Jack the Giant Killer

Jack the Giant Killer

Year: 1962

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Nathan Juran

FantasyAdventureFamily

The ruthless Pendragon schemes to seize Cornwall’s throne by forcing the king to abdicate and marrying his beautiful daughter. He commands wicked witches and potent sorcery, and controls a giant that kidnaps the princess. On the way back, the giant encounters farmhand Jack, who defeats the beast, setting the stage for further adventure.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Jack the Giant Killer (1962)

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

Time period

medieval fantasy

The tale takes place in a fairy-tale medieval kingdom inspired by Cornwall. Magic, giants and witches populate the era, blending chivalric codes with supernatural forces. The plot follows a heroic quest that rises from a distant tyranny to present threats requiring courage and unity.

Location

Duchy of Cornwall, Pendragon's island, Cornwall, Ireland

The story unfolds across a fairy-tale medieval Cornwall setting, with castles and royal intrigue. The journey spans Pendragon's island fortress and sea crossings toward Ireland, returning to a besieged Cornwall. Locations highlight a mix of noble halls, perilous seas, and magical strongholds that drive the action.

🏰 Medieval realm 🗺️ Royal court 🌊 Sea voyage

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:56

Main Characters – Jack the Giant Killer (1962)

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

Jack (Kerwin Mathews)

A brave young farmer who becomes Elaine's protector after rescuing her from Cormoran. He is quick-thinking, steadfast, and determined to defend Cornwall from Pendragon's growing menace.

⚔️ Brave 🛡️ Loyal 🧭 Resourceful

Princess Elaine (Judi Meredith)

Princess of Cornwall who is abducted by Cormoran and later bewitched into an evil form by Pendragon. Her transformation drives the central conflict, and her fate intertwines with Jack's quest for safety and redemption.

👑 Princess 🪄 Bewitched 💔 Torn

Pendragon (Torin Thatcher)

The ruthless sorcerer who once ruled the land, now seeks revenge to seize power. He manipulates events from the shadows with disguises, magic, and a cadre of dark followers until he is finally confronted by Jack.

🗡️ Tyrant 🪄 Sorcerer 🌀 Manipulative

King Mark (Dayton Lummis)

King of Cornwall who seeks to safeguard his realm and Elaine's safety. His plans are tested by betrayal, Pendragon's threat, and the political maneuvering around his throne.

👑 King 🏛️ Ruler 🛡️ Protective

Lady Constance (Anna Lee)

A trusted confidante who is bewitched by Pendragon and betrays the king by revealing his plan. Her deception sets off a chain of events that complicate the rescue mission.

🎭 Betrayer 🪄 Bewitched 🌀 Cunning

Sigurd (Barry Kelley)

A friendly Viking who rescues Jack and Peter. He is brave and capable but not entirely honest at first, due to the Imp's influence on his wishes.

⚔️ Warrior 🛶 Seafaring 🧭 Cautious

Peter (Roger Mobley)

Captain's son who accompanies Jack. He is captured and even transformed into a chimpanzee by Pendragon's magic, contributing to the peril and eventual escape.

👦 Young 🧭 Curious 🛡️ Loyal

Imp (Don Beddoe)

A mischievous leprechaun imprisoned in a bottle who grants three wishes and serves as a guide on the quest. He speaks in rhymes and plays a crucial role in locating Pendragon's power.

🧚 Magical Guide

Chancellor (Tudor Owen)

King Mark's advisor whose political role adds tension to the plot, shadowed by Pendragon's manipulation and court intrigue.

🏛️ Scholar 🗡️ Politician

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:56

Major Themes – Jack the Giant Killer (1962)

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

⚔️ Heroism

Jack's courage drives the rescue of Elaine and the fight against Pendragon. He earns a knight's title and becomes the protector of Cornwall. The journey tests loyalty, bravery, and the willingness to risk one's life for others.

🪄 Magic

Sorcery haunts Cornwall: Pendragon commands witches and giants, the Imp grants wishes, and Elaine's transformation shows how magic can corrupt and redeem. The mirror and magical items drive crucial twists that change the course of events.

🧭 Journey

The quest threads across land and sea, from the castle to Pendragon's island and back home to Cornwall. Trust is tested as characters are bewitched, betrayed, and freed. The rainbow at the end symbolizes return and reconciliation.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:56

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Whimsical Fairy Tale Adventures like Jack the Giant Killer

Heroic quests in magical worlds where good triumphs over evil with a playful spirit.If you enjoyed the magical quest and playful spirit of Jack the Giant Killer, you'll love these movies. This section features similar fantasy adventures, heroic rescues, and stories where benevolent magic conquers evil, all with a lighthearted and whimsical tone.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a straightforward good-versus-evil structure, often involving a rescue mission or a quest to defeat a magical threat. A humble but courageous hero rises to the occasion, aided by fantastical allies and enchanted objects, leading to a decisive and happy victory.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared foundation in fairy tale logic, a whimsical and playful atmosphere, and a focus on epic, yet lighthearted, heroism. They deliver a comforting and adventurous experience where the outcome is satisfyingly predictable in the best way.

Fast-Paced Rescue Quests like in Jack the Giant Killer

Non-stop adventures where heroes race against time to save the day from magical peril.For viewers who loved the rapid-fire adventure and constant action of Jack the Giant Killer. Discover similar movies featuring swift-paced heroic journeys, urgent rescues, and fantasy plots that move briskly from one thrilling encounter to another without slowing down.

fast-pacedadventurousquestheroicaction-packedurgentrescuethrilling

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is a linear sequence of escalating challenges. The inciting incident—often a kidnapping—propels the hero into a journey where they must overcome a series of obstacles in quick succession, using both courage and cleverness to achieve a swift and decisive resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their energetic pace and focus on action-driven plots. The similarity lies in the feeling of a rollercoaster ride, where the hero's progress is continuous and the stakes are clear, making for an engaging and easy-to-follow adventure.

Unlock the Full Story of Jack the Giant Killer

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

Jack the Giant Killer Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Jack the Giant Killer, 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.

Jack the Giant Killer Summary

Jack the Giant Killer Timeline

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

Jack the Giant Killer Timeline

Jack the Giant Killer Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Jack the Giant Killer that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Jack the Giant Killer Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Jack the Giant Killer

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

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