Traveller (1996)

79% of critics liked it
(28 reviews)
38% of users liked it
(1,768 ratings)

Actor Bill Paxton produced this unusual film about a clan of Irish-American con artists practicing in the American South. They live in a secluded compound and have their own time-honored customs. Pat (Mark Wahlberg) is returning to the hideout for the funeral of his father, who irked the clan by… More Actor Bill Paxton produced this unusual film about a clan of Irish-American con artists practicing in the American South. They live in a secluded compound and have their own time-honored customs. Pat (Mark Wahlberg) is returning to the hideout for the funeral of his father, who irked the clan by marrying an outsider. Because his mother is not Irish, the compound's boss, Jack Costello (Luke Askew), tells him that he's no longer welcome there. But Bokky, played by Paxton, takes the younger man under his wing and teaches him the clan's trade. Bokky specializes in cheating homeowners by charging them to apply driveway or roof sealant, then leaving before they discover that it's only black oil. He also buys and resells shoddy mobile homes. Pat soon proves more nervy and creative than his boss. They try to scam a bartender, Jean (Julianna Margulies), but Bokky falls in love with her. Jean needs cash to pay for an operation for her hearing-impaired daughter, so Bokky finally agrees to work for a cowboy con artist named Double D (James Gammon), who has been trying to recruit him for a big job in Nashville. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 41 min.
Directed By: Jack N. Green
Written By: Jim McGlynn
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 18, 1997 Wide
On DVD: Jul 25, 2000
Studio: Evergreen

Critic Reviews

Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
This fresh and interesting story about a tight-knit clan of Irish grifters in the rural South who make their living scamming is a ''con men on the road'' picture all the more welcome during a season of junky action thrillers...
Emanuel Levy, Variety
Eastwood's longtime lenser Jack Green makes a decent feature debut with a well-acted comedy-adventure that in its good moments recalls such classics as The Sting and The Grifters.
Richard Harrington, Washington Post
This is a film about people who get by depending on antisocial skills and outlaw wit, and Green and writer Jim McGlynn clearly empathize with their independent spirit and lifestyle, even if they don't completely approve.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
The film is just there on screen, better than watching a clock, better than contemplating mortality, an OK experience. There are movies like this. No sense in pretending otherwise.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
While independent films flourish, they have nearly eradicated the scrappy B movie, of which this is an agile, enjoyable example.
Mike Clark, USA Today
Like Paper Moon, this mostly easygoing comedy-drama has its charms, despite promoting a dubious morality that finds amusement in ripped-off victims.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Though competently directed by Clint Eastwood's camerman Jack Green, matters unravel when the film ratchets up the tension and become entirely implausible at the close.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Mark Wahlberg gives a fine, fine performance
Jake Euker, F5 (Wichita, KS)
Interesting slice-of-life about a deliberately little-known pocket of American culture.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
An engrossing human drama set among a subculture unknown to most Americans.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Fascinating slice-of-life drama about a tightly knit clan of con men.
Jon Matsumoto, Boxoffice Magazine
Traveller offers a fun, escapist ride when it allows moviegoers the thrill of taking part in the clever trickery, but it's even better when it explores the intense loyalty and Irish-based customs of these masterful thieves.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
I was disappointed that it couldn't follow its genuinely good and original first half with a more interesting coda.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
A film like Traveller makes you realize that all along, Paxton has inhabited his characters so well that his ability is transparent.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Fascade F

Really cool smooth drama about a swindling gypsy (Bill Paxson) named Bokky Sherlock, that is the head swindler in the family of Irish clan who works for (Luke Askew) Boss Jack Costello. In turns for loyalty to the clan whatever they collect out of their swildlings, a percentage must… More
Really cool smooth drama about a swindling gypsy (Bill Paxson) named Bokky Sherlock, that is the head swindler in the family of Irish clan who works for (Luke Askew) Boss Jack Costello. In turns for loyalty to the clan whatever they collect out of their swildlings, a percentage must be returned to care for the clan as well as protection for kinfolk. Sure as it turns out, a young man (Mark Wahlberg) Pat O'Hara comes home to bury his father only to find resentment from the same folks that gave him a livelihood. Boss Jack Costello is against Pat O'Hara's staying because his father turned his back on the family, to find his true love outside the brood. Before matters can get any worse, Bokky steps in to take Pat in under his wing to show him the way of the clan, against Boss Jack's advised wishes. This movie really holds you in as the deeper the scams get the more interesting the story unravels...into an untimely, yet bloody ending. Timelessly interesting..with a catchy beginning "King Of The Road" tune. See this, it is not that bad!
Christopher B

When I saw this it was just called Traveller. Anyhow, what drew me to this was Paxton having a lead role. The story was great, telling the story of modern day gypsies; the scams they pull and the lifestyle they live. Add into the mix one of Mark Wahlberg's first performances… More
When I saw this it was just called Traveller. Anyhow, what drew me to this was Paxton having a lead role. The story was great, telling the story of modern day gypsies; the scams they pull and the lifestyle they live. Add into the mix one of Mark Wahlberg's first performances and an excellent plot and I'm surprised this film isn't ranked higher in hidden gems category. Oh well, Paxton rules!