Deep Valley

Deep Valley

Year: 1947

Runtime: 104 mins

Language: English

Director: Jean Negulesco

RomanceThrillerCrimeDramaMoving relationship stories

Against the rugged backdrop of a remote mountain valley, a shy California farm girl becomes entangled with Barry Burnett, a fugitive chain‑gang member tasked with building a road through the wilderness. Their growing romance pulls them deeper into peril as they face relentless threats, treacherous terrain and a desperate fight for survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Deep Valley 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 – Deep Valley (1947)

Trace every key event in Deep Valley (1947) 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

Libby spies the convicts on the coastal road

Libby first spots the convicts working along the road that skirts the California coast. She watches them from a distance, curious and cautious, and she becomes drawn to Burnette in particular. This encounter sets up the dangerous fascination that drives much of the plot.

Days after first encounter Coastal hillside overlooking Libby's farm
2

Convicts reach the farm and seek water

The convicts reach Libby's isolated farm and ask for water from the family well. They initially refuse the offer, but Mr. Saul decides to give them water for free anyway. The act reveals the Sauls' stubborn generosity and foreshadows escalating tension.

Day of water request Libby's family farm
3

Foreman taunts Burnette; a punch is thrown

The foreman taunts Burnette until he finally punches him in anger. The altercation exposes the volatile dynamics within the group. This moment foreshadows trouble for Libby and her family as the story presses on.

Same day Hill/road construction site near the farm
4

Dinner with Barker; Burnette's fate discussed

Engineer Barker is invited to dinner at the Saul farm. He explains Burnette’s likely fate, telling Libby that Burnette could be sent back to San Quentin after the assault. Libby listens, imagining a future entwined with Burnette.

That evening Saul family home
5

Dance invitation and a harsh slap

Barker asks Libby to dance, but she is too shy to accept. In response, Mr. Saul slaps Libby, underscoring the family's rigid expectations. The moment pushes Libby toward a life beyond the farm's constraints.

That night Saul family home
6

Libby runs away from home

That very night Libby leaves the farm with her dog and hides in a nearby cabin. Her departure marks a turning point as her parents briefly begin to communicate after years of silence. The house feels emptier without Libby’s presence.

That night Nearby cabin near the farm
7

Rainstorm brings Burnette to Libby

During a heavy rainstorm, Burnette escapes from a prison transport and seeks Libby out. He tells Libby why he was imprisoned and asks for her help to get away. They form a dangerous bond in the rain-soaked setting.

During a heavy rainstorm Near Libby's cabin
8

Plan to elope; parents reconcile

Libby and Burnette plan to elope to San Francisco, but Libby must return to the farm for clothes. On the way back, she discovers her parents have reconciled and are unaware of Burnette's presence. A posse has already begun tracking Burnette.

Shortly after Libby's departure Saul family farm
9

Late-night barn encounter

That night Burnette follows Libby to the farm and is hidden in the barn. The couple falls in love under the cover of darkness while the danger of discovery looms nearby. The moment deepens their bond as the stakes rise.

Late at night Saul family barn
10

Libby saves Burnette from discovery

Libby intercepts Barker when he goes out to fetch a tire pump, preventing Burnette from being discovered. The act cements their connection while drawing them further into the lidless danger. The risk of exposure grows with every move.

Shortly after Saul farm
11

Mrs. Saul confronts Libby and Burnette

Mrs. Saul grows suspicious of Libby’s strange behavior and confronts the couple. The truth about Burnette's presence threatens to fracture the fragile family balance. Tension peaks at the farm as loyalties collide.

Later Saul family home
12

Escape attempt; Barker and Saul arrive

Burnette and Libby decide to run away, but Mr. Saul and Barker arrive to stop them. Burnette knocks Barker down and drives off in the truck, leaving Libby behind. The posse closes in as the pursuit intensifies.

Moments after confrontation Saul farm and surrounding area
13

Burnette dies in Libby's arms

The posse closes in and Burnette is shot. He dies in Libby's arms, extinguishing the couple's hopes of a swift escape. Libby is left to grieve as the man she loves dies just before they could start anew.

Immediately after pursuit Near the farm, along the road
14

Libby and Barker start anew

In the aftermath, Libby and Barker begin a new life together. Libby has chosen a path away from the farm's legacy and its power dynamics. The ending positions her as a woman who makes her own decisions about her future.

After Burnette's death New life with Barker

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:30

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Deep Valley Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Deep Valley, 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.

Deep Valley Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Deep Valley

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Deep Valley

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