The Missouri Breaks

The Missouri Breaks

Year: 1976

Runtime: 126 min

Language: English

Director: Arthur Penn

DramaWestern

On the wild Missouri frontier, cattle rustler Tom Logan seeks retribution against wealthy landowner David Braxton. Logan’s gang initiates a series of horse thefts, prompting Braxton to hire the mysterious and deadly sharpshooter Robert E. Lee Clayton. Clayton is tasked with stopping Logan and his men, leading to a dangerous and relentless pursuit across the untamed landscape.

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Timeline & Setting – The Missouri Breaks (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Missouri Breaks (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1880s

The film is set in the 1880s, a period marked by westward expansion and lawlessness in America. During this time, conflicts between settlers and ranchers were common, as individuals often took the law into their own hands, exemplified by the characters' struggles with justice and vengeance in the harsh frontier.

Location

Montana, Missouri Breaks

The story takes place in the rugged and scenic landscape of Montana, specifically the Missouri Breaks, known for its dramatic topography and the confluence of tributary streams into the Missouri River. This region embodies both beauty and danger, serving as a backdrop for the outlaw activities that unfold as Tom Logan and his gang navigate the complexities of their criminal lifestyle.

🌄 Landscape 🏞️ Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Main Characters – The Missouri Breaks (1976)

Meet the key characters of The Missouri Breaks (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tom Logan (Jack Nicholson)

Tom Logan is a charismatic and cunning leader of a gang of horse thieves who finds himself embroiled in escalating violence. His charm masks a deeper desire for vengeance and a complex relationship with Jane Braxton, weaving a narrative of ambition and moral ambiguity.

🧑‍🌾 Outlaw ❤️ Romantic

David Braxton (John McLiam)

David Braxton serves as the ruthless antagonist, a self-interested rancher willing to go to any lengths to maintain his power. His harsh methods and deep-seated pride make him a formidable foe for Logan, highlighting the clashes between law and the lawless.

💼 Rancher 💣 Antagonist

Jane (Kathleen Lloyd)

Jane, Braxton's daughter, is torn between her loyalty to her father and her attraction to Logan. Her bold flirtation with danger and her desire for a different life create a poignant conflict within her character, making her both an ally and a source of tension.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Love Interest 🌹 Idealist

Robert E. Lee Clayton (Marlon Brando)

Clayton is introduced as an eccentric yet ruthless hitman hired to eliminate Logan's gang. His flamboyant demeanor masks a sinister intent, making him a memorable presence as he embodies the darker aspects of law enforcement in the wild west.

🎩 Regulator ☠️ Villain

Cal (Harry Dean Stanton)

Cal is one of Logan's most trusted allies, whose tragic fate serves as a catalyst for Logan’s quest for revenge. His loyalty and camaraderie highlight the themes of friendship and sacrifice within the treacherous life of an outlaw.

🤝 Friend 💔 Sacrificial

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Major Themes – The Missouri Breaks (1976)

Explore the central themes of The Missouri Breaks (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Betrayal

The theme of love intertwines with betrayal as Tom Logan's relationship with Jane Braxton develops amidst familial conflict. Jane's growing affection for Logan contrasts sharply with her father's ruthless nature. This complex dynamic showcases how personal bonds can be both a source of strength and a catalyst for violence in a lawless world.

⚔️ Revenge

Revenge drives the narrative as Logan seeks justice for the unjust actions against his gang and himself. This theme reflects the brutal reality of frontier life, where personal vendettas often fuel further violence, underscoring the cyclical nature of retribution and its consequences.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Unlock the Full Story of The Missouri Breaks

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

The Missouri Breaks Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Missouri Breaks, 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 Missouri Breaks Summary

The Missouri Breaks Timeline

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

The Missouri Breaks Timeline

More About The Missouri Breaks

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Missouri Breaks: 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 Missouri Breaks

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