Cape Fear

Cape Fear

Year: 1962

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: J. Lee Thompson

DramaThrillerHorror

After serving eight years in prison, a former convict seeks revenge on the lawyer he blames for his incarceration. The vengeful man obsessively targets the lawyer, Sam Bowden, and his family, terrorizing them and pushing them to their breaking point. As the stalker's malevolent presence intensifies, Sam and his wife, Ellie, are forced into a desperate fight for survival, confronting a terrifying escalation of threats and ultimately questioning their own morality.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Cape Fear (1962)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cape Fear (1962). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Although the exact time period is not specified, the events of Cape Fear suggest a contemporary setting reflecting the issues and cultural dynamics of the era in which it was made. The portrayal of law enforcement and the justice system hints at societal concerns of the time.

Location

Cape Fear River

The Cape Fear River is a significant waterway located in North Carolina, known for its serene beauty and rich history. It offers a picturesque backdrop for various activities and has often been depicted as a symbol of danger and tension in storytelling.

🏞️ River 🌊 Scenic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

Main Characters – Cape Fear (1962)

Meet the key characters of Cape Fear (1962), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck)

Sam Bowden is a determined and protective father, willing to go to great lengths to ensure his family's safety. Portrayed as both a man of law and ethics, his struggle against Max Cady reveals his moral conflict as he navigates fear and desperation.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family 🛡️ Protector 🔍 Justice

Max Cady (Robert Mitchum)

Max Cady is a menacing and cunning ex-convict who embodies psychological manipulation and raw, unyielding vengeance. His ominous presence and knowledge of the law make him a formidable adversary, inciting fear within Sam and his family.

😈 Antagonist ⚔️ Menace 📖 Law

Peggy Bowden

Peggy is Sam Bowden's supportive yet increasingly anxious wife, who grapples with the stress of their family's situation. Her desire for safety and nagging fear illustrate the emotional toll the stalking has taken on her and her loved ones.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Support 😟 Worry 🏠 Home

Nancy Bowden

Nancy is the young daughter of Sam and Peggy, representing innocence caught in the crossfire of adult conflicts. Her safety becomes a focal point of the family's terror, and her character emphasizes the stakes involved in the escalating threat.

👧 Innocence 🔦 Vulnerability 🚨 Danger

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

Major Themes – Cape Fear (1962)

Explore the central themes of Cape Fear (1962), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a central theme in Cape Fear, as the protagonist struggles to protect his family from a vindictive ex-con. The film explores the limitations of the legal system and raises questions about the morality of taking the law into one’s own hands.

😨 Fear

Fear permeates the film, primarily through Sam Bowden's growing anxiety over his family's safety. The relentless stalking by Max Cady reflects deep-seated fears of vulnerability and the psychological torment that follows.

💔 Family

The value and vulnerability of family is a poignant theme in Cape Fear. As Sam and his family face escalating threats, their bonds are tested, highlighting the lengths a parent will go to protect their loved ones from harm.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

Unlock the Full Story of Cape Fear

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

Cape Fear Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cape Fear, 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.

Cape Fear Summary

Cape Fear Timeline

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

Cape Fear Timeline

More About Cape Fear

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cape Fear: 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 Cape Fear

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