Watch The Reivers

The Reivers, a 1969 film directed by Mark Rydell, is an adaptation of William Faulkner's novel of the same name. Starring Steve McQueen in one of his last roles, the film is a coming-of-age story set in Mississippi during the early 1900s. The film follows the adventures of young Lucius McCaslin (Mitch Vogel), the grandson of wealthy and respected plantation owner Boss Willoughby (Will Geer). When Boss Willoughby leaves town to tend to his sick sister, he entrusts Lucius to his longtime friend and employee, Boon Hogganbeck (Steve McQueen).

Boon is a lively and adventurous character, and he takes Lucius on a wild ride through the countryside, introducing him to a world of gambling, horse racing, and carousing. The two visit a brothel where they meet Corrie (Sharon Farrell), a young prostitute with whom Lucius becomes infatuated.

Corrie joins the duo on their travels, and they embark on a quest to purchase a car so that they can enter it in a local race. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a group of black men who have stolen the car they're after.

As they travel, Lucius begins to come into his own, learning important lessons about life, family, and responsibility. He also learns about the complicated racial dynamics of the time, as he witnesses the injustices faced by black people in the South.

One of the standout performances in the film is from Sharon Farrell, who plays Corrie with a combination of toughness and vulnerability. Steve McQueen is also fantastic as Boon, bringing his trademark coolness to the role while imbuing it with a warmth and humanity that makes the character feel real.

The film is visually stunning, with beautiful shots of the Mississippi countryside and a meticulously recreated period setting. The score, by John Williams, is also notable, incorporating traditional Southern folk music and blues-inspired riffs.

Overall, The Reivers is a charming and sometimes bittersweet film that offers a snapshot of a particular place and time in American history. It's a story about friendship, adventure, and growing up, but it's also a story about larger social and cultural forces that shaped the world in which these characters lived. Even though it's set over a century ago, the themes and characters of The Reivers still feel relevant and compelling today.

The Reivers is a 1969 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 66.