away from the spotlight serves as an opportunity for Sonny to heal both physically and emotionally.

Nevada
7

Hallie Tracks Sonny Down

Driven to uncover Sonny's whereabouts, Hallie reaches out to his friends, Gus and Leroy. After gathering clues, she successfully tracks Sonny to a campsite, determined to uncover the truth behind the media's portrayal of him.

Sonny's Campsite
8

Confrontation and Tire Slashing

When Hallie discovers Sonny, their interaction turns confrontational. In a fit of frustration, Sonny slashes her car tires to stop her from following him, showcasing his rebellious nature while Hallie remains undeterred in her pursuit.

Sonny's Campsite
9

The Exclusive Interview Offer

Angered by AMPCO's slanderous claims against him, Sonny reaches out to Hallie and proposes an exclusive interview. The interest leads them to a secluded area where Sonny reveals troubling truths about Rising Star's treatment.

Secluded Canyon
10

The Plan to Free Rising Star

Believing Sonny plans to release Rising Star after hearing from his estranged wife, Hallie assembles a crew to film the moment. She manages to send tape to a local station but rushes to warn Sonny of the impending danger.

Utah
11

Evading Authorities

As police close in, Sonny and Hallie relocate Rising Star to a secluded lake while creating a diversion. Utilizing their skills, they evade capture, demonstrating the bond and camaraderie that has developed between them.

Cisco Falls
12

Public Admiration Grows

Hallie's broadcast about Sonny's courageous stand captures the nation's attention and admiration. With their supporters rallying, they decide to abandon their camper and continue their flight on foot.

13

Help from a Kind Farmer

A benevolent farmer hears about Sonny's situation through Hallie's reporting and offers them a ride in his tractor-trailer. This act of kindness reveals the growing support for Sonny and reinforces Hallie’s developing respect for him.

Rural Area
14

A Night in the Hunting Cabin

After a long day of travel, Sonny and Hallie take refuge in a remote hunting cabin. Here, Hallie expresses her worries over their safety and her regret for involving media, while Sonny reassures her of their mission's importance.

Hunting Cabin
15

The Liberation at Silver Reef

Sonny finally arrives at Silver Reef, a breathtaking location he chose for Rising Star's freedom. With a bittersweet farewell, Hallie watches as Sonny releases the stallion into its natural habitat, sealing their bond and shared journey.

Silver Reef, Utah

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 18:32

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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.

Redemptive Journeys Like in The Electric Horseman

Characters seeking personal redemption on a hopeful, cross-country adventure.Find movies like The Electric Horseman where characters find redemption and freedom on the open road. These films feature scenic adventures, hopeful tones, and stories of individuals reclaiming their integrity against a cynical world.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a character escaping a corrupt or unfulfilling system, often corporate or urban. Their flight into a vast landscape—deserts, mountains, plains—forces a confrontation with their true self. The journey is both literal and metaphorical, leading to a principled stand and a hopeful resolution.

Why These Movies?

They share a steady pacing that allows for character reflection, a dominant hopeful tone despite serious themes, and a focus on the transformative power of nature and solitude. The emotional journey from cynicism to authenticity is central.

Movies with Adversarial Duos Like The Electric Horseman

An unlikely pair teams up to expose corruption and escape corporate pursuers.If you liked the dynamic between Sonny and Hallie in The Electric Horseman, explore these movies about unlikely pairs defying the system. These stories combine a chase narrative, corporate critique, and a relationship that grows from conflict into camaraderie.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative is a chase, driven by a principled act of defiance. A journalist or outsider often pursues the fugitive protagonist, their relationship evolving from suspicion to alliance. The central conflict is not just escape, but exposing the truth, with the duo's bond strengthening under pressure.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by the specific character dynamic of a principled rebel and a tenacious outsider, a steady-paced chase structure, and themes of integrity versus corporate greed. The mix of rebellion, pursuit, and budding respect creates a distinct, engaging vibe.

Unlock the Full Story of The Electric Horseman

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

The Electric Horseman Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Electric Horseman, 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.

The Electric Horseman Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Electric Horseman

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Electric Horseman

The Electric Horseman Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Electric Horseman Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Electric Horseman

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Electric Horseman: 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 The Electric Horseman