Desert Fury

Desert Fury

Year: 1947

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Lewis Allen

DramaCrimeCrime drugs and gangstersNoir and dark crime dramasPassion and romance

Two men wanted her love … The third wanted her life ! The daughter of a Nevada casino owner gets involved with a racketeer, despite everyone’s efforts to separate them.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Desert Fury (1947)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Desert Fury (1947). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 20th century (likely 1930s-1940s)

The movie appears to be set in the early 20th century, a period marked by organized crime, prohibition, and regional gambling. Social dynamics and transportation suggest a time when cars and police procedures were consistent with that era, capturing a gritty, small-town atmosphere of that period.

Location

Chuckawalla, Nevada

Chuckawalla is a small, remote town in northern Nevada known for its mining industry and desert landscape. It features a gambling scene centered around the Purple Sage casino, reflecting the town's connection to gambling and illicit activities. The town's setting emphasizes a rugged charm typical of frontier communities.

🏜️ Desert 🎰 Mining Town 🌄 Rural

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:04

Main Characters – Desert Fury (1947)

Meet the key characters of Desert Fury (1947), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tom Hanson (Burt Lancaster)

A former rodeo performer turned deputy sheriff, Tom is honest, brave, and deeply cares for Paula. His integrity and sense of justice oppose the criminal underworld, making him a moral anchor in the story. He strives to protect those he loves and seek justice amidst chaos.

💪 Hero 🤝 Protector ⚖️ Honest

Paula Haller (Lizabeth Scott)

A rebellious young woman eager for independence, Paula is passionate and determined. She seeks to make her own choices despite her mother's dominance, demonstrating vulnerability and resilience. Her love for Eddie leads her into dangerous situations, symbolizing her quest for self-identity.

❤️ Romantic 🌹 Rebellious 🌟 Determined

Eddie Bendix (John Hodiak)

A gangster with a troubled past, Eddie is complex and driven by greed and fear. His involvement in criminal activities and past love impact his decisions, ultimately leading to tragedy. He is both charismatic and dangerous, embodying the darker side of the criminal underworld.

🔫 Villain 🥃 Corrupt 💔 Troubled

Fritzi Haller (Mary Astor)

A powerful casino owner, Fritzi is ambitious and protective of her daughter. Her authority and wealth influence the town’s social dynamics. She struggles between her love for her daughter and her own ambitions, revealing layers of caring and manipulation.

👑 Boss 💼 Manipulative 💖 Maternal

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:04

Major Themes – Desert Fury (1947)

Explore the central themes of Desert Fury (1947), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪓 Revenge

Revenge drives many characters' actions in the film, especially Eddie and Johnny, whose past conflicts and criminal secrets shape the plot. Paula's quest for truth and her eventual escape highlight the destructive nature of past grudges. The theme underscores how revenge influences trust, relationships, and fate.

🎭 Deception

Deception pervades the story, with characters hiding truths about their pasts or intentions. Eddie's involvement in criminal activities and Paula's mistaken assumptions create layers of mistrust. The theme reveals how lies and secrets threaten personal relationships and lead to tragic consequences.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:04

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Unlock the Full Story of Desert Fury

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Desert Fury Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Desert Fury, 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.

Desert Fury Summary

Desert Fury Timeline

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

Desert Fury Timeline

Desert Fury Spoiler-Free Summary

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Desert Fury Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Desert Fury

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Desert Fury (1947) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Desert Fury (1947) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Desert Fury (1947) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow