The Highwaymen

The Highwaymen

Year: 2019

Runtime: 132 min

Language: English

Director: John Lee Hancock

Echo Score: 73

Budget: $49M

BiographyDramaMysteryThrillerCrime

In the early 1930s, as the infamous Bonnie and Clyde terrorize the nation, the FBI struggles to apprehend them. Two veteran Texas Rangers, Frank Hamer and Maney Gammill, are reluctantly brought out of retirement to track down the elusive criminals. Relying on their years of experience and old-fashioned detective work, the duo embarks on a relentless pursuit across the country, determined to bring the notorious outlaws to justice and restore order.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Highwaymen (2019)

Trace every key event in The Highwaymen (2019) 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

Bonnie and Clyde's Escape

In 1934, Bonnie and Clyde, notorious robbers, orchestrate a daring escape from Eastham Prison Farm in Texas. This bold move marks the beginning of their violent journey, as they evade capture after two long years on the run.

1934 Eastham Prison Farm, Texas
2

Recruitment of Frank Hamer

Following the escape, Texas Department of Corrections Chief Lee Simmons convinces Governor 'Ma' Ferguson to recruit Frank Hamer, a former Texas Ranger, to hunt down Bonnie and Clyde. Hamer's recruitment signifies a shift in the approach to apprehending the infamous couple.

Texas
3

Initial Doubts and Decisions

Governor Ferguson expresses doubts about Hamer's capabilities, highlighting the tension between old and modern law enforcement methods. Ultimately, she allows Simmons to proceed with the hunt, setting Hamer on a path filled with moral dilemmas.

Texas
4

The Chilling Shootout

As Hamer grapples with his decision, reports of a violent shootout in Missouri add urgency to his commitment. This situation not only reflects the dangers of Bonnie and Clyde but also reignites Hamer's determination to confront them.

Missouri
5

Hamer and Gault Join Forces

Hamer's former partner, Maney Gault, joins him in the pursuit, spurred by his own frustrations with unemployment. Together, they begin to delve deeper into the manhunt, fueled by a shared commitment to bring the criminals to justice.

6

FBI's Involvement

The FBI is already tracking Bonnie and Clyde's families through wiretaps, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation. Hamer and Gault gain access to these files, unearthing vital leads on the criminals' potential whereabouts.

7

Chase to Dallas

Following a suspect act of vandalism at Bonnie's mother's house, Hamer and Gault chase down a fleeing boy. Although advised by the FBI to stay away, their hunch leads them to Dallas, where they hope to catch the infamous couple.

Dallas
8

Discovery of Brutality

The discovery of a double police homicide linked to Bonnie and Clyde reveals the brutal nature of their crime spree. Hamer and Gault, inspecting the scene, confront the grim reality of their adversaries and the implications of their actions.

Grapevine
9

Learning of the Migrant Camp

Hamer and Gault's relentless chase leads them to Oklahoma, where they receive tips about Bonnie and Clyde heading towards a migrant camp. This discovery keeps them one step closer to tracking the couple down, heightening the tension of their pursuit.

Oklahoma
10

Closer Encounter in Coffeyville

In Coffeyville, Kansas, Hamer and Gault finally catch a glimpse of Bonnie and Clyde amidst a cheering crowd. Though the duo escapes their immediate grasp, the encounter intensifies their resolve to recapture the dangerous criminals.

Coffeyville, Kansas
11

A Father's Plea

Hamer meets Clyde's father, who expresses a poignant request to end his son's life, knowing that Clyde would never surrender. This moment weighs heavily on Hamer as he considers the human cost of his pursuits.

12

The Trap is Set

With a plan in motion, Hamer seeks to lure Bonnie and Clyde into a trap by furloughing a prisoner associated with their gang. This strategic move reflects the desperation and high stakes of the hunt for the notorious couple.

13

The Informant's Murder

The investigation takes a dark turn when Hamer and Gault find the murdered body of their informant, Wade McNabb. The profound implications of this loss reinforce their commitment to facing Bonnie and Clyde with renewed urgency.

14

Final Showdown

With the help of local sheriffs, the posse prepares an ambush using Ivy Methvin's broken-down vehicle as bait. Bonnie and Clyde arrive to help, but Hamer swiftly commands them to surrender before chaos erupts.

Louisiana
15

The Aftermath

The aftermath reveals Bonnie and Clyde's bullet-riddled car and lifeless bodies being paraded through Arcadia, Louisiana. Hamer and Gault reflect on the consequences of their actions, as thousands gather to pay their respects.

Arcadia, Louisiana

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:07

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Grizzled Veteran Manhunts like in The Highwaymen

Aging experts are called back for one last, grim pursuit of justice.Explore movies like The Highwaymen featuring aging experts pulled from retirement for one final, dangerous mission. If you enjoyed the tense pursuit led by Frank Hamer and Maney Gammill, you'll find similar stories of methodical hunts, seasoned professionals, and the heavy weight of experience in these selections.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a linear pursuit structure, driven by a singular goal. The central conflict is often between the hunter's old-school wisdom and the elusive, often brutal, nature of their target. The character journey involves rediscovering purpose and confronting the violence of their past, culminating in a resolution that is successful yet emotionally hollow or bittersweet.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on the core archetype of the aging veteran protagonist, the methodical and relentless nature of the pursuit, and the somber, morally complex tone that questions the true cost of justice.

Somber Crime Procedurals like in The Highwaymen

Methodical investigations into brutal crimes, focusing on the grim toll on the hunters.Discover movies similar to The Highwaymen that focus on a methodical, detailed investigation into a brutal crime. If you liked the steady pacing, tense atmosphere, and heavy emotional focus on the lawmen in The Highwaymen, these selections offer a comparable vibe of grim detective work and its moral consequences.

tensegrimmethodicalsomberbrutalmelancholicprocedural

Narrative Summary

The plot unfolds as a linear investigation, following clues and leads with a steady, deliberate pace. The narrative tension comes from the cat-and-mouse game between pursuer and prey, and the grim reality of the crimes being uncovered. The journey ends with a resolution that provides justice but little catharsis, leaving characters and viewers to contemplate the darkness they've witnessed.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their focus on investigative procedure, a consistently tense and melancholic mood, high emotional weight derived from violent subject matter, and a bittersweet or bleak conclusion that emphasizes the cost of justice.

Unlock the Full Story of The Highwaymen

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

The Highwaymen Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Highwaymen, 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 Highwaymen Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Highwaymen

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Highwaymen

The Highwaymen Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Highwaymen 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.

The Highwaymen Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Highwaymen

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Highwaymen: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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