Convoy
Trucker Rubber Duck and his buddies Pig Pen, Widow Woman and Spider Mike use their CB radios to warn one another of the presence of cops. But conniving Sheriff Wallace is hip to the truckers' tactics, and begins tricking the drivers through his own CB broadcasts. Facing constant harassment from the law, Rubber Duck and his pals use their radios to coordinate a vast convoy and rule the road.
Despite its tight budget of $12.0M, Convoy became a solid performer, earning $45.0M worldwide—a 275% return. The film's unique voice attracted moviegoers, confirming that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Convoy (1978) exhibits precise narrative design, characteristic of Sam Peckinpah's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 50 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.4, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Rubber Duck drives his rig through the Arizona desert, part of a loose community of independent truckers communicating via CB radio, living free on the open road.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when At a truck stop diner, Sheriff Lyle deliberately provokes Rubber Duck and tries to arrest Spider Mike on false charges, creating a violent confrontation that spirals out of control.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The Collapse moment at 81 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Spider Mike is killed when police ambush the convoy. The dream of peaceful resistance dies with him, and Rubber Duck faces the brutal reality that the movement has led to death., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 87 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. The final confrontation at the bridge. Rubber Duck crashes through the police barrier in an act of defiant sacrifice. The convoy scatters but the legend is complete, achieving a symbolic victory even in apparent defeat., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Convoy's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Convoy against these established plot points, we can identify how Sam Peckinpah utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Convoy within the action genre.
Sam Peckinpah's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Sam Peckinpah films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Convoy takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Sam Peckinpah filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Sam Peckinpah analyses, see The Getaway, The Osterman Weekend and Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Rubber Duck drives his rig through the Arizona desert, part of a loose community of independent truckers communicating via CB radio, living free on the open road.
Theme
During CB banter, a trucker remarks about standing together against harassment, foreshadowing the theme of collective resistance versus individual freedom and corrupt authority.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to trucker culture, CB radio communication, the camaraderie between Rubber Duck, Pig Pen, and Spider Mike, and the antagonistic relationship with Sheriff "Dirty Lyle" Wallace who harasses truckers for bribes.
Disruption
At a truck stop diner, Sheriff Lyle deliberately provokes Rubber Duck and tries to arrest Spider Mike on false charges, creating a violent confrontation that spirals out of control.
Resistance
After the diner brawl, the truckers flee with Lyle in pursuit. Rubber Duck debates whether to run or turn himself in, but the convoy spontaneously forms as other truckers join them on the highway in solidarity.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The convoy grows massive as truckers across state lines join the protest. Media coverage begins, Governor Haskins tries to negotiate, and the convoy becomes a symbol of working-class resistance, delivering the fun spectacle of the premise.
Opposition
The authorities regroup and conspire to end the convoy. Internal tensions grow as Rubber Duck realizes he's being used politically. Spider Mike becomes increasingly unstable, and Sheriff Lyle relentlessly pursues revenge.
Collapse
Spider Mike is killed when police ambush the convoy. The dream of peaceful resistance dies with him, and Rubber Duck faces the brutal reality that the movement has led to death.
Crisis
Rubber Duck grieves and contemplates giving up. He confronts the emptiness of the symbolic role he's been forced into and the manipulation by politicians who never cared about the truckers' actual grievances.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The final confrontation at the bridge. Rubber Duck crashes through the police barrier in an act of defiant sacrifice. The convoy scatters but the legend is complete, achieving a symbolic victory even in apparent defeat.
Transformation
Closing image reveals Rubber Duck may have survived, living free in Mexico. The myth persists independent of the man, suggesting that movements transcend their leaders. The legend of freedom endures.