The Chase Cast: Who Played Who in this Film?

A breathless explosive story of today!

Released on February 18, 1966
Drama Thriller Crime

In the gripping drama "The Chase," the quiet life of a small Southern town is turned upside down with the escape of Bubber Reeves from prison. Bubber, portrayed by a charismatic actor, catalyzes a series of events that not only challenge the social dynamics of the community but also reveal the undercurrents of fear, prejudice, and desire that permeate the lives of its residents. The quintessential small-town setting provides an intimate backdrop for the unfolding drama, showcasing how a single individual's actions can ripple through the fabric of society, exposing its vulnerabilities and hidden tensions.

Sheriff Calder, played by the legendary Marlon Brando, represents the authority and order of the town. His character is not only charged with the responsibility of recapture but also grapples with his own moral dilemmas and the discontent brewing among the townspeople. Jane Fonda's Anna Reeves adds another layer to the narrative; she is deeply intertwined with both Bubber and Calder, representing the emotional turmoil and conflicted loyalties that arise in such a high-stakes scenario. Their interactions highlight the complex nature of human relationships, as fear and compassion collide against the backdrop of a society on the brink of chaos.

As Bubber Reeves evades capture and the townspeople react with increasing paranoia, the film deftly explores themes of justice, redemption, and the consequences of actions. The mounting tension in the town serves as a microcosm for larger societal issues, delivering a powerful commentary on the human condition. "The Chase" invites viewers on a tumultuous journey through the interplay of personal and communal conflicts, ultimately leaving them to ponder the true meaning of freedom and the price it exacts on individuals and communities alike.

Full Cast of The Chase

Marlon Brando

as Sheriff Calder

Marlon Brando delivered a nuanced and understated performance as Sheriff Calder in the 1966 film "The Chase," directed by Arthur Penn. Set against the backdrop of a small, turbulent Texas town, Brando's portrayal of Calder showcased his exceptional ability to convey complex emotional depth. As the beleaguered sheriff caught between the town's corrupt elite and the simmering resentments of its working class, Brando's Calder emerges as a man of quiet integrity and moral fortitude. His performance is marked by a restrained intensity, as he navigates the explosive situations with a weary sense of duty and a palpable compassion for the flawed characters that populate his jurisdiction. Brando's Calder becomes the film's moral center, grappling with the town's systemic injustices and his own personal conflicts, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to upholding the law. His interactions with other characters, including the fugitive played by Robert Redford, reveal a man who is both sympathetic and authoritative, a testament to Brando's skill in bringing multifaceted characters to life on screen.

Jane Fonda

as Anna Reeves

Jane Fonda delivered a compelling performance as Anna Reeves in the 1966 film "The Chase," directed by Arthur Penn. As Anna, the wealthy socialite and former girlfriend of Bubber Reeves (played by Robert Redford), Fonda brought depth and complexity to a character caught in a web of unfulfilled desires and small-town intrigue. Her portrayal of Anna's inner conflict—torn between her loyalty to her husband, the town's richest man, and her lingering feelings for Bubber—added a layer of emotional tension to the film. Fonda's Anna is a woman of both vulnerability and strength, navigating the social expectations and masculine power structures of her time. Her performance was highlighted by a nuanced depiction of a character that, despite her privileged position, is ultimately a prisoner of her own past and choices, making her a memorable figure in this dramatic narrative of passion, power, and persecution.

Robert Redford

as Charlie 'Bubber' Reeves

In the 1966 film "The Chase," Robert Redford delivers a nuanced performance as Charlie 'Bubber' Reeves, a convicted criminal who escapes from prison with the help of his girlfriend, Anna, played by Jane Fonda. Redford's portrayal of Bubber is a blend of boyish charm and palpable desperation, capturing the essence of a man caught between his yearning for freedom and the harsh realities of a world that seems to have turned against him. As the film progresses, Bubber's journey from a carefree, optimistic fugitive to a man overwhelmed by the consequences of his actions and the societal prejudices that ensnare him is conveyed with a depth that allows the audience to empathize with his plight. Redford's performance is a testament to his ability to humanize characters, infusing Bubber with a vulnerability that stands in sharp contrast to the rough exterior of a man on the run. His interactions with the other characters, particularly with Fonda's Anna and Marlon Brando's Sheriff Calder, reveal the complex dynamics at play, highlighting the themes of love, loyalty, and the quest for redemption that are central to the film's narrative. Redford's portrayal of Bubber is not just a portrayal of a man running from the law, but a poignant exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.

E.G. Marshall

as Val Rogers

E.G. Marshall delivers a compelling performance as Val Rogers in the 1966 film "The Chase," directed by Arthur Penn. As the wealthy and influential Texas cattle rancher, Marshall embodies a character of immense power and stern conviction, whose presence dominates the screen. His portrayal of Val Rogers is nuanced, revealing a man who, despite his hardened exterior, grapples with the complexities of his role as a father and a community leader. Marshall's Rogers is a pillar of strength and authority, yet he is not without vulnerability, particularly in his relationships with his daughter-in-law, played by Marsha Hunt, and his wayward son, played by Robert Redford. His performance is highlighted by a scene-stealing moment when he confronts the town's bigotry and corruption, showcasing Marshall's ability to convey a range of emotions from quiet intensity to righteous indignation. Marshall's Val Rogers is a man caught between the old ways of the West and the modern world, and his portrayal lends depth and moral weight to the film's exploration of themes such as social class, justice, and redemption.

Angie Dickinson

as Ruby Calder

Angie Dickinson delivered a captivating performance as Ruby Calder in Arthur Penn's 1966 film "The Chase," a role that showcased her range as an actress and her ability to convey complex emotions. As the former lover of Bubber Reeves (played by Robert Redford), Ruby is a character entangled in a web of unfulfilled desires and small-town gossip, and Dickinson brought a nuanced portrayal of a woman caught between her past and the harsh realities of her present. Her performance is marked by a smoldering intensity and a palpable sense of yearning, as Ruby navigates the tension-filled environment of a Texas town that is bracing for the return of Bubber. Dickinson's Ruby is a testament to her talent for imbuing her characters with depth and humanity, making her one of the most memorable aspects of the film with her emotive power and on-screen presence.

Janice Rule

as Emily Stewart

Janice Rule delivers a compelling performance as Emily Stewart in the 1966 film "The Chase," directed by Arthur Penn. As the wife of a local jailer in a small Southern town, Rule's Emily is a complex character, embodying the emotional turmoil and repressed desires that simmer beneath the town's deceptive calm. Her portrayal of Emily is nuanced, capturing the internal conflict of a woman torn between her loyalty to her husband and her latent passion for an old flame, played by Robert Redford. Rule's performance is characterized by a delicate balance of restraint and intensity, her expressive eyes and subtle gestures conveying the depth of Emily's yearning for a life unshackled by the social constraints of her environment. Her scenes are charged with an undercurrent of tension, as she navigates the fraught dynamics of her relationships, ultimately becoming a symbol of the stifling atmosphere that pervades the town and precipitates the tragic events of the narrative. Rule's Emily is a memorable contribution to the film, etching out a poignant narrative arc that resonates with themes of love, regret, and the quest for personal freedom amidst societal oppression.