Thunder Road

Thunder Road

Year: 1958

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Arthur Ripley

DramaThrillerCrimeFilm-Noir

In this gritty film noir, Robert Mitchum stars as Luke Doolin, a reckless moonshine runner racing against time to protect his family's illicit empire from ruthless gangsters and determined authorities. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of backwoods bootlegging, Luke must confront his own mortality and the fragility of his outlaw lifestyle.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Thunder Road (1958)
Trace every key event in Thunder Road (1958) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Lucas Doolin Evades Arrest

Lucas Doolin, a local moonshiner, finds himself on the run from federal agents from the Alcohol, Tobacco and Treasury Department. Led by Troy Barrett, these agents are determined to catch him, but Lucas uses his wits to escape their grasp.

2

Local Liquor Transporter Killed

Upon returning to his home in a rural valley, Lucas hears about the tragic death of a local liquor transporter. This incident, occurring during an ambush, raises suspicions in Lucas's father that it was orchestrated by Kogan, an outside racketeer looking to take over their operations.

Country Valley
3

Pressure from Kogan

Lucas Doolin resists the escalating pressure from Kogan to let him control local liquor transport. His father, concerned for their safety, advises Lucas to alter their routes and contract out their operations to avoid further conflict.

4

Brother's Involvement

Lucas's brother expresses the desire to join him in the liquor business, but Lucas firmly denies his request. This decision strains their relationship, as Lucas is determined to shield his brother from the dangers of their illicit activities.

5

Ambush on Delivery

While making a delivery, Lucas is ambushed by Kogan's men. In a tense confrontation, Lucas manages a daring escape, solidifying his reputation as a resourceful and determined figure within the local liquor trade.

6

Resistance from Francie

Lucas's girlfriend, Francie, expresses her concerns over his dangerous lifestyle, urging him to settle down. Despite her pleas, Lucas remains steadfast in his commitment to the business, indicating that he sees no way out.

7

Confrontation with Kogan

In a moment of anger, Lucas confronts Kogan after the latter threatens him. This confrontation escalates, leading to Lucas's temporary detention by Troy Barrett, who hopes to utilize Lucas to gain leverage against Kogan.

8

Kogan's Retaliation

Realizing Lucas's quick release from custody, Kogan orchestrates another attack. Unbeknownst to Kogan, Lucas has sold his car, which results in the tragic death of a fellow moonshiner when a car bomb is detonated.

9

Guilt Over Death

Consumed by guilt over the death of the moonshiner caused by the bomb, Lucas remains resolute in continuing his deliveries. Even as many locals abandon the business due to increased government pressure and Kogan's threats, Lucas persists.

10

Another Ambush

Lucas is ambushed yet again by Kogan's men, but he narrowly escapes once more. His brother once again warns him about the escalating dangers posed by Kogan, attempting to convince Lucas to rethink his choices.

11

Brother's Dangerous Decision

Despite being rebuffed by Lucas, his brother decides to step in and make a delivery for another moonshine who works for Kogan. This risky move puts him in harm's way and further complicates the family dynamics.

12

Confrontation with Kogan Intensifies

Lucas intervenes just in time to stop his brother's delivery, threatening Kogan with violence. The tension escalates, drawing in their family and compelling them to consider darker paths to protect their own.

13

The Family's Plan

Determined to protect Lucas, his family seeks out Barrett to locate him before executing their own plans against Kogan. This marks a turning point in their involvement as they get wrapped up in Lucas's dangerous life.

14

Kogan's Arrest

Barrett steps in, arresting Kogan for his involvement in the recent murders. This development raises hope for the Doolins, but they are still left in turmoil as the struggle between them and Kogan escalates.

15

Tragic Finale

In a tragic turn of events, Lucas's car crashes spectacularly while trying to evade a roadblock set up to catch him. The crash claims his life, leaving his family devastated as they await the return of his body, facing the consequences of their choices.

Last Updated: January 19, 2025 at 18:49

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