Cry Terror!

Cry Terror!

Year: 1958

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Andrew L. Stone

CrimeThrillerThrillers and murder mysteriesHeists and thrilling actionExplosive and action-packed heroes vs. villains

An experience in suspense! A mad bomber holds an innocent family hostage.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Cry Terror! 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 – Cry Terror! (1958)

Trace every key event in Cry Terror! (1958) 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

Hoplin's extortion scheme is set in motion

Criminal mastermind Paul Hoplin orchestrates an extortion plan to collect a $500,000 ransom by threatening to blow up a crowded airline using an explosive device designed by Jim Molner. His aim is to demonstrate his ability to plant a bomb undetected and to leverage fear into money.

Pre-flight
2

Bomb threat and hostages taken on the flight

Hoplin calls Giant 20th Century Airlines and claims a bomb aboard one of their flights. He and his gang take Molner, his wife Joan, and their young daughter Patty hostage, initiating a tense hijack that sets the plot in motion.

During the hijack Onboard a plane
3

Plane lands; bomb is disarmed

The plane lands safely and a bomb squad discovers and disarms the explosive device. Hoplin's ruse is revealed as a demonstration of his capability rather than a real attack.

Immediately after landing Airport
4

Second threat escalates the situation

With FBI and airline representatives gathered in New York, Hoplin issues another threat by phone, escalating the plot and setting up a real-time countdown to his ransom. The authorities brace for a second demand as they track his moves.

Shortly after the first hijack New York
5

Ransom drop arranged with hostages nearby

Joan is forced to go alone to collect the ransom, while Hoplin's two accomplices guard her husband and child in a Midtown Manhattan penthouse. The tense exchange tests her nerve as the clock ticks down and the danger tightens.

During ransom drop Midtown Manhattan
6

Henchmen relocate to Riverdale hideout

Hoplin and Steve retreat to a Riverdale, Bronx house to wait out the pursuit and plan their next move. Steve is a benzedrine-addicted ex-con with a history of assaults on women, making him particularly dangerous.

After the ransom attempt Riverdale, Bronx
7

Joan turns the tables on Steve

With her husband and daughter's lives at stake, Joan arrives with the money but is left alone with Steve. She defends herself from an assault and kills Steve with a shard of broken glass.

During confrontation with Steve Riverdale hideout
8

Gang moves to a new Lower Manhattan hideout

Hoplin relocates the group to a new hideout in Lower Manhattan as the FBI closes in and the stakes rise. The shift marks a desperate bid to stay ahead of law enforcement and maintain control.

Post-Riverdale relocation Lower Manhattan
9

FBI identifies Kelly via dental records

Using dental records, the FBI identifies Kelly, Hoplin's beautiful but ruthless accomplice, enabling them to locate the gang's apartment. The breakthrough accelerates the police raid.

Before raid New York City
10

Police raid wounds Kelly and disarms Vince

The FBI and police close in on the apartment. A brief firefight wounds Kelly and disarms Vince, weakening Hoplin's inner circle.

During the raid Midtown NYC apartment
11

Joan escapes and flees into the subway

Acting on her own, Joan escapes the apartment and runs for her life, darting into the nearest subway station. She fights for survival as she navigates a hazardous escape route.

During escape New York City subway
12

Hoplin pursues on the tracks and is electrocuted

Hoplin chases Joan onto the subway tracks. He steps on a third rail and is electrocuted, sealing his fate as the train arrives to stop in time.

Chase on the tracks Subway tracks
13

Police end the threat as Jo an is saved

An oncoming train slows to a stop just inches from Joan, allowing her to survive. The police arrive moments later, rounding up Hoplin's remaining gang members and ending the threat.

Immediately after the electrocution Subway station

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:49

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cry Terror!

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