Inferno

Inferno

Year: 1953

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Director: Roy Ward Baker

AdventureThrillerDramaThrillers and murder mysteriesNoir and dark crime dramas

After his leg is broken during a desert vacation, selfish millionaire Donald Carson is abandoned by his wife Geraldine and their friend Joseph Duncan, who are secretly lovers planning to leave him to die. Realizing he’s alone, Carson uses his cunning to survive, endure the harsh heat, and plot revenge against the treacherous couple.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Inferno 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 & Setting – Inferno (1953)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Inferno (1953). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

The story is set in the early 1950s, a period known for gritty noir thrillers. Its events unfold in a contemporary American landscape, emphasizing survival and betrayal rather than historical upheaval. The desert environment and pursuit across roads are characteristic of mid-century film noir.

Location

Mojave Desert, Los Angeles

The action unfolds across the harsh Mojave Desert where Carson is stranded and must survive. It also shifts to a glamorous Los Angeles mansion where Gerry and her lover plot, highlighting the contrast between luxury and danger. The desolate desert roads, Elby's shack, and remote landscapes drive the pursuit and the characters' choices.

🌵 Desert 🏜️ Remote 🏙️ City

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:24

Main Characters – Inferno (1953)

Meet the key characters of Inferno (1953), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Donald Whitley Carson III (Robert Ryan)

Wealthy industrialist who is left stranded in the desert after his wife and her lover abandon him. He endures hardship with stubborn, patient resolve, and he ultimately seeks justice rather than reckless vengeance. The plot follows his gradual transformation as he survives and confronts those who betrayed him.

💼 Wealthy 🧭 Resourceful 🗡️ Revenge-driven 🌵 Desert survivor

Geraldine Carson (Gerry) (Rhonda Fleming)

Carson's wife who conspires with Joe Duncan to leave him for dead. She projects glamour while demonstrating a calculating, self-serving nature. Her choices propel the narrative and culminate in a tense outcome.

💃 Glamorous 🧭 Calculating 💔 Unfaithful 🌪️ Manipulative

Joe Duncan (William Lundigan)

Gerry's lover and the driving force behind the desert plot. He is ambitious and ruthless, willing to resort to violence to secure his interests. His pursuit ends when the shack blaze traps him with Carson.

💎 Ambitious ⚡ Violent 🧭 Cunning 🔨 Ruthless

Sam Elby (Henry Hull)

An elderly prospector who helps Carson by giving him a ride and later aids his escape. He embodies weathered wisdom and pragmatic kindness, becoming a crucial ally before a brutal confrontation.

🧭 Wise 🏜️ Desert-dweller 🤝 Helpful 🔧 Practical

Sheriff (Robert Burton)

Law enforcement figure who evaluates the missing-person case and pursues leads in the desert and the city outskirts. He represents authority and the pursuit of justice amid the case’s tension.

👮 Authority 🗺️ Investigator 🛡️ Steadfast

Lt. Mike Platt (Carl Betz)

Deputy lieutenant who coordinates part of the search for Carson and interacts with other characters during the pursuit.

🧭 Duty-bound 👮 Law 🧩 Investigator

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:24

Major Themes – Inferno (1953)

Explore the central themes of Inferno (1953), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Revenge

A vow of vengeance drives Carson after the betrayal of his wife and her lover. The plot explores how revenge reshapes priorities, tests resolve, and ultimately reveals what characters are willing to sacrifice. The pursuit unfolds across dangerous terrain, insisting that revenge come with a moral cost.

🔥 Survival

The Mojave Desert functions as a crucible where physical endurance and ingenuity are tested. Carson builds a splint for his leg, digs a well, and hunts to endure the harsh environment. Survival depends on resourcefulness and the ability to outlast pursuers.

💔 Betrayal

Gerry's infidelity and her alliance with Joe Duncan set the plot in motion and show the fragility of trust. Betrayal drives the tension between characters, forcing decisions that blur morality. The eventual confrontation emphasizes the high cost of deceit.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:24

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Inferno

Don't stop at just watching — explore Inferno 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 Inferno is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Inferno Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Inferno, 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.

Inferno Summary

Inferno Timeline

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

Inferno Timeline

More About Inferno

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Inferno: 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 Inferno