The Reivers

The Reivers

Year: 1969

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

DramaComedy

In the Mississippi Delta around 1900, young Lucius McCaslin experiences a defining adventure. He joins forces with Boon, a charismatic handyman, and their friend Ned when Boon steals a Studebaker and embarks on a cross-state joyride. The journey tests Lucius's understanding of right and wrong, revealing unexpected truths about the adults around him and the complexities of the world beyond his sheltered upbringing.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Reivers 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 & Setting – The Reivers (1969)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Reivers (1969). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 20th century

The early 20th century was a period of profound social and technological change, particularly in America, marked by industrialization, the rise of the automobile, and significant shifts in societal values. It also saw the struggle for racial equality and the consequences of economic hardship, which influenced community dynamics and personal relationships.

Location

Yoknapatawpha County, Memphis, Parsham

Yoknapatawpha County serves as a fictional setting inspired by the rural South, characterized by its rich history and complex social dynamics. Memphis, a bustling city along the Mississippi River, is known for its cultural heritage, music scene, and vibrant nightlife. Parsham, although less explored, is depicted as a small town with strong community ties and local governance.

🏙️ City 🌄 Countryside

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:18

Main Characters – The Reivers (1969)

Meet the key characters of The Reivers (1969), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lucius Priest (Lonny Chapman)

Lucius is a naive young man drawn into a world of adventure that starkly contrasts with his sheltered upbringing. Throughout the film, he evolves from innocence to a more complex understanding of morality as he navigates the consequences of his family's actions. His bravery and resolve ultimately define his character as he confronts challenges head-on.

👦 Youth 🌱 Growth

Boon Hogganbeck (Michael Constantine)

Boon serves as a catalyst for Lucius's journey, embodying both reckless abandon and a guiding influence. His role as a family manservant intertwines him with the Priest legacy, while his impulsive nature leads to significant turning points in the story. Boon's development reflects themes of friendship and responsibility throughout their escapades.

👨‍💼 Servant 🚗 Adventurer

Ned McCaslin (Rupert Crosse)

Ned is a complex character whose shared ancestry with Lucius adds depth to the narrative. His decision to join the adventure signifies his desire for connection and redemption, revealing the racial and social tensions of the time. Ultimately, Ned's motivations highlight the intersection of personal history and communal bonds in shaping identity.

🤝 Community 📜 Heritage

Miss Reba (Sharon Farrell)

As the madam of the boarding house, Miss Reba embodies the moral ambiguities of the era. Her interactions with the men and Corrie reflect the complexities of female agency within a male-dominated society. She showcases a blend of empowerment and exploitation, underscoring the struggles faced by women during this time.

👩‍⚖️ Empowerment 💔 Complexity

Corrie (Ruth White)

Corrie represents the struggle for personal redemption within societal constraints. Her relationship with Lucius brings to light themes of hope and transformation as she grapples with her past. Throughout the film, Corrie becomes a source of inspiration and courage, showcasing her desire to break free from her life of vice.

💪 Strength 🌄 Redemption

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:18

Major Themes – The Reivers (1969)

Explore the central themes of The Reivers (1969), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Exploitation

The theme of exploitation remains central throughout the movie, manifested in the moral complexities of relationships and the dynamics of power. From the madam's boarding house to the illegal schemes concocted by the characters, the film explores how individuals navigate a world ripe with exploitation and ethical dilemmas. As the characters confront their own choices, they also unveil the consequences of their actions in a small community.

🏇 Adventure

The film encapsulates the spirit of adventure through Lucius and Boon’s reckless escapades. Their journey not only involves physical travel across towns but also emotional and ethical challenges that test their resolve and relationships. As they race against the odds, the adventure reveals both the thrill and the unintended consequences of their actions.

👨‍👦 Legacy

Legacy is a pivotal theme in the film, explored through the intertwining lives of the characters and their families. The legacies of the Priest and McCaslin/Edmonds clans loom large, influencing the choices and identity of Lucius. The film ultimately suggests that legacy is shaped not just by heritage but also by personal choices and communal relationships.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:18

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

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.

Southern awakening journey movies like The Reivers

Coming-of-age adventures set in the American South, where joy and disillusionment intertwine.Discover more movies like The Reivers that follow a character's formative journey through the American South. If you liked the blend of adventure and moral discovery in a Southern Gothic setting, you'll find similar stories of bittersweet awakening here.

coming-of-agenostalgicbittersweetreflectiveearnestmelancholichopefuladventurous

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a protagonist, often a child or young adult, leaving a sheltered environment for an adventure across the Southern landscape. This journey serves as a catalyst for growth, exposing them to the region's unique social hierarchies, hidden secrets, and the gap between childhood ideals and adult realities, culminating in a mixed sense of loss and understanding.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific regional vibe, a bittersweet tone stemming from the contrast between youthful adventure and sobering realizations, and a focus on the moral and emotional awakening of a central character against a rich Southern backdrop.

Life-changing road trip movies similar to The Reivers

An unplanned journey becomes a catalyst for profound personal and moral transformation.If you enjoyed The Reivers' story of a stolen car leading to a journey of discovery, explore these similar movies about road trips that transform their characters. These films capture the mix of adventure, humor, and poignant life lessons found on the open road.

adventurousreflectivebittersweethopefulearnestnostalgicheartwarmingmelancholic

Narrative Summary

The plot is triggered by an impulsive decision to hit the road, often in a stolen or borrowed vehicle. What begins as a simple joyride or escape evolves into a series of escalating events and meetings with eclectic characters. The central figure, frequently a younger or more naive person, is guided by flawed but charismatic companions, and the journey's trials lead to a fundamental shift in their perspective.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by the central narrative device of a transformative road trip, a steady pacing that allows for character development, and a tone that balances lighthearted adventure with deeper emotional and moral stakes, resulting in a bittersweet or reflective conclusion.

Unlock the Full Story of The Reivers

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

The Reivers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Reivers, 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 Reivers Summary

The Reivers Timeline

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

The Reivers Timeline

The Reivers Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Reivers 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 Reivers Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Reivers

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