Experiment in Terror

Experiment in Terror

Year: 1962

Runtime: 123 mins

Language: English

Director: Blake Edwards

CrimeThrillerThrillers and murder mysteriesCrime drugs and gangstersHeists and thrilling action

A menacing caller with a wheezy, asthmatic voice breaks into clerk Kelly Sherwood’s home, threatening her and demanding she use her position at the bank to help him steal a sizable sum. As terror and tension mount, Kelly must confront the harrowing ordeal and the impossible choice it forces upon her.

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Timeline & Setting – Experiment in Terror (1962)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Experiment in Terror (1962). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

early 1960s

The events take place in the early 1960s in San Francisco. The era features traditional investigative methods and a moody, film noir atmosphere. The period predated modern digital surveillance, emphasizing tension and human intelligence.

Location

San Francisco, California, Candlestick Park

San Francisco serves as the gritty urban backdrop for a crime driven plot. The city locations include the bank, the FBI office, and Candlestick Park where the final chase unfolds. The fog, crowded streets, and waterfronts heighten tension between the criminals and law enforcement.

🎭 Crime 🗺️ City 🏟️ Stadium 🕵️‍♂️ Investigation

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:00

Main Characters – Experiment in Terror (1962)

Meet the key characters of Experiment in Terror (1962), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kelly Sherwood (Lee Remick)

A bank teller who becomes an unwilling participant in Lynch's scheme after being pressured under threat. She remains morally aware and resilient even as fear dominates her actions. Her courage is tested as she cooperates with the FBI and tries to protect her sister.

💪 Determined 🧠 Resourceful 😨 Fearful

Toby Sherwood (Stefanie Powers)

Kelly's teenage sister who is kidnapped by Lynch. She is thrust into serious danger but shows moments of resilience as she endures the ordeal. Her situation heightens the stakes for the investigation and Kelly's choices.

👧 Teenage 🧭 Vulnerable 💪 Resilient

John Ripley (Glenn Ford)

An FBI agent who leads the investigation, coordinating with local authorities and tracking Lynch's moves. He uses sharp instincts to uncover clues and connect suspects. His steady, professional approach anchors the pursuit and the final confrontation.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigator 💼 Professional 🧠 Strategic

Red Lynch (Ross Martin)

A sadistic killer who manipulates others through fear and coercion. He has a history of violent crimes and uses charm to stay a step ahead of the law. His control over victims and the situation drives the story toward a dramatic showdown.

🔥 Manipulative 🧠 Cunning 🗝️ Dangerous

Lisa Soong (Anita Loo)

Lynch's girlfriend who finances his life and initially resists cooperating with investigators. Her loyalty is tested by the criminal relationship she is tied to, and she becomes a focal point for uncovering Lynch's true nature.

💸 Financially Bound 💔 Loyal 🧠 Naive

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:00

Major Themes – Experiment in Terror (1962)

Explore the central themes of Experiment in Terror (1962), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😨 Coercion

Red Lynch uses fear and coercion to push Kelly toward crime. The threat to her younger sister Toby amplifies the moral pressure. The film examines how intimidation can drive ordinary people to cross legal boundaries. It also shows the long term damage caused by coercive control.

🔎 Investigation

FBI Agent John Ripley leads a methodical investigation that peels back Lynch's criminal history and the blueprint of the crime. The pursuit weaves through San Francisco with witnesses and false leads. The cat and mouse dynamic creates suspense as time runs out. The stadium finale tests the city police and the agency to act under pressure.

🎭 Deception

Lynch thrives on deception and control, presenting a public image that masks a dangerous underworld. The relationship with Lisa Soong demonstrates how wealth and loyalty can be manipulated to secure criminal aims. Deception shapes every action as the truth slowly emerges. The film uses misdirection to keep the audience guessing until the final confrontation.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:00

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Experiment in Terror Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Experiment in Terror, 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.

Experiment in Terror Summary

Experiment in Terror Timeline

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Experiment in Terror Timeline

More About Experiment in Terror

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