The Reivers (1969)

In turn-of-the-century Mississippi, an 11-year-old boy comes of age as two mischievous adult friends talk him into sneaking the family car out for a trip to Memphis and a series of adventures.

Director:

Mark Rydell

Writers:

William Faulkner (novel), Harriet Frank Jr.,

Stars:

Steve McQueen, Sharon Farrell, Ruth White

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Steve McQueen	...	Boon Hogganbeck
Sharon Farrell	...	Corrie
Ruth White	...	Miss Reba
Michael Constantine	...	Mr. Binford
Clifton James	...	Butch Lovemaiden
Juano Hernandez	...	Uncle Possum
Lonny Chapman	...	Maury McCaslin
Will Geer	...	Boss
Rupert Crosse	...	Ned McCaslin
Mitch Vogel	...	Lucius McCaslin
Diane Shalet	...	Hannah
Pat Randall	...	May Ellen
Diane Ladd	...	Phoebe
Ellen Geer	...	Sally
Dub Taylor	...	Dr. B.F. Peabody

Storyline

An old man looks back 60 years to a road trip from rural Mississippi to Memphis, a horse race, and his own coming of age. Lucius's grandfather gets the first automobile in the area, a bright yellow Winton Flyer. While he's away, the plantation handyman, Boon Hogganbeck, conspires to borrow the car, taking Lucius with him. Stowed away is Ned, a mulatto and Lucius's putative cousin. The three head for Memphis, where Boon's sweetheart works in a whorehouse, where Ned trades the car for a racehorse, and where Lucius discovers the world of adults - from racism and vice to possibilities for honor and courage. Is there redemption for reivers, rascals, and rapscallions?

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Plot Keywords:

mississippi | automobile | coming of age | horse | child nudity | 

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Taglines:

Boon is a reiver (that's a cheat, a liar, a brawler and womaniser) and he had just four days to teach young Lucius the facts of life (like cheating, lying, brawling and womanizing).

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity, language and thematic elements

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 December 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

Boon il saccheggiatore

Filming Locations:

Carrolton, Mississippi, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cinema Center Films, Duo Films, Solar Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Will Geer and Juano Hernandez also co-starred in Intruder in the Dust, which was also based on a novel by William Faulkner.

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Goofs

On the packaging for the 1993 VHS release of the movie, the music credit is given to Lalo Schifrin. John Williams wrote the score for the film and received an Oscar nomination for his efforts.

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Quotes

[Boon giving directions to Ned on how to use the Winton Flyer]
Ned: Boon, when do you think I can have it?
Boon Hoggenbeck: String bean you so much to lay a hand on this automobile, I'll jump down your throat, and tap dance on your lungs!

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Crazy Credits

and introducing Mitch Vogel as Lucius

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Connections

Featured in Steve McQueen: The King of Cool (1998)

User Reviews

A movie with special charm

For a movie that starred one of the greatest box office stars of his time, based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by one America's greatest writers, "The Reivers" has continued to be something of an answer to a trivia question ("In what movie did Steve McQueen portray a semi-comic character involving a stolen automobile and a horse race?") I'm not sure of the reasons myself, but this movie has remained at the top of my "Favorite Movies" list since I first saw it in 1969. Maybe it was the out-of-character role of McQueen. Maybe it was the excellence of his supporting cast that includes Mitch Vogel, Rupert Crosse and Will Geer. Maybe it was the direction by Mark Rydell. Or maybe it was the outstanding score by John Williams (which has remained my favorite movie score of all time). Most likely, it is a combination of all the above. All I can say is that this movie has never lost its appeal for me. Watching the movie is like visiting an old friend with whom the passage of time will only strengthen the bonds of affection. This movie may not be for everybody, but I recommend it on the chance that you may be smitten by its special charm.