Harper

Harper

Year: 1966

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Jack Smight

ActionDramaMysteryThrillerCrime

Following the sudden death of her father, 11-year-old Harper is sent to a struggling farm and placed in the care of an aunt she barely knows. As she begins to adjust to her new life and find comfort in the rural setting, her wealthy mother unexpectedly returns, bringing with her unresolved family issues and long-held secrets. Harper is then faced with a difficult choice between her growing connection to the farm and her yearning for her mother and her former life.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Harper 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 – Harper (1966)

Trace every key event in Harper (1966) 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

Lew Harper Takes the Case

Private investigator Lew Harper is distracted from finalizing his divorce when he is approached with a case involving the disappearance of multi-millionaire Ralph Sampson. His client is Ralph's wife, Elaine, who is worried that Ralph is dissipating their wealth, potentially jeopardizing her inheritance.

2

Meeting Allan Taggert

As Harper starts his investigation, he meets Allan Taggert, Ralph's private pilot. Taggert's insights into Ralph's life offer Harper valuable leads, while also introducing him to Taggert's flirtatious daughter, Miranda, adding complexity to the case.

3

The Mysterious Photograph

Harper discovers a glamorous photograph of a starlet in Ralph's bungalow, leading him to seek out Fay Estabrook, an aging alcoholic. The photograph sets off a chain of events that deepens the mystery surrounding Sampson's disappearance.

4

Confrontation with Fay's Husband

In a bold move, Harper intoxicates Fay to extract information about Ralph. However, he faces a dangerous situation when Fay's husband, Dwight Troy, confronts him, nearly leading to violence until Harper cleverly pretends to be a lovesick admirer.

5

Betty Fraley's Warning

Harper tracks down Betty Fraley, a lounge singer, hoping for more answers. Instead, she immediately recognizes Ralph's voice, leading to a dangerous situation when her bouncer, Puddler, is sent after him, although Taggert intervenes just in time.

6

The $500,000 Message

While continuing his search, Harper uncovers a message from Ralph to Elaine, instructing her to convert $500,000 in bonds. This discovery raises alarm bells for Harper, who starts to suspect foul play and a potential kidnapping.

7

Discovering Ransom Notes

During a visit to a remote property, Harper finds pot of beans cooking and familiar tire tracks. He later uncovers a ransom note at the Sampson estate, instructing Elaine to deliver cash that night, solidifying his suspicions of a kidnapping plot.

Remote Mountaintop Property
8

Ransom Drop Goes Wrong

During the ransom drop, chaos ensues when the messenger collecting the money is shot. This shocking turn of events propels Harper to investigate further, leading him to a sleazy bar called The Corner, where he learns more about the unsavory elements involved.

The Corner Bar
9

The Smuggling Operation Revealed

Harper's investigation reveals a larger smuggling operation run by Troy. A tense confrontation ensues but Harper manages to escape with critical information about the roles players like Taggert, Betty, and Eddie had in Ralph's kidnapping.

10

Taggert's Shooting

In a dramatic sequence, Albert Graves, Ralph's attorney, shoots Taggert amidst the chaos of the investigation. This shocking moment deepens the mystery, as Harper realizes the stakes are even higher than he initially thought.

11

Betty's Rescue Attempt

Harper makes a desperate attempt to save Betty from the clutches of Troy and his gang. His determination shines through as he fights to free her, but both he and Betty are soon faced with heartbreaking news regarding Ralph's fate.

12

Discovering Ralph's Body

In a tragic moment, Harper and Betty find Ralph dead inside an abandoned oil tanker. This devastating discovery confirms Harper's worst fears, marking a turning point in the investigation and unleashing a wave of emotions.

Abandoned Oil Tanker
13

Betty's Accidental Death

As Harper pursues Betty down a hillside, a tragic accident costs her life. This heartbreaking event leaves a lasting impact on Harper, complicating his feelings about the case and the people involved.

14

Confrontation with Albert Graves

Ultimately, Harper confronts Albert Graves after piecing together the truth about the criminal plot. Faced with moral dilemmas, he must decide how to handle the betrayal, leading to a tension-filled showdown between right and wrong.

15

Harper's Fate

As the narrative reaches its climax, Harper grapples with the consequences of his actions and the betrayal by Graves. The film concludes with Harper surrendering to his fate, leaving viewers questioning the complexities of justice.

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 11:29

Unlock the Full Story of Harper

Don't stop at just watching — explore Harper in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Harper is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Harper Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Harper, 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.

Harper Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Harper

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Harper

More About Harper

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Harper: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Harper

Similar Movies to Harper

Discover movies like Harper that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.