The Reivers
July 2005 Reviewed by: Rad Bennett Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

Based on William Faulkner’s novel, The Reivers is one of the great works of cinematic Americana. Set in 1905, the action takes place in small-town Mississippi. When his grandfather goes on a four-day trip, 11-year-old Lucas lets his friend, hired hand Boon Hogganbeck, talk him into borrowing his granddad’s bright yellow Winton Flyer automobile. The two -- stowaway Ned McCaslin makes it three -- head for the big city. Boon and Lucas stay at a brothel, while Ned trades the car for a racehorse. Lucas has to become a jockey to win the Winton Flyer back.

The movie bustles with energy and memorable character portraits. Steve McQueen is at his likeable best as Boon, the appealing rascal with a heart of gold. Red-haired, freckled, all-American boy Mitch Vogel is entirely convincing as Lucas. He is on screen for almost the whole film and it is impressive to see how well he carries off his assignment. Rupert Crosse was nominated for an Oscar for his enthusiastic portrayal of Ned, and veteran actor Will Geer lends likeable authority to the part of "Boss," Lucas’ grandfather.

Two off screen "characters" are vital to the movie. Burgess Meredith narrates as the adult Lucas. Narrations are tricky in movies. This one, along with that for A Christmas Story, emerges as one of the best and Meredith’s good-natured reading helps make it so. The other element vital to this movie is its music. John Williams, pre-Star Wars, composed a brilliant, Copland-esque score that perfectly captures every mood.

The widescreen video transfer is excellent. The print shows little fading, so the colors are still rich and deep. The detail, indoors or out, is first rate, and the contrast ideal. The mono soundtrack is offered in either 2.0 or 5.1 mixes. They are both clean and clear, but somewhat lacking in bass, which does distill the marvelous effect of Williams’ music. There are no extras, a glaring omission for a film of such importance. A low asking price is some compensation. Everyone ought to be able to add this American classic to his or her collection. It is one you will want to watch more than once.

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