The Spikes Gang Poster

The Spikes Gang 1974

★ 6.640 votes96 min📅 1974-04-11

"Three boys wanted to be like their hero, Harry Spikes. They got their wish. Soon they were worth a fortune. DEAD or ALIVE."

In Richard Fleischer's gritty 1974 Western, *The Spikes Gang*, three restless farm boys dream of adventure beyond their quiet lives. Their world turns upside down when they cross paths with Harry Spikes, a wounded outlaw whose tales of outlaw glory ignite their imaginations.

Director: Richard Fleischer

Cast

Lee Marvin
Lee Marvin
Harry Spikes
Gary Grimes
Gary Grimes
Will
Ron Howard
Ron Howard
Les
Charles Martin Smith
Charles Martin Smith
Tod
Arthur Hunnicutt
Arthur Hunnicutt
Kid White
Noah Beery Jr.
Noah Beery Jr.
Basset
Marc Smith
Abel Young
Don Fellows
Don Fellows
Cowboy
Elliott Sullivan
Elliott Sullivan
Billy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Spikes Gang (1974) about?

The film follows three bored farm boys who idolize outlaw Harry Spikes and convince him to teach them the ways of a desperado. Their first foray into crime doesn't go as planned, forcing them to confront the brutal truth behind their grand ambitions.

Who directed The Spikes Gang?

Richard Fleischer, known for his versatile filmmaking across genres including crime dramas and action films, directed *The Spikes Gang*.

Who stars in The Spikes Gang?

The film features legendary Lee Marvin alongside rising stars Gary Grimes, Ron Howard, and Charles Martin Smith, with Arthur Hunnicutt and Noah Beery Jr. rounding out the cast.

Is The Spikes Gang (1974) worth watching?

While not as widely remembered as classic Westerns, *The Spikes Gang* offers a compelling, if understated, twist on the genre. Lee Marvin's performance anchors the film, and its themes of youthful disillusionment resonate even decades later.

How long is The Spikes Gang?

The Spikes Gang runs for 96 minutes, packing its story into a tight, engaging runtime.

🎥 Trailer

About The Spikes Gang (1974) — A Gritty Western of Youth, Outlaws, and Broken Dreams

In Richard Fleischer's gritty 1974 Western, *The Spikes Gang*, three restless farm boys dream of adventure beyond their quiet lives. Their world turns upside down when they cross paths with Harry Spikes, a wounded outlaw whose tales of outlaw glory ignite their imaginations. Tempted by the promise of excitement and fortune, the boys convince the hardened Spikes to mentor them—only to realize too late that life on the wrong side of the law is far from the romanticized legends they've been fed.

The film blends raw action with a coming-of-age story, exploring themes of disillusionment, youthful rebellion, and the harsh realities of early American frontier life. With its sun-scorched landscapes and morally ambiguous characters, *The Spikes Gang (1974)* delivers a refreshingly unglamorous take on the Western genre, where the line between hero and villain blurs under the weight of ambition and desperation.