10 to Midnight

10 to Midnight

Year: 1983

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: J. Lee Thompson

DramaThrillerCrime

A seasoned detective and his partner pursue a relentless serial killer targeting women in this gritty thriller. Driven by a personal vendetta, the detective pushes the boundaries of protocol as they navigate the investigation and confront the killer's escalating violence. The film explores themes of justice, obsession, and the dark side of law enforcement.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – 10 to Midnight (1983)

Trace every key event in 10 to Midnight (1983) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Warren's Monotonous Life

Warren Stacey, played by Gene Davis, struggles with his dull job in office equipment repair. Faced with constant rejection from women, his feelings of inadequacy push him toward a dark path of obsession and violence.

Workplace
2

Disturbing Behavior at the Cinema

While attending a screening of *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, Warren's obsession reaches new heights. He harasses women sitting next to him, hoping to connect but only leaving them horrified.

Cinema
3

First Victim: Betty

Targeting Betty, a colleague who previously rejected him, Warren ambushes her and her boyfriend in a secluded area. The confrontation escalates into a brutal murder, solidifying his descent into madness.

Woodland Clearing
4

Detective Kessler Investigates

Detective Leo Kessler, alongside his partner Paul McAnn, begins unraveling the complex puzzle of murders. Kessler's experience clashes with McAnn’s inexperience as they gather evidence on the frightening case.

Police Station
5

Laurie Ensnared

Kessler's daughter, Laurie, a nursing student, unwittingly finds herself entwined in the case as her father delves deeper into the investigation. The relationship between father and daughter is strained amid the chaos.

Nursing School
6

Stacey at the Funeral

Warren attends Betty's funeral under the guise of mourning but is really scouting for incriminating evidence. His obsessive search leads him to plot his next move against another potential witness.

Funeral
7

Murdering Karen

In a fit of rage during his frantic search, Warren murders Karen Smalley, Betty’s roommate, right in her kitchen. This senseless act demonstrates his growing instability and desperation to cover his tracks.

Karen's Kitchen
8

Kessler's Ethical Dilemma

As Kessler becomes more determined to capture Stacey, his methods become increasingly questionable. In a moment of weakness, he considers tampering with evidence, creating tension with McAnn, who disapproves.

Police Station
9

Courtroom Manipulations

Kessler's unethical approach backfires when exposed in court, leading to the dismissal of charges against Stacey. Kessler’s fall from grace damages his reputation and threatens his career.

Courtroom
10

Stacey's Taunting

Once released, Warren relishes in taunting Kessler through phone calls. Their cat-and-mouse game escalates as Kessler attempts to maintain control over the spiraling situation.

Warren's Apartment
11

The Stalking Begins

Kessler tracks Warren through Los Angeles, ultimately witnessing him pick up a prostitute. He soon discovers that Stacey has been fixating on Laurie, which transforms the pursuit into a race against time.

Los Angeles
12

Desperate Warning

Kessler rushes to Laurie's dorm to warn her and her roommates about the imminent threat posed by Stacey. His desperate attempt to protect them comes just as the horror unfolds.

Nursing College Dorm
13

Tragic Murders

Arriving too late, Kessler finds Stacey has brutally murdered Laurie's three roommates. Laurie hides in fear, caught in a nightmare that intensifies the urgency of Kessler’s mission.

Nursing College Dorm
14

Laurie's Escaped Fury

In a moment of bravery, Laurie manages to escape, wounding Stacey with a burning curling iron. This act sets off a frantic chase through the streets as Stacey descends further into rage.

Streets of Los Angeles
15

Justice Served

Cornered by Kessler and McAnn, Stacey rants about his supposed rights, only to be met with McAnn's resolute refusal. The ensuing confrontation ends with a fateful shot that finally halts Stacey's reign of terror.

Street Confrontation

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 11:43

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10 to Midnight Summary

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10 to Midnight Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in 10 to Midnight

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Characters, Settings & Themes in 10 to Midnight

More About 10 to Midnight

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