Year: 1998
Runtime: 113 min
Language: english
Following the aftermath of World War I, four brothers in East Texas turn to a life of crime. They become known as the Newton Boys, orchestrating a series of increasingly daring robberies across Texas. Their exploits escalate to the audacious 1924 heist of a federal postal train carrying millions of dollars. Though they always avoid bloodshed, the brothers leave a lasting legacy of excitement and notoriety as they outwit law enforcement and become folk heroes in the Lone Star State.
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A miscarriage of justice results in Willis Newton languishing in prison, where he discovers a harsh truth: money holds the key to gaining social status in the unforgiving environment of incarceration. Determined to rise in the hierarchy, he teams up with Slim and Glasscock—two fellow inmates—for a daring bank robbery in broad daylight. Unfortunately, their bold plan unravels, leading to Slim’s capture during their hasty escape on horseback. Nevertheless, Willis and Glasscock manage to evade capture and encounter a bank director willing to purchase their stolen war bonds. This profitable meeting uncovers essential information regarding numerous banks, thus kickstarting their ascending criminal careers.
Embarking on a string of nocturnal bank heists, Willis and Glasscock leverage cars for their escapes. Glasscock, proficient in handling nitroglycerin, expertly uses it to blast open safes. Fueled by a profound sense of injustice, Willis persuades his brothers to back their illicit endeavors, declaring that bankers are the real criminals and their heists are merely smaller thieves robbing from larger ones. He justifies their actions further by arguing that the banks are insured and that the insurance companies would ultimately profit from their robberies.
The notorious Newton gang continues their onslaught of bank robberies, while some bankers engage in dishonest practices, inflating their reported losses. This leads insurance companies to pressure banks into investing in stronger safes, resistant to nitroglycerin. Faced with setbacks, the Newtons relocate their operations to Toronto, where they plan a bold attack on a cash transport vehicle during daylight.
Despite thorough preparations for their Toronto heist, unforeseen circumstances disrupt their plans, forcing a close escape for the gang members. Unshaken, Willis resolves to leave his criminal life behind and pursue a legitimate business avenue. However, his venture into an oil well turns disastrous, emptying his finances and plunging him into despair. In this bleak moment, he grapples with doubt, feeling that God has blocked his efforts to turn his life around.
In a twist of fate, desperation leads Willis back into crime: a night-time train robbery. Unfortunately, Glasscock, who previously excelled with nitroglycerin, falters with a gun. In a panicked moment, he mistakenly shoots Willis’ brother, Dock Newton, believing he was a guard. Driven by unwavering loyalty, Willis seeks medical help for his injured brother, inadvertently exposing their identities to law enforcement.
Ultimately, all the Newton brothers are apprehended and sentenced for their crimes. The once infamous gang, led by a misguided sense of justice and an insatiable thirst for financial security, meet their tragic conclusion behind bars.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:24
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.
Stories following the detailed planning and inevitable downfall of criminal crews.If you enjoyed the steady-paced, methodical robberies and the bonding of a criminal crew in The Newton Boys, explore more movies like it. These films focus on the rise and fall of outlaw groups, often based on true stories, where the thrill of the heist is tempered by a bittersweet and tragic ending.
Films in this thread typically follow a linear, chronological rise-and-fall arc. They detail the formation of a crew, their escalating ambitions, and the series of events that lead to their eventual capture or dissolution. The narrative is driven by the mechanics of the crimes and the bonds between the characters, culminating in an ending that acknowledges the price of their choices.
These movies are grouped by their shared focus on the procedural nature of crime, a steady pacing that builds towards a climax, and a bittersweet tone that mixes excitement with the inevitability of tragedy. They appeal to viewers who enjoy character-driven crime stories more than pure action.
Tales of familial bonds tested by a life of crime and shared fate.Fans of the fraternal dynamics and shared destiny in The Newton Boys will find similar stories here. These films explore the complex relationships within families who turn to crime together, often leading to a powerful but sad emotional journey grounded in loyalty and sacrifice.
The narrative pattern revolves around a tight-knit family unit operating as a criminal team. The plot is driven by their internal dynamics—loyalty, conflict, and shared purpose—as much as by external threats. The story explores how their familial bond fuels their ambitions but also makes their ultimate fate, whether capture, death, or separation, a collective tragedy.
These films are connected by their central theme of brotherhood within a criminal context. They share a medium emotional weight derived from the characters' relationships, a straightforward narrative focusing on the group's arc, and a tone that balances rebellious excitement with the sorrow of a shared downfall.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Newton Boys 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 Newton Boys is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Newton Boys with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Newton Boys. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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