Bellman and True

Bellman and True

Year: 1987

Runtime: 122 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard Loncraine

ActionDramaCrimeThriller

Hiller, a computer expert, is bribed by a gang of bank robbers to hack the security system of a newly built bank. After providing the plans, the thieves trace him to London, kidnap his son and force Hiller to decode the alarm and take part in the $14 million heist.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Bellman and True yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Bellman and True (1987)

Trace every key event in Bellman and True (1987) 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

Arrival at Paddington with the boy

Hiller arrives at Paddington station in London with the boy after a stay in Torquay. They check into a nearby hotel while they are unaware they are being tailed by Gort. A sense of tension and pursuit threads the opening scenes.

opening scene Paddington Station, London
2

A few days later: hotel stay

A few days later they check into a hotel in the Paddington area and settle in. Gort continues to tail them, keeping the pressure high as they try to stay hidden.

a few days later Paddington area, London
3

Kidnapping and captivity begins

The child is kidnapped by Gort, and Hiller is captured as well. They are taken to a derelict house where Salto confronts him about the missing documents.

soon after arrival Derelict house
4

Coercion to decode the bank tape

While captive, Hiller is forced to decode the computer tape; he succeeds, providing Salto with the bank security details. Salto grows determined to pull off the robbery.

during captivity Derelict house
5

The boy is Hiller's wife's son

The boy is revealed to be Hiller's wife's son. When Hiller returns to his home, he discovers the boy's mother has left him.

after captivity Hiller's home
6

Hiller becomes the Bellman

With the decoded information, Salto arranges the robbery and recruits The Guv'nor to mastermind. Hiller is recruited as the new Bellman after explaining how to beat the bank's anti interference safeguards.

before the robbery Security operation planning area
7

Pre-Christmas robbery plan

The gang decides to strike just before Christmas when the bank holds more cash. They discuss triggering the alarm to draw guards away and using a window to reach the basement vault, with Peterman coordinating access.

before Christmas Bank near Heathrow Airport
8

Night of the bank robbery

On the night of the robbery, the gang deliberately triggers the alarm and watches guards search for nothing. They slip into the bank through a window, and Peterman shows how to access the basement vault area. They breach the vault with a thermic lance and begin the heist.

the night of the robbery Bank near Heathrow Airport
9

Escape and the victim's death

The guards are disoriented as tear gas is released and the gang escapes in a getaway car driven by the Wheelman, then switches to a van. They learn that a security guard dog handler has died during the escape. The Guv'nor becomes fearful of breaking a criminal code and heads toward the beach near Dungeness.

after the bank job Beaches near Dungeness Nuclear Power Station
10

Beach confrontation and betrayal

At the beach the Guv'nor reveals plans to move the boy abroad while Hiller stays in the UK for plastic surgery. Hiller steals a gun and flees into a nearby building where he had previously prepared an improvised explosive device, triggering an explosion that kills the Guv'nor and the others.

shortly after arriving at the beach Dungeness Beach
11

Salto's arrival and death

Salto arrives with the boy at the beach but is wounded after a shootout and dies in a nearby pillbox. The boy and Hiller escape in the car as Salto dies.

immediately after explosion Pillbox near Dungeness Beach
12

Escaping to Rio: false passports

Hiller and the boy reach a pickup point for a plane, but Salto dies; they drive to Heathrow and use false passports intended for their getaway. They board a flight to Rio de Janeiro that had already been booked for them.

after explosion Heathrow Airport; on the plane
13

Final twist: organ flight

On the plane, Hiller fears arrest as policemen board. It is revealed the plane is transporting human organs, and the film ends with the aircraft taking off.

end On board the plane

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:36

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Bellman and True

Don't stop at just watching — explore Bellman and True 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 Bellman and True is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Bellman and True Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Bellman and True, 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.

Bellman and True Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Bellman and True

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Bellman and True. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Bellman and True

More About Bellman and True

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

More About Bellman and True

Similar Movies to Bellman and True

Discover movies like Bellman and True that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.