The Long Riders

The Long Riders

Year: 1980

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Walter Hill

Western

A gritty Western depicts the tumultuous journey of the James-Younger Gang following a disastrous heist. After Jesse James insists they remain hidden, Ed Miller's impulsive actions create division within the group, leading the brothers to pursue individual paths. Drawn by the promise of money and a desire for retribution, they reunite for a risky Northfield bank robbery. The attempt fails, triggering a thrilling and lawless pursuit across the countryside.

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Timeline & Setting – The Long Riders (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Long Riders (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

September 1876

The period following the Civil War was marked by lawlessness and upheaval in America, particularly in the Midwest. This era saw the rise of notorious outlaw gangs, including the James-Younger gang, as they took advantage of the chaos to commit audacious robberies. The socio-economic conditions of post-war America fueled tensions between outlaws and law enforcement, leading to significant conflicts and a transformative time for the nation.

Location

Midwestern United States, Northfield, Minnesota, Missouri

The Midwestern United States is known for its rich history and wide-open spaces, making it a stark backdrop for the tumultuous events of the 19th century. Northfield, Minnesota, is a small town that became infamous as the site of a failed bank robbery by the James-Younger gang, showcasing the tensions between lawmen and outlaws. Missouri, the home state of Jesse James, serves as a symbolic refuge and base for the notorious gang as they navigate their criminal lifestyle.

🌆 Cities 🏞️ Wilderness

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:23

Main Characters – The Long Riders (1980)

Meet the key characters of The Long Riders (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jesse James (David Carradine)

Jesse James is the charismatic yet reckless leader of the notorious gang, driven by a desire for wealth and vengeance. His complex personality sees him torn between loyalty to his gang members and the moral dilemmas that arise from their violent lifestyle. As he dreams of forming a new gang, he grapples with the consequences of his choices, leading to tragic outcomes.

🦸‍♂️ Hero 🏴‍☠️ Outlaw 🔫 Lawlessness

Cole Younger (Stacy Keach)

Cole Younger serves as one of Jesse's most loyal companions, showcasing bravery and resourcefulness amidst chaotic confrontations. He often acts as the mediator within the gang, trying to balance ambition with the reality of their lifestyle. His loyalty is tested as the stakes grow higher, revealing the bond and strain that exists within the gang.

🦸‍♂️ Companion 🏴‍☠️ Outlaw

Ed Miller

Ed Miller is a volatile member of the James-Younger gang whose impatience leads to disastrous consequences during a bank robbery. His impulsive nature highlights the dangers of their criminal activities, as he inadvertently causes injury and death. Ed's story serves as a cautionary tale within the gang dynamic, affecting the trust and cohesion among members.

🚨 Impulsive 💔 Tragic

Jim Younger

Jim Younger is a conflicted member of the gang, whose romantic feelings for Beth complicate his loyalty to his brother and gang. His inner turmoil reflects the struggle between love and the outlaw life, especially when faced with heartbreak. Jim's character captures the emotional costs of being an outlaw amid lawlessness and betrayal.

❤️ Love 🤺 Loyalty

Mr. Rixley

Mr. Rixley is a dedicated and relentless detective from Pinkerton's agency, embodying the law's fight against rampant crime. His pursuit of the James-Younger gang leads to high stakes and personal losses, reflecting the dangers he faces in his quest for justice. Rixley's character illustrates the thin line between heroism and villainy in the realm of law enforcement.

🔍 Detective ⚖️ Justice

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:23

Major Themes – The Long Riders (1980)

Explore the central themes of The Long Riders (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Heartbreak

Heartbreak is a central theme as characters navigate love and loyalty amidst a backdrop of violence. Jim Younger's unrequited love for Beth leads to emotional turmoil, showcasing how personal relationships become complicated by the harsh realities of their outlaw lives. The theme of heartbreak is intricately linked to the choices the characters make in pursuit of their desires and the ensuing consequences.

💰 Crime & Consequences

The film explores the exhilarating yet perilous world of crime, showcasing the James-Younger gang's audacious robberies and their eventual downfalls. Each heist leads to a series of violent encounters and loss, highlighting the brutal reality that accompanies their criminal pursuits. The consequences are not just legal, but personal, affecting the relationships and lives of everyone involved.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:23

Unlock the Full Story of The Long Riders

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

The Long Riders Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Long Riders, 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 Long Riders Summary

The Long Riders Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Long Riders with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Long Riders Timeline

More About The Long Riders

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More About The Long Riders

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