The War Wagon

The War Wagon

Year: 1967

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: Burt Kennedy

ActionCrimeWesternWesternsWild west outlaws and gunfights

An ex‑convict plots revenge against the man who jailed him by targeting his stagecoach loaded with gold. To pull off the heist he recruits a partner whose loyalties may lie with his enemy, turning the robbery into a dangerous game of trust and betrayal.

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Timeline & Setting – The War Wagon (1967)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The War Wagon (1967). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th century

The story takes place during the late 1800s, an era characterized by the American frontier, expansion, and conflicts over land and resources. This period was marked by lawlessness, the presence of outlaws and bounty hunters, and the displacement of Native American tribes, providing historical context for the film's themes of justice and territorial struggles.

Location

American Southwest, Kiowa lands

The movie is set in the American Southwest, an area known for its arid landscapes, rugged terrain, and rich Native American history. The Kiowa tribe's land plays a significant role in the story, highlighting themes of land rights and cultural conflict. The setting provides a harsh yet scenic backdrop for the outlaw adventure.

🛖 Rural 🦬 Native American Lands 🌄 Desert

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

Main Characters – The War Wagon (1967)

Meet the key characters of The War Wagon (1967), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Taw Jackson (John Wayne)

A rugged, determined former rancher driven by a desire for justice and revenge. Jackson is strategic and calm under pressure, leading his team through dangerous plans while grappling with personal loss. His resilient character embodies the frontier's rugged individualism.

🧔🏼‍♂️ Outlaw leader 💪🏻 Resilient 🎯 Vengeful

Billy Hyatt (unknown actor)

A teenage explosives expert and occasional drunkard, Hyatt is impulsive but vital for the group's heist plans. His character adds humor and unpredictability, showing vulnerability amid the harsh frontier life. He is motivated by a desire to prove himself and escape poverty.

🧑‍🎤 Young 🧨 Explosives expert 🍺 Reckless

Levi Walking Bear (Howard Keel)

A Kiowa translator and ally, Levi is compassionate and morally grounded. His role emphasizes the importance of Native American allies in frontier conflicts and the theme of land rights. He skillfully bridges cultural divides while supporting Jackson's quest.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Native American 🌿 Peacekeeper 🏹 Translator

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

Major Themes – The War Wagon (1967)

Explore the central themes of The War Wagon (1967), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Revenge

Revenge drives the main character Taw Jackson as he returns to settle scores with corrupt businessman Frank Pierce. The film explores the personal quest for justice and retribution, emphasizing that the past often haunts the present. This theme underscores the moral complexities of revenge in a lawless frontier setting.

🎯 Loyalty and Betrayal

The story delves into loyalty among outlaws and the betrayals that threaten to derail their plans. Characters like Lomax and Hyatt demonstrate shifting allegiances, while Jackson's leadership is tested by deception and conflicting motives. These dynamics highlight the fragile nature of trust in dangerous circumstances.

🌾 Greed and Survival

Greed is a central theme, as characters seek to steal and protect valuable gold dust. The quest for wealth intertwines with survival, especially amid hostile tribes and treacherous terrain. The film suggests that greed can lead to destruction but also provides motivation for heroism in a ruthless world.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

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Unlock the Full Story of The War Wagon

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The War Wagon Summary

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The War Wagon Summary

The War Wagon Timeline

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The War Wagon Timeline

The War Wagon Spoiler-Free Summary

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The War Wagon Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The War Wagon

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