The Wanderers

The Wanderers

Year: 1979

Runtime: 112 min

Director: Philip Kaufman

Drama

In 1963 New York City, a teenage gang known as the Wanderers struggles to define themselves amidst the city's violent rivalries. The group, comprised of Italian-American youths, finds camaraderie through football games and the music of the era. As they clash with other gangs for control of their turf, they grapple with loyalty, honor, and the challenges of growing up in a tough environment. The story explores themes of friendship, belonging, and the bittersweet memories of adolescence against the backdrop of a changing city.

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Timeline & Setting – The Wanderers (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Wanderers (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1963

The film takes place in 1963, a pivotal year in American history marked by social upheaval and the fight for civil rights. It was also the year when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, an event that profoundly affected the nation and is referenced in the movie.

Location

Bronx, New York City

The movie is set in the Bronx, a vibrant and diverse borough of New York City known for its rich cultural history and street life. In the early 1960s, this area was a melting pot of different ethnicities, particularly Italian and African American communities, which is central to the film's gang culture narrative.

🏙️ Urban 🌆 City Life

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Main Characters – The Wanderers (1979)

Meet the key characters of The Wanderers (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Richie (Ken Wahl)

Richie is the charismatic leader of 'The Wanderers,' navigating the pressures of gang life and personal relationships. He faces moral dilemmas, particularly regarding loyalty to his gang versus his affection for women.

👨‍🎤 Leader 🥊 Charismatic

Perry (Tony Ganios)

Perry is a tough yet sensitive new member in the gang, recently moved from New Jersey. He faces the dual challenges of integrating into the gang while managing his troubled home life with an alcoholic mother.

👊 Fighter 🤝 Loyal

Joey (John Friedrich)

Joey is portrayed as small yet brave, often impulsive and willing to stand up for his friends. He struggles with his abusive father, which adds depth to his desire for friendship and belonging.

💪 Brave 😟 Troubled

Despie (Toni Kalem)

Despie is Richie's girlfriend who becomes entangled in his emotional struggles. Her character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative as she navigates her feelings of love and betrayal.

❤️ Girlfriend 💁‍♀️ Strong

Turkey (Alan Rosenberg)

Turkey is a conflicted member of the Wanderers who seeks acceptance from the Baldies. His story ends tragically, reflecting the dangers of gang affiliation and the extremes of seeking belonging.

🤷‍♂️ Conflicted 😔 Tragic

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Major Themes – The Wanderers (1979)

Explore the central themes of The Wanderers (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👊 Gang Culture

The movie explores the dynamics of gang life in the Bronx, showcasing themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pressures of belonging to a group. It delves into how these young men navigate their identities against the backdrop of violence and rivalry among different gangs.

💔 Love and Betrayal

Interpersonal relationships are central to the narrative, as characters wrestle with betrayal and romantic entanglements. The complicated love triangles that emerge highlight the emotional turmoil and conflicts that can arise in tight-knit communities.

⚽ Competition

Competition is not only portrayed in terms of gang rivalries but also through a scheduled football game meant to settle conflicts. This theme showcases the intensity and camaraderie found in sports, juxtaposed with the underlying tensions between groups.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Unlock the Full Story of The Wanderers

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

The Wanderers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Wanderers, 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 Wanderers Summary

The Wanderers Timeline

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

The Wanderers Timeline

More About The Wanderers

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

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