Tin Men

Tin Men

Year: 1987

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Barry Levinson

DramaComedy

Two rival aluminum siding salesmen, B.B. and Doug, find themselves embroiled in a fierce competition for sales and dominance. Their relentless one-upmanship takes a dramatic turn after a seemingly insignificant car accident. As their rivalry intensifies, personal vendettas surface, leading to increasingly hostile actions and a provocative betrayal that jeopardizes the other man’s reputation and livelihood.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Tin Men (1987)

Trace every key event in Tin Men (1987) 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

Summer of Rivalry Begins

In the sweltering summer of 1963, Baltimore becomes the battleground for two rival salesmen, Ernest Tilley and Bill 'BB' Babowsky. Both men specializing in door-to-door aluminum siding sales, their contrasting approaches set the stage for an intense competition.

1963 Baltimore
2

Collision Sparks Conflict

BB's arrival in a brand-new Cadillac leads to a collision with Tilley's vehicle, igniting a fiery argument about fault. This moment marks the onset of their bitter rivalry, complete with hostility that escalates rapidly.

Baltimore
3

Escalation of Feud

Following the collision, the rivalry heats up as BB retaliates by smashing Tilley's headlights. In a swift act of vengeance, Tilley responds by shattering BB's car windows, further fueling their animosity.

Baltimore
4

BB's Machinations

With revenge on his mind, BB decides to target Tilley’s long-suffering wife, Nora. This decision adds a personal layer to their rivalry, complicating matters with emotional stakes involved.

5

Tilley's Resignation

Despite his woes, Tilley learns of BB's intentions regarding Nora but coldly declares that BB can have her. This moment showcases Tilley’s weariness and resignation about his troubled marriage.

6

Internal Struggles Unfold

As the rivalry intensifies, both men are grappling with profound personal issues. BB's mentor, Moe Adams, faces a grave illness, while Tilley struggles under the weight of gambling debts and tax issues.

Hospital
7

Business Troubles Emerge

Tilley's financial despair reaches a breaking point as the authorities threaten to seize his belongings due to overdue property taxes. This brings him closer to the brink of personal devastation and loss.

8

Pool Game for Nora

In a desperate attempt to settle their rivalry, Tilley and BB agree to a game of pool, with the victor taking Nora as the prize. This game reinforces the personal stakes involved in their battle.

9

BB's Temporary Victory

BB wins the pool game, obtaining Nora's affections momentarily. This victory, however, leads him to question his motivations and feelings for her, as his initial goal was rooted in rivalry.

10

Official Scrutiny

Both men soon face the consequences of their unscrupulous sales tactics as the Maryland Home Improvement Commission summons them. This encounter threatens their respective businesses and adds to their turmoil.

11

Business Licenses Surrendered

In a pivotal moment, Tilley reluctantly agrees to surrender his business license, while BB willingly renounces his. This signifies a turning point in their motivations and desires for a more honorable path.

12

Unexpected Brotherhood

In a surprising turn of events, BB shows compassion towards Tilley, offering him a ride amidst his struggles. This gesture marks the beginning of an unlikely camaraderie that stemmed from their rivalry.

13

Reflection and Connection

As the two men bond over shared experiences and struggles, they begin to reflect on their past antagonism. This newfound friendship highlights the complexity of their relationship and the possibility of healing.

14

New Business Ventures

Inspired by their experiences, Tilley and BB brainstorm ideas for a new business venture together. This collaboration not only cements their friendship but also signifies a departure from their contentious past.

15

A Bond for the Future

The evolving relationship between Tilley and BB transforms from rivals to partners. Their bond illustrates that even the fiercest competitions can lead to unexpected friendships and new beginnings.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 20:23

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Tin Men Summary

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Tin Men Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tin Men

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Tin Men

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