The Reivers

Based on a William Faulkner novel, 1969's The Reivers stars Steve McQueen as ne'er-do-well, turn-of-the-century Mississippi farmhand Boon Hogganbeck, who becomes decidedly happier when his employer, Boss McCaslin (Will Geer), purchases a handsome new automobile. When McCaslin has to leave town on a family emergency, Boon takes the old man's grandson, Lucius (Mitch Vogel), and a half African-American cousin, Ned (Rupert Crosse), on a joyride to Memphis, where Lucius' eyes are opened to a larger world of racism, prostitution, and the tyranny of the strong over the weak. When a string of circumstances ends up with Lucius having to ride a horse in an impromptu but important race, the lad is forced to grow up quickly. Director Mark Rydell (On Golden Pond) maintains a brisk pace, and guides McQueen successfully through a rare character role. Presented with a lovely widescreen transfer but no extras, this is recommended. (T. Keogh)[Blu-ray Review—Aug. 25, 2015—Kino Lorber, 106 min., PG, $29.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1969's The Reivers features a great transfer and a DTS-HD stereo soundtrack, but no extras. Bottom line: featuring one of star McQueen's most beloved performances, The Reivers shines on Blu-ray.]