Earthquake

Earthquake

Year: 1974

Runtime: 122 min

Language: crp

Director: Mark Robson

ActionDramaThriller

Following a catastrophic earthquake, a group of determined Haitians struggle to survive amidst widespread devastation and chaos. They face immense challenges as they navigate the destruction and search for loved ones in the aftermath of this historic disaster. The film portrays their resilience and the human cost of such a devastating natural event.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Earthquake (1974)

Trace every key event in Earthquake (1974) 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

Morning Argument

The film opens with Stewart Graff jogging underneath the Hollywood sign. Upon returning home, he has a heated argument with his wife Remy, questioning the state of their marriage amidst their conflicts.

Hollywood
2

Suicide Attempt

After their argument, Stewart discovers Remy unconscious in their bedroom with a bottle of pills nearby. Familiar with her past suicide attempts, he prepares to help her, but is interrupted by a violent earthquake.

Stewart's Bedroom
3

Investigation at the Dam

Following the tremor, two workers at the Mulholland Dam conduct a routine inspection. Tragically, one worker is drowned when the elevator shaft they are in fills with water due to the seismic activity.

Mulholland Dam
4

Police Chase

In downtown Los Angeles, Sgt. Lou Slade and partner Emilio Chavez are chasing a suspect. Their pursuit leads them to crash into Zsa Zsa Gabor's house, resulting in Lou's temporary suspension after confronting a sheriff.

Downtown Los Angeles
5

Stewart's Visit

Stewart visits actress Denise Marshall, the widow of his late colleague, to drop off an autographed football for her son. He also assists her in rehearsing lines for her upcoming scene.

Denise's House
6

Seismologist's Warning

Walter Russell at the California Seismological Institute realizes a major earthquake is imminent. Despite his urgency, his superior Dr. Frank Adams is trapped beneath rubble after an earthquake hits while they inspect seismic equipment.

California Seismological Institute
7

Grocery Store Incident

In a grocery store, Rosa Amici struggles to pay for her items and is offered a line of credit by the manager, Jody Joad. Later, he learns the National Guard reserves are being called up, indicating impending danger.

Grocery Store
8

The First Major Tremor

As Stewart contemplates a promotion at work, a massive earthquake strikes, rupturing the San Andreas Fault. Buildings collapse, causing chaos and destruction across Southern California, and marking a significant turning point in the film.

Los Angeles
9

Trapped Employees

After the earthquake, Sam and the office employees find themselves stranded on the upper floors of their building as the elevators plummet. Sam devises a makeshift rescue, but he suffers a heart attack after aiding everyone.

Office Skyscraper
10

Denise's Rescue

Amidst the ruins, Denise spots her unconscious son on a freeway overpass and climbs down to rescue him. They are later aided by Miles and Sal who help them escape the aftermath of the quake.

Freeway Overpass
11

National Guard Intervention

Rosa is arrested by the National Guard for looting after the earthquake. Jody Joad, who is now a sergeant, struggles with his past as he encounters Rosa among the prisoners from the chaos of the day.

Ruined Diner
12

Confrontation with Jody

As Stewart and Lou search for survivors, they encounter Jody and his regiment. A confrontation erupts when Jody reveals his dark side, leading to Lou shooting him in self-defense to save Rosa.

Shopping Center
13

Rescue Operation

Stewart and Lou hear survivors trapped in an underground garage and decide to rescue them. They crawl through the sewer and rubble, ultimately finding Denise amidst the chaos.

Underground Garage
14

Tragic Sacrifice

As they rescue others from the flooding garage, Remy is accidentally pushed into the water. Stewart, facing a critical choice between his wife and Denise, sacrifices himself by diving in to save Remy, leading to a tragic outcome.

Sewers
15

Aftermath Reflection

The film closes with Lou and Rosa amidst the ruins of Los Angeles, reflecting on the catastrophic events they experienced. The city lays in shambles, and Lou holds Rosa as they come to terms with their loss.

Ruined Los Angeles

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

Unlock the Full Story of Earthquake

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Earthquake Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Earthquake, 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.

Earthquake Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Earthquake

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Earthquake

More About Earthquake

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More About Earthquake

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