Fallen Angel

Fallen Angel

Year: 1981

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Michael Lewis

DramaTV Movie

Twelve‑year‑old Jennifer feels isolated as her widowed mother dates a family friend. Seeking companionship, she befriends Howie, coach of her new softball team. He convinces her to pose for increasingly revealing photos, exposing him as a pedophile who works in child pornography. Jennifer’s mother races against time to intervene before Howie exploits her further.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Fallen Angel 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 – Fallen Angel (1981)

Trace every key event in Fallen Angel (1981) 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

Jennifer's family turmoil after her father's death

Jennifer Phillips struggles to communicate with her mother after the death of her father and the arrival of her mother's new boyfriend, Frank Dawson, who was her father's coworker. The tense family dynamic colors her early choices and makes her susceptible to later manipulations.

early in the story home
2

Howard begins grooming Jennifer via softball ad at the video arcade

Howard Nichols begins contacting Jennifer after placing ads for the softball team at a video arcade, launching secret conversations. He flatters her, photographs her, and begins grooming her by suggesting she could be a movie star. He also showers her with gifts like ice cream, a teddy bear, and a puppy.

shortly after first contact video arcade
3

Dennis decides to film Jennifer; Howard resists

Dennis, the film director, sees Jennifer as the perfect subject and arranges for her to come to the house where filming happens. Howard tries to keep her for himself and resists, but Dennis threatens to tip off the authorities and frame Howard if needed. Howard eventually backs off, though his influence over the shoot remains.

house where filming occurs
4

First shoots with Jennifer and David near the lake

Jennifer is paired with a boy named David, and they begin posing for a series of mostly innocent shots, including kissing and cuddling. The mood shifts, but at this stage the activity still hides the darker intentions behind the operation.

lake area
5

Howard pressures for more provocative photographs

During the lake shoot, Howard pressures them to pose in more provocative ways. David cooperates, while Jennifer refuses to go further, clinging to her boundaries.

lake
6

Coercion escalates with threats and manipulation

Howard uses manipulative tactics to coerce Jennifer into the shot, including threats to return her dog Fred to the pound and giving her a spiked beverage to calm her nerves. Overwhelmed by fear, Jennifer eventually agrees to go along with the shoot.

lake area / shooting location
7

Frank exposes the magazine ad; Jennifer runs away

Frank spots Jennifer in a controversial magazine advertisement and informs Sherry. Jennifer initially denies involvement when confronted at home, but the pressure drives her to run away.

home
8

Jennifer finds shelter at an apartment with others

Howard offers Jennifer a place to stay and she moves into an apartment with three young male stars. The living arrangement reinforces the power dynamic and keeps her under Howard's control.

apartment
9

Sherry uncovers the truth through a goodbye letter

Sherry finds a goodbye letter in Jennifer's belongings, revealing that Jennifer had been the girl in the magazine ad. The revelation shatters the family and points to the urgent need to seek help.

home
10

Howard feigns surprise at Jennifer's disappearance

Howard feigns surprise at Jennifer's disappearance when she goes missing from the ballgame at the rec center. The act underscores his manipulation of the situation while the family searches for her.

evening rec center
11

Sherry locates Howard's address and alerts the authorities

Sherry uses a number Howard had given as his answering service to locate his address and provide it to the police. This move catalyzes law enforcement action against Howard.

Howard's residence
12

Jennifer testifies in court with support

Howard is arrested and the investigation moves forward. Jennifer testifies in court, supported by Sherry and Frank, sharing her account of the exploitation and helping to secure a conviction.

court

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:51

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