36 Hours to Kill

36 Hours to Kill

Year: 1936

Runtime: 66 mins

Language: English

Director: Eugene Forde

RomanceDrama

Duke and Jeanie Benson are fugitives living under false identities. When Duke discovers that his sweepstakes ticket is a winner worth $150,000, the pair race against time to cash it before the law catches up with them, knowing any misstep could end their freedom.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – 36 Hours to Kill (1936)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 36 Hours to Kill (1936). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

Although the exact year isn't specified, the movie's setting, technology, and fashion suggest it takes place in the 1950s. This era was characterized by post-war prosperity, the rise of suburban living, and the prominence of trains and automobiles as main transportation modes. The plot's themes of crime, investigation, and media also reflect the mid-20th-century American context.

Location

suburban community, Kansas City, San Bernardino, Albuquerque

The movie spans several locations, from a peaceful suburban neighborhood to bustling city stations and desert towns. Kansas City serves as the Kansas-based hub for the hidden lottery ticket, while San Bernardino and Albuquerque are key stops along the train route. These places provide a diverse backdrop, emphasizing both the quiet normalcy and the transient, action-filled journey.

🏡 Suburban 🏙️ City 🌵 Desert

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

Main Characters – 36 Hours to Kill (1936)

Meet the key characters of 36 Hours to Kill (1936), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Duke Benson (Douglas Fowley)

Duke Benson is a cunning outlaw obsessed with claiming a hidden lottery prize. He is resourceful, impulsive, and willing to use violence to achieve his goals. Throughout the film, his traits of bravado and desperation reveal his desire to escape suburban monotony and indulge in criminal thrill-seeking.

🚬 Outlaw 🚶‍♂️ Cunning ⚡ Impulsive

Anne Marvis (Gloria Stuart)

Anne is a determined Los Angeles reporter caught in a web of intrigue and danger. She is sharp, independent, and resilient, especially when revealing her true profession and testifying against political corruption. Her interactions with Duke showcase her inner strength and moral conviction.

📰 Reporter 🧠 Intelligent 💪 Resilient

Frank Evers (Brian Donlevy)

Frank is a resourceful G-man working undercover to expose the criminal gang. Calm, competent, and driven, he is committed to justice and protecting innocent people. His role as a mediator between law and criminal worlds highlights his integrity and determination.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigator 🧩 Strategic 💼 Professional

Jeanie Benson (Isabel Jewell)

Jeanie is Duke’s wife, portrayed as suspicious and conflicted. She is quick to suspect betrayal, but also shows moments of concern and loyalty toward her husband. Her actions drive much of the conflict, reflecting her protective instincts and emotional vulnerability.

💍 Wife 😠 Suspicious 💔 Emotional

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

Major Themes – 36 Hours to Kill (1936)

Explore the central themes of 36 Hours to Kill (1936), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Deception

Deception drives the plot of '36 Hours to Kill', with characters disguising identities and hiding true intentions. Duke and Jeanie Benson conceal their criminal plans under assumed names, while Anne and Frank pretend to be married to protect their identities. The constant deception highlights themes of trust, lies, and the search for truth.

🎩 Crime and Justice

The film explores the tension between criminal pursuits and law enforcement, exemplified by Duke's attempt to claim a lottery prize through deception. Frank, as a G-man, embodies the pursuit of justice, working to foil the gang's plans. This theme underscores the ongoing struggle between lawbreakers and law enforcers in mid-20th-century America.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

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Unlock the Full Story of 36 Hours to Kill

Don't stop at just watching — explore 36 Hours to Kill in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 36 Hours to Kill is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

36 Hours to Kill Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 36 Hours to Kill, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

36 Hours to Kill Summary

36 Hours to Kill Timeline

Track the full timeline of 36 Hours to Kill with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

36 Hours to Kill Timeline

36 Hours to Kill Spoiler-Free Summary

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36 Hours to Kill Spoiler-Free Summary

More About 36 Hours to Kill

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 36 Hours to Kill: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Explore More About Movie 36 Hours to Kill

36 Hours to Kill (1936) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

36 Hours to Kill (1936) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

36 Hours to Kill (1936) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow