Jack the Giant Killer

Jack the Giant Killer

Year: 1962

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Nathan Juran

FantasyAdventureFamilyEpic heroesFantasy adventure heroism and swordplay

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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Jack the Giant Killer Summary

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Jack the Giant Killer Summary

Jack the Giant Killer Timeline

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Jack the Giant Killer Timeline

More About Jack the Giant Killer

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Jack the Giant Killer (1962) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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Jack the Giant Killer (1962) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow