The Reivers (also known as The Yellow Winton Flyer in the U.K.) is a 1969 Technicolor film in Panavision starring Steve McQueen and directed by Mark Rydell, based on the 1962 William Faulkner novel The Reivers, a Reminiscence. The supporting cast includes Sharon Farrell, Rupert Crosse, Mitch Vogel and Burgess Meredith as the narrator.

Plot

Set in 1905, the film follows the exploits of the likable but raffish Boon Hoggenbeck, who takes an interest in a new car, a new 1905 Winton Flyer that is the property of a man named Boss, the patriarch of the McCaslin family, who live in the Mississippi area where Boon lives. When the taking of the car, first by Boon, then by Ned — they show themselves to be reivers, or thieves, in the film's start — leads to a public brawl, the local magistrate lets them off on a bond that Boss pays on the condition that both men stay out of trouble and far away from the car while he is away with family to attend a funeral. That is soon changed when Boon takes the car again to go to Memphis to see his love interest Corrie, and talks his young friend Lucius into going for the ride. Ned stows away as well, but Boon grudgingly allows him to come. Other characters include a racehorse that loves sardines, a friendly bordello madam and her amiable employees, and a man with a horse who lives near an impassable sinkhole full of mud for which he charges expensive rates to get both carts and cars through.

Cast

Box office

In its first 2 weeks it grossed $4,166,123 from 281 engagements.

Awards

1970 Oscar Nominations:

Home media

The Reivers was released on DVD by Paramount Home Video on June 14, 2005, in Region 1 widescreen. The film was later released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber.