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 – Jack the Giant Killer (1962)

Trace every key event in Jack the Giant Killer (1962) 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

Pendragon's tyranny ends; exile of Pendragon

Pendragon rules over giants, witches, hobgoblins and other dark creatures in the Duchy of Cornwall. The wizard Herla defeats him and exiles him to an uncharted island. After Herla's death, there is no longer a defense against Pendragon, who vows revenge.

Ancient days Duchy of Cornwall; uncharted island
2

Elaine's coronation and Pendragon's disguise

Years pass and the kingdom celebrates Princess Elaine's crowning by King Mark. Pendragon arrives disguised as Elidoras and presents Elaine with a music box containing a miniature dancing jester.

Crowning night Cornwall Castle
3

The jester grows and abducts Elaine

That night the music box releases the tiny jester, which grows into the giant Cormoran that abducts Elaine. Guards are powerless to stop the creature, and Pendragon carries Elaine away to his ship.

Night of abduction Castle; Pendragon's ship
4

Jack rescues Elaine and is knighted

A brave farmer named Jack confronts Cormoran and frees Elaine, slaying the giant. Grateful, King Mark knights Jack and names him Elaine's protector.

After the rescue Castle; Cornwall
5

Plan to move Elaine; Lady Constance's betrayal

King Mark orders Jack to escort Elaine to a convent across the sea for safety. Lady Constance, bewitched by Pendragon, betrays the plan by revealing it to Pendragon.

Following rescue Cornwall; sea route
6

Witches intercept the voyage; Elaine captured

Demonic witches are sent to intercept the ship. The captain is murdered, Elaine is captured, and Jack and Peter are cast overboard as chaos erupts.

During interception At sea
7

Pendragon confronts King Mark; a plea for abdication

Pendragon bewitches Elaine into an evil witch loyal to him and returns to Cornwall to confront King Mark. He gives the king one week to renounce the throne or Elaine will be killed.

After capture Cornwall; Pendragon's castle
8

Betrayal revealed; mirror shattered

Lady Constance's betrayal is revealed when King Mark discovers her witchform; he smashes the mirror to free his realm from Pendragon's spell.

Revealed King's hall; mirror
9

Sigurd meets the Imp; three wishes explained

On the sea, the Viking Sigurd rescues Jack and Peter and meets the Imp, a leprechaun imprisoned for crafting seven-league boots. The Imp explains that three wishes can be granted by his gold coins if used by an honest person.

At sea Sea / Pendragon's island
10

First two wishes free Elaine; transformation revealed

The Imp guides Jack to Pendragon's island; with the first two wishes, Jack frees Elaine from captivity, unaware that she has been transformed into an evil witch by Pendragon.

During the quest Pendragon's island
11

On the voyage home, Elaine's betrayal deepens

On the journey home, Elaine gives Jack a sleeping potion and, when she touches the Imp's bottle, her malice causes it to heat and she casts it into the sea, destroying the bottle. Pendragon captures Jack and tries to coerce him by transforming Peter into a chimpanzee and Sigurd into a dog.

During voyage On ship
12

Escape and spell-breaking

Jack, aided by Peter and Sigurd, breaks free from Pendragon's trap and smashes Elaine's mirror reflection to break the spell. They flee as Pendragon conjures a two-headed giant.

Escape Castle / sea
13

Final battle: sea monster versus giant

The Imp's bottle washes ashore, and he grants the final wish: a sea monster rises to kill the giant. Pendragon then transforms into a dragon and attacks the ship.

Final battle Sea; Pendragon's castle
14

Resolution: Pendragon slain, return to Cornwall

Jack defeats Pendragon in battle, the castle collapses crushing Garna and the witches. Sigurd and Peter are restored to humans, the Imp is freed, and his boots return him to Ireland, while a rainbow guides Jack and the others home to Cornwall.

Resolution Cornwall; Ireland

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:52

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Jack the Giant Killer Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Jack the Giant Killer

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