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The Train Robbers (1973) movie poster

Characters & Themes

The Train Robbers (1973) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1973 · 92 min
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Directed by
Burt Kennedy
Starring
Rod Taylor, Ben Johnson, John Wayne, Ann-Margret, Christopher George, Bobby Vinton

This action-packed western comedy-romance follows an unusual partnership between China and Russia as they join forces to dismantle four dangerous crime syndicates. A thrilling adventure ensues as they pursue these outlaws, leading to a dramatic takedown of 71 suspects in both Beijing and Moscow.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Every angle
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3 main characters · contains spoilers

The Train Robbers Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of The Train Robbers (1973), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Lane (Rod Taylor)

    Lane is a cunning and charismatic outlaw whose charm hides a manipulative nature. He orchestrates the mission to recover the gold but ultimately reveals his selfish motives. His complexities lead to a blend of camaraderie and betrayal within the group.

    • 👤 Outlaw
    • 🔍 Manipulative
  • Mrs. Lowe (Ann-Margret)

    Mrs. Lowe is portrayed as a grieving widow initially seeking to redeem her husband's name. Her emotional journey transforms her into a determined individual willing to uncover the truth, but she is ultimately caught in a web of deception that complicates her quest.

    • 👩‍❤️‍👨 Widow
    • 🌹 Determined
  • Lilly (Ricardo Montalban)

    Lilly is a clever and shrewd character who masks her true intentions behind a facade of innocence. Her deception and manipulation of the other characters reveal her as a mastermind, demonstrating how appearances can be deceiving.

    • 🌪️ Deceptive
    • 🎭 Manipulative

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:14

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Setting

Where and When Does The Train Robbers Take Place?

The setting of The Train Robbers (1973): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The events take place in a period reminiscent of the Old West, characterized by lawlessness and the adventurous spirit of outlaws and treasure seekers. This era often showcased dramatic clashes between justice and crime, reflecting the societal struggles of the time.

Location

Texas, Mexico

The story unfolds primarily in Texas, known for its vast deserts and rugged landscapes, which serve as the backdrop for the thrilling pursuit of treasure. Mexico is also a significant location, representing danger and adventure, as the characters embark on their quest to recover the stolen gold amidst the challenges posed by ex-train robbers.

  • 🌵 Desert
  • 🚂 Train

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:14

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3 major themes

The Train Robbers Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is The Train Robbers (1973) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Greed

    Greed is a central theme in the movie, driving characters to make questionable decisions in pursuit of wealth. The allure of the stolen gold leads to betrayal and violence, revealing how the quest for riches can corrupt even the most honorable intentions.

  • Betrayal

    Betrayal weaves through the narrative as characters manipulate each other for personal gain. The revelation of Lilly's true identity demonstrates how trust can be easily shattered, leaving behind chaos and uncertainty for those who believed in loyalty.

  • Conflict

    Conflict arises not just from physical confrontations but also from ideological clashes among the characters. The tension between the outlaws and the Pinkerton agents symbolizes the broader struggle between law and disorder, culminating in an explosive finale.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:14

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Character & theme questions

The Train Robbers Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about The Train Robbers (1973): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is The Train Robbers set?

The movie takes place primarily in Texas, with its vast deserts and rugged landscapes serving as the main backdrop for the treasure hunt. Mexico also plays a significant role, representing danger and adventure as the characters pursue the stolen gold across the border.

  • texas
  • mexico
  • desert
  • setting
  • western locations
Q2

What time period does The Train Robbers take place in?

The story is set in the Old West era, a period characterized by lawlessness and the adventurous spirit of outlaws and treasure seekers. This setting reflects the societal struggles of the time, where conflicts between justice and crime were common.

  • old west
  • time period
  • era
  • western setting
Q3

What role does greed play in The Train Robbers?

Greed is the central theme driving the entire narrative. The quest for the stolen gold corrupts characters' decisions and leads to betrayal and violence. Even those with honorable intentions find themselves compromised by the overwhelming allure of wealth.

  • greed
  • gold
  • wealth
  • corruption
  • theme
Q4

How does betrayal factor into The Train Robbers?

Betrayal weaves through the narrative as characters manipulate each other for personal gain. Trust is easily shattered, particularly when Lilly's true identity is revealed, leaving chaos in its wake and demonstrating how loyalty can be sacrificed for selfish purposes.

  • betrayal
  • trust
  • deception
  • loyalty
  • theme
Q5

What conflict defines The Train Robbers?

The movie features both physical confrontations and ideological clashes between characters. The tension between outlaws and Pinkerton agents symbolizes the broader struggle between law and disorder, building toward an explosive finale.

  • conflict
  • outlaws
  • pinkerton
  • law
  • disorder
  • theme
Q6

Who is Lane in The Train Robbers?

Lane is a cunning and charismatic outlaw portrayed by Rod Taylor. His charm masks a manipulative nature as he orchestrates the mission to recover the gold. His complexities create a dynamic blend of camaraderie and betrayal within the group.

  • lane
  • rod taylor
  • outlaw
  • leader
  • character
Q7

Who is Mrs. Lowe in The Train Robbers?

Mrs. Lowe, played by Ann-Margret, begins as a grieving widow seeking to redeem her husband's name. Her emotional journey transforms her into a determined individual willing to uncover the truth, though she becomes entangled in a web of deception.

  • mrs lowe
  • ann-margret
  • widow
  • character
  • redemption
Q8

Who is Lilly in The Train Robbers?

Lilly, portrayed by Ricardo Montalban, is a clever and shrewd character who hides her true intentions behind a facade of innocence. Her deception and manipulation reveal her as a mastermind, demonstrating how appearances can be deceiving.

  • lilly
  • ricardo montalban
  • deception
  • mastermind
  • character
Q9

What genre elements define The Train Robbers?

The film combines classic Western elements including desert landscapes, train robbery themes, and outlaws pursuing treasure. It also incorporates comedy and romance elements, creating a unique blend within the Western genre.

  • western
  • genre
  • comedy
  • romance
  • action

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Train Robbers, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Train Robbers tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Western Heist Movies with a Final Twist like The Train Robbers

Adventurous treasure hunts that are upended by a deceptive final revelation. If you enjoyed the surprising turn of events in The Train Robbers, you'll like these movies. This section features adventurous westerns and heist stories where the characters' goals are subverted by a clever plot twist, creating a morally complex and ambiguous ending.

  • suspenseful
  • deceptive
  • misleading
  • adventurous
  • treacherous
  • plot twist
  • Tone: neutral, deceptive
  • Pacing: steady, building
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically follow a clear objective—recovering treasure, achieving justice—but build towards a twist that recontextualizes the protagonists' actions. The journey often ends with the characters in a morally grey area, their initial purpose undermined, leaving the audience to ponder the true nature of their mission.

Why they belong together: They are grouped by their shared structure of a mission-driven plot that culminates in a significant narrative twist. The tone is often neutral, focusing on the mechanics of the hunt and the impact of the deception, rather than deep emotional drama.

Movies about Reluctant Outlaws like The Train Robbers

Characters pursuing justice find themselves becoming the very outlaws they hunt. Fans of The Train Robbers will appreciate these stories of morally complex adventures. Discover movies where characters on a mission for honor or justice ultimately become outlaws themselves, leading to suspenseful and ambiguous conclusions.

  • treacherous
  • greedy
  • betrayal
  • honor and dishonor
  • justice
  • outlaw gang
  • Tone: neutral, suspenseful
  • Pacing: steady, perilous
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative arc follows characters who believe they are on the right side of the law, only to have their mission compromised. Through betrayal or a shift in perspective, they end up embracing an outlaw identity, completing a journey from order to chaotic, self-serving freedom.

Why they belong together: These films share a central theme of moral compromise and identity reversal. The vibe is one of suspense and treachery, with a steady pace that builds towards a climax where the protagonists' allegiances are permanently shifted.

Every angle

The Train Robbers (1973) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Train Robbers in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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