The Reivers

1969

PG-13

1h 46m

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

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Comedy

Drama

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.

Directors

Mark Rydell

Writers

Harriet Frank Jr.(screenplay by)

Irving Ravetch(screenplay by)

William Faulkner(novel by)

Stars

Steve McQueen

Sharon Farrell

Ruth White

See production, box office & company info

Top cast

Boon Hogganbeck

Corrie

Miss Reba

Mr. Binford

Butch Lovemaiden

Uncle Possum

Maury McCaslin

Boss

Ned McCaslin

Lucius

Phoebe

Sally

Alison

Edmonds

Aunt Callie

Hannah

May Ellen

Dr. Peabody

Directors

Mark Rydell

Writers

Harriet Frank Jr.(screenplay by)

Irving Ravetch(screenplay by)

William Faulkner(novel by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

This reminded me of one of those live-action films that Disney put out in the 1960s and 70s. A big star (Steve McQueen) is friends with a young lad (Mitch Vogel) and together with his cheeky friend “Ned” (Rupert Crosse) they “borrow” the bright yellow Lincoln motor car of his grandfather (Will Geer) and head off for some adventures. First things first, to Memphis they travel where “Boon” (McQ) is hoping to see his gal (Sharon Farrell) who works in an house unsuitable for an eleven year old boy! Whilst they are preoccupied, “Ned” hits upon the idea of trading in the car - remember that roads aren’t so prevalent and mud still is - for an horse! When “Boon” discovers the news, he knows he has to get the car back before they go home and all hell breaks loose. All the while, the shy and decently brought up “Lucius” (Vogel) is having his eyes opened! There looks like there is only one way to get the vehicle back, and that’s for them to win the local derby. Neither “Boon” nor “Ned” really know one end of an horse from the other, whereas “Lucius” is not only no slouch on that front, but he also weighs a good deal less. Perhaps if he can win the race, they can get the car back? Quite why anyone would want a luminous yellow car in this territory in the first place is anyone’s guess, but this one soon gets used to mud! This is a very gentle coming-of-age story that’s not just about the young man, but his older friend too and it’s peppered with daft scenarios that showcase the charm of the star and the quality of the creatively designed production as it moves along in an amiable fashion for an admittedly overlong two hours. It isn’t especially original, no, but everyone here looks like they are having fun (except, perhaps, the goldfish in the brothel) and it’s mischief tempered with a hint or moral sentiment is watchable enough.

Geronimo196715 Jul, 2025