The Reivers (C+ or 2/4 stars)
'The Reivers', directed by Mark Rydell, is a road-adventure/coming-of-age flick set in Jefferson, Mississippi in 1905, with Steve McQueen as dim-witted Boon Hoggenbeck, the hired man of the McCaslin family. The main character, however, is not Boon, but feisty 11 yr. old Lucius McCaslin (Mitch Vogel). Growing up in Mississippi in the early 1900's, Lucius finds himself in a bordello/brothel, where he is nearly killed trying to defend a 'fast lady' who has befriended him.
Lucius McCaslin has been brought to said bordello by the ne'er-do-well farm hand Boon, with whom he has been traveling in the southern countryside in a "borrowed" vintage automobile, one of the few in the entire region. Joining them on their many misadventures is the McCaslins' wily black servant - and distant relative of Boon - Ned (Rupert Crosse, who was nominated for an Oscar for this particular role).
This tale goes from one episodic adventure to another, building toward a climax in which the 3 men combine their brains & brawn to train a broken-down racehorse. Meanwhile, Lucius' grandpa, who owns the fine vintage automobile that the "reivers" hope to get back, threatens to pop-up at any moment to get his grandson back. You know, this film isn't awful. I liked the stylish period details. McQueen, at the height his popularity, offers a nice, laid-back performance; as do the other 2 males in the story. But ultimately, 'The Reivers' is too pointless, aimless, & rambling to make any kind of kinetic/strong dramatic impact.
Lucius McCaslin has been brought to said bordello by the ne'er-do-well farm hand Boon, with whom he has been traveling in the southern countryside in a "borrowed" vintage automobile, one of the few in the entire region. Joining them on their many misadventures is the McCaslins' wily black servant - and distant relative of Boon - Ned (Rupert Crosse, who was nominated for an Oscar for this particular role).
This tale goes from one episodic adventure to another, building toward a climax in which the 3 men combine their brains & brawn to train a broken-down racehorse. Meanwhile, Lucius' grandpa, who owns the fine vintage automobile that the "reivers" hope to get back, threatens to pop-up at any moment to get his grandson back. You know, this film isn't awful. I liked the stylish period details. McQueen, at the height his popularity, offers a nice, laid-back performance; as do the other 2 males in the story. But ultimately, 'The Reivers' is too pointless, aimless, & rambling to make any kind of kinetic/strong dramatic impact.