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Action Cult Classic

A bounty hunter and her outlaw lover rob banks and challenge the American South of the 1910s.

THOMASINE & BUSHROD

Driven By Love...And Bank Robbing

1974 · 1h 35m · PG · Action / Crime / Drama / Western · IMDB TMDB

A pair of thieves operate in the American South between 1911 and 1915, stealing from rich, white capitalists, and giving to Mexicans, Native Americans and poor whites.

Quick Answer

What is Thomasine & Bushrod about?

Thomasine & Bushrod is a 1974 American action, crime, drama, and western film directed by Gordon Parks Jr. about a bounty hunter and her outlaw lover who rob banks and distribute their loot to marginalized communities in the early 1910s.

Programmer's Pick

Blaxploitation heads west with Thomasine trading in her pistol-packing bounty for a reunion with Bushrod, as the duo rewrite outlaw legends—with a distinctly Robin Hood twist and a dash of Model T modernity. Gordon Parks Jr. makes sure the 1910s never looked sharper, or more subversive.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set in Texas in 1911, Thomasine & Bushrod introduces us to Thomasine, a resourceful woman who skillfully blends the roles of bounty hunter and master of disguise. After nabbing her latest target by exploiting his expectations, she reconnects with her former lover, Bushrod, reviving a partnership both romantic and criminal. Together, they navigate the dangerous landscape of the American South, pursued by a relentless marshal and confronting the social hierarchies of the time. With automobiles beginning to replace horses, the film weaves action, western grit, and elements of social commentary through the exploits of a couple known for redistributing stolen wealth to the poor and oppressed.

Details & Specs

Director
Gordon Parks Jr.
Writer
Max Julien
Release
1974
Runtime
1h 35m
Country
United States of America
Language
English

Why This Matters

Intended as a counterpart to Bonnie and Clyde, this 1974 Western features Max Julien and Vonetta McGee in a crime spree narrative set in the early 20th-century American South, with a title song by Arthur Lee performed by his band Love.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Gordon Parks Jr. Writer: Max Julien

Why Cult

Blaxploitation Western Fusion

This film melds blaxploitation energy with classic western styling, offering a fresh take on the outlaw couple genre set in the early 1910s.

Outlaw Robin Hoods

Thomasine and Bushrod turn the tables by robbing from wealthy capitalists and giving to marginalized groups, channeling a Robin Hood spirit in the American Southwest.

Early Modern America

With Model T Fords and Stutz Bearcats replacing horses, the film captures a society in transition and infuses the western with hints of modernity.

Dynamic Duo On The Run

The chemistry between Max Julien and Vonetta McGee powers a tale of love, revenge, and defiance, set against a backdrop of relentless pursuit.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Thomasine and Bushrod resume their outlaw partnership

Threat

Pursuit by a vengeful marshal and lawmen

Effect

Constant danger and need for escape

Countermeasure

Outwitting the marshal and frequent relocation

Setting

American South, 1911-1915

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Thomasine & Bushrod? +

Thomasine & Bushrod was directed by Gordon Parks Jr.

How long is Thomasine & Bushrod? +

Thomasine & Bushrod has a runtime of 95 minutes.

What genre is Thomasine & Bushrod? +

Thomasine & Bushrod is an action, crime, drama, and western film.

Trailers & Clips