Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man
Two lone riders and childhood friends, the rough and silent Harley Davidson and the ragged sun-baked cowboy Marlboro, assemble once more when they learn that their favourite hangout and the place where they grew up, the notorious Rock 'n' Roll Bar and Grill is facing imminent foreclosure. For this reason, against the preposterous demands for a new contract, the two lifelong buddies in unflinching determination to win back the bar, they will decide to hold up the corrupt bank's armoured car, unbeknownst to them that its cargo is not money but a new lethal and highly experimental street drug: the Crystal Dream. Now the bank wants it back and they are unstoppable. Is everything lost for Harley and Marlboro, the two well-meaning but amateurish thieves?
The film commercial failure against its mid-range budget of $23.0M, earning $7.4M globally (-68% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its innovative storytelling within the action genre.
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%)
Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991) exhibits precise plot construction, characteristic of Simon Wincer's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 38 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Harley Davidson rides into town on his motorcycle, a drifter and outlaw biker living free on the open road, embodying the romanticized rebel lifestyle of 1996.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when The Rock 'n' Roll Bar & Grille faces foreclosure in 30 days. Lulu reveals she needs $2.8 million to pay off the bank or lose the bar—the community's home and the one place where Harley and Marlboro belong.. 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.
At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat False defeat: Chance Wilder's men track down Harley and Marlboro. In a violent confrontation, they realize they're dealing with ruthless criminals far more dangerous than expected. The stakes escalate—this isn't just about money anymore, it's about survival., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Their friend Jack is killed by Wilder's men. The death is brutal and senseless—the "whiff of death" moment. Harley and Marlboro realize their Robin Hood scheme has gotten innocent people killed. They've lost their moral high ground and possibly the bar anyway., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 79 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. The finale: Harley and Marlboro assault Wilder's headquarters. A climactic shootout where they use their street smarts and loyalty to each other to defeat Wilder's professional killers. They recover enough money to save the bar and avenge their friend., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man against these established plot points, we can identify how Simon Wincer utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man within the action genre.
Simon Wincer's Structural Approach
Among the 6 Simon Wincer films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Simon Wincer filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Simon Wincer analyses, see The Phantom, Quigley Down Under and Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Harley Davidson rides into town on his motorcycle, a drifter and outlaw biker living free on the open road, embodying the romanticized rebel lifestyle of 1996.
Theme
At the Rock 'n' Roll Bar & Grille, the bartender tells Harley and Marlboro that their favorite hangout is being taken over by a bank: "It's the 1990s... it's all about money now." The theme of loyalty and old values versus corporate greed is established.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Harley and Marlboro's world: their friendship, the bar community they love, and the diverse cast of regulars. We see their code of honor, their carefree lifestyle, and meet bar owner Lulu who needs $2.8 million to save the bar from foreclosure.
Disruption
The Rock 'n' Roll Bar & Grille faces foreclosure in 30 days. Lulu reveals she needs $2.8 million to pay off the bank or lose the bar—the community's home and the one place where Harley and Marlboro belong.
Resistance
Harley and Marlboro debate how to save the bar. They consider and reject legal options. Marlboro suggests robbing a bank. They wrestle with the morality and danger of the plan, but their loyalty to Lulu and the community pushes them toward action.
Act II
ConfrontationMirror World
Harley reconnects with Lulu, who represents what he's fighting for—genuine connection and a place to belong. Their relationship subplot carries the theme: loyalty and love versus money and power.
Premise
The heist aftermath: Harley and Marlboro discover they've stolen a new designer drug called "Crystal Dream" instead of money. They attempt to fence the drugs while being hunted by Chance Wilder and his brutal enforcers. Action sequences and close calls deliver the buddy-outlaw adventure the premise promises.
Midpoint
False defeat: Chance Wilder's men track down Harley and Marlboro. In a violent confrontation, they realize they're dealing with ruthless criminals far more dangerous than expected. The stakes escalate—this isn't just about money anymore, it's about survival.
Opposition
Chance Wilder intensifies his pursuit. Friends are threatened and the bar community is endangered. Harley and Marlboro's plan to sell the drugs and save the bar crumbles as they're hunted across the city. Their friendship is tested as the body count rises.
Collapse
Their friend Jack is killed by Wilder's men. The death is brutal and senseless—the "whiff of death" moment. Harley and Marlboro realize their Robin Hood scheme has gotten innocent people killed. They've lost their moral high ground and possibly the bar anyway.
Crisis
In the dark night of the soul, Harley and Marlboro grieve Jack's death and question whether their code of honor means anything in this modern corporate world. They consider running but realize they can't abandon Lulu and their friends.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale: Harley and Marlboro assault Wilder's headquarters. A climactic shootout where they use their street smarts and loyalty to each other to defeat Wilder's professional killers. They recover enough money to save the bar and avenge their friend.