This film, deftly directed by Mark Rydell (Cinderella Liberty, The Rose, On Golden Pond), is a celebration of simpler times and gentler hearts. It is an absolute joy to watch. [24 Sep 1992, p.12]
The Reivers is a nice bawdy film, sort of Walt Disney with an adult rating.
70
The New YorkerPauline Kael
The New YorkerPauline Kael
Nostalgic, affectionate Southern Americana out of Faulkner; the style is a little too "beguiling" but it's an awfully pleasant comedy anyway.
60
Time Out
Time Out
Period charm accounts for much of the mild enjoyment to be had from this sunnily nostalgic adaptation of William Faulkner's novel about an unholy trio - small boy (Vogel), dimwitted young buck (McQueen) and wily black (Crosse) - who 'borrow' a 1905 Winton Flyer and drive triumphantly off to Memphis for three days of illicit pleasure.
60
Village Voice
Village Voice
A slight, sentimental movie that is clearly to be enjoyed rather than respected. [29 Jan 1970, p.54]
Meredith's narrative helped to keep the proceedings together but could not circumvent Rydell's ordinary direction and the silly script. McQueen could do a lot of things well, but comedy wasn't his forte.