Death on the Run

Death on the Run

Year: 1967

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Sergio Corbucci

ActionCrimeMystery

Jason is a relentless fugitive who slips through any barrier and outsmarts every guard, becoming an endless moving target. Hunted by Athens police, he also draws the attention of rival criminal gangs and covert government agencies, all desperate to obtain a microfilm he carries that holds highly sought‑after secrets.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Death on the Run 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 – Death on the Run (1967)

Trace every key event in Death on the Run (1967) 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 in Athens and escape

Jason is handcuffed and flown into Athens airport where Inspector Starkis awaits him. He manages to escape the airport, unaware that Bulgarian Demetrius is secretly helping him.

Athens airport
2

Kidnapping at the Gold Star club

While searching for his friend Pizza at the Gold Star club, Jason is kidnapped by Demetrius. He is photographed beside a dead woman and blackmailed into working for Demetrius.

Gold Star club
3

Prison infiltration and tooth extraction

Jason infiltrates a prison and removes a tooth from a corpse to use as leverage. The gruesome act binds him deeper into the espionage plot and fuels the stakes of his mission.

prison
4

Bar refuge and bugged phone

Jason double-crosses Demetrius and takes refuge in a bar. He phones Pizza, only to discover the line is bugged by both the police and a mysterious Albanian who sends two gunmen to kill him.

bar
5

Gunfight and pursuit

A gunfight erupts as Demetrius's men clash with the Albanian’s henchmen, and several opponents are killed. Jason narrowly escapes the crossfire while the net around him tightens.

Athens
6

Clark and Lloyd decide to monitor

Major Worthington Clark teams up with Lloyd to monitor Jason's activities. They coordinate surveillance strategies as the chase intensifies.

police office
7

Tooth exchange and fake tooth plan

Jason meets Pizza and hands over the real tooth for safekeeping. He also asks Pizza to create a convincing fake tooth to aid in his deception.

Gold Star club
8

Parthenon informant killed

A tip to contact a tour guide at the Parthenon is foiled when the informant is killed by the Albanian. The Albanian then hunts Jason through the streets of Athens.

Parthenon area / Acropolis
9

Bridge trap and escape

The police attempt to trap Jason by retracting a bridge; he leaps the gap and escapes. The Albanian, unable to follow, must swim to safety as the chase continues.

bridge near Acropolis
10

Greta at the Acropolis

At the Acropolis, Jason meets Greta, the woman believed to be dead in the photograph. The Albanian arrives and threatens them both, but Jason disarms him and escapes with Greta.

Acropolis
11

Gold Star club negotiations and Rumba

Back at the Gold Star club, Jason tries to recruit Pizza to join his scheme to profit from the chase. Rumba, the dancer, agrees to act as their go-between.

Gold Star club
12

Greta's backstory and the factory hideout

Greta explains she was forced to work for Demetrius to secure her sister's child’s release. Jason agrees to give Greta the real tooth so she can swap it for her niece's freedom, and they drive to a disused factory as a hideout. Later, the Albanian pursues them and Greta is killed, heightening the peril and urgency of Jason's mission.

disused factory

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:27

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Paranoid chase thrillers like Death on the Run

Stories where a lone fugitive is hunted by multiple, untrustworthy factions.If you liked the relentless pursuit and Cold War espionage of 'Death on the Run', explore more movies like it. These films feature fugitives hunted by multiple agencies, filled with double-crosses and a tense, anxious mood. They are perfect for fans of fast-paced, high-intensity action thrillers where survival is the only goal.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a linear but frantic chase structure. A protagonist acquires a valuable asset or knowledge, becoming a target for various powerful entities. The plot unfolds as a series of narrow escapes, violent confrontations, and shocking betrayals, testing the protagonist's endurance and wit in a world where allegiances are fluid and self-preservation is paramount.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here by their shared core premise of the multi-faction hunt, their high-tension atmosphere, and their fast, action-driven pacing. They deliver a specific kind of exhausting, suspenseful experience where the viewer is constantly kept on edge alongside the protagonist.

Bleak Cold War spy stories like Death on the Run

Gritty stories where spies and agents operate in a morally grey world.For viewers who enjoyed the treacherous world of 'Death on the Run', this collection highlights similar movies with a heavy emotional weight and ambiguous endings. These Cold War-era thrillers focus on betrayal, blackmail, and the personal cost of espionage, perfect for fans of complex, unsentimental spy narratives.

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Narrative Summary

The narratives often focus on a lone operative or asset caught between powerful, cynical intelligence apparatuses. The journey is one of increasing disillusionment, where characters are forced into brutal choices, and allies are as dangerous as enemies. Endings are frequently ambiguous or bittersweet, reflecting the moral costs incurred and the incomplete nature of victories in the shadow war.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific historical context (Cold War), their focus on the dark, unpalatable aspects of espionage like torture and betrayal, and their heavy emotional weight. They share a cynical, unsentimental tone and explore themes of treachery and survival above ideology.

Unlock the Full Story of Death on the Run

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

Death on the Run Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Death on the Run, 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.

Death on the Run Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Death on the Run

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Death on the Run

Death on the Run Spoiler-Free Summary

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Death on the Run Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Death on the Run

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Death on the Run: 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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