Watch The Spikes Gang

The Spikes Gang is an American western movie released in 1974. The movie stars Lee Marvin, Gary Grimes, and Ron Howard in the lead roles. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the movie was based on the novel The Bank Robbers by Giles Tippette. Set in the Old West, the movie revolves around three teenagers who decide to join a notorious outlaw named Harry Spikes, played by Lee Marvin. The teenagers, led by Willie (Gary Grimes), are dissatisfied with their mundane lives and feel the need to break free from their monotonous routines. So, they approach Harry Spikes and ask him to take them under his wings and teach them how to become successful gunslingers.

Harry, initially hesitant to take on inexperienced novices, eventually agrees to train the boys for robbery and mayhem. He sees potential in the young lads, and the fact that the boys idolize him, and is convinced that he can shape them into effective bandits.

As the trio begins to learn the tricks of the trade, they come across multiple obstacles - both within the gang and outside of it. One of the main challenges they face is that they don't have enough money to fund their robberies. In desperation, they turn to a wealthy rancher, who lures them into a trap and forces them to ride under his banner.

This leads to tensions within the gang, with some members feeling that they're being used and manipulated. The film unravels the complex dynamic between the members of the Spikes gang and the characters that they encounter during their journey - from other outlaws to law enforcement officers and innocent bystanders who get caught in the crossfire.

Even as they try to outrun the law and stay one step ahead of their enemies, the boys begin to realize that their dream of becoming legendary outlaws is a far cry from reality. The glorified view they had of their idol, Harry Spikes, begins to crumble as they see the darker side of his personality and the consequences of their violent actions.

At its core, The Spikes Gang is a coming-of-age story, wherein Willie and his friends learn about life outside their sheltered environments and begin to understand the complexities of the world. The movie delves into themes such as friendship, loyalty, greed, and the consequences of actions, making it a poignant and thought-provoking watch.

Lee Marvin delivers a commanding performance as the hardened outlaw who grapples with his own morality and mortality, while Gary Grimes and Ron Howard add a youthful innocence to the storyline. The supporting cast, which includes seasoned actors such as Charles Martin Smith and Arthur Hunnicutt, bring their characters to life convincingly.

The cinematography and score of The Spikes Gang lend an authentic feel to the movie, transporting the audience to the dusty plains of the Wild West. The film has its share of action sequences and gunfights, but it never glorifies violence or seeks to portray its characters as heroes.

Overall, The Spikes Gang is a well-crafted and engaging western that explores the human condition in a unique and compelling way. The movie stands out from other films of the genre due to its nuanced characters and realistic portrayal of life in the Old West.

The Spikes Gang is a 1974 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.