Jackson County Jail

Jackson County Jail

Year: 1976

Runtime: 84 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Miller

CrimeDrama

While attempting a cross‑country drive from California to New York, a young woman finds herself entangled in a terrifying ordeal. Law enforcement, supposedly there to protect her, becomes a threat, leading to a nightmarish series of hijackings, humiliation, and betrayal as she struggles to survive the relentless pursuit.

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Timeline – Jackson County Jail (1976)

Trace every key event in Jackson County Jail (1976) 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

Dinah quits and hits the road

Dinah quits her advertising job after a confrontation and decides to restart her career in New York City. She begins a cross-country drive from Los Angeles. While on the road she picks up Bobby Ray and his pregnant girlfriend Lola, who turn on her that very night by robbing her of her car and purse.

Night On the road from Los Angeles toward New York
2

Robbery, assault and arrest

Bobby Ray and Lola rob Dinah, stealing her car and purse. She seeks help at an empty bar, where the bartender Dan Oldum tries to rape her; she defends herself. A policeman arrives, Oldum lies about the attack, and Dinah is arrested and taken to Jackson County jail.

Night Jackson County
3

Introduction to Blake and the looming charge

The next day Dinah shares a jail cell with Blake, a drifter. Sheriff Dempsey explains he must verify her identity before anyone can be released. Blake is told he faces extradition to Texas for a murder charge.

Next day Jackson County jail
4

Assault, murder and escape

That evening Deputy Hobie assaults Dinah in her cell and rapes her. After he finishes, she grabs a wooden stool and beats him to death. Blake reaches through the bars, frees them both, and they escape in Hobie’s pickup.

Evening Jackson County jail
5

Chase and head-on collision

Sheriff Dempsey pursues them, leading to a fatal head-on collision with a drunk driver that kills both the sheriff and the other driver. Blake and Dinah flee the scene in Hobie’s pickup, heading into the hills.

Night Jackson County / road outside
6

Hideout with Blake’s friends

Blake takes Dinah to a run-down barn in the hills where his friends help her clean up and change clothes. Bakersfield police move in and demand surrender, but Blake’s friends open fire with machine guns to cover their escape in the pickup.

Night Hillside barn and surrounding roads
7

A drift into fugitive life

Driving through pastures, they find an empty ranch house to hide in for the night. They learn they are both wanted for Hobie’s death. Dinah wants to turn herself in, but Blake argues that corrupt local cops and lack of evidence would seal her fate, so they remain fugitives.

Morning Ranch house in the hills
8

Rancher confrontation

The shotgun-wielding rancher confronts them. Blake knocks the shotgun from the man's hand, and during the struggle the rancher wounds Blake with a scythe. Dinah shoots or knocks the rancher out, and they escape in the rancher’s pickup with the shotgun.

Morning Ranch
9

Paranormal pursuit and roadblock

A police helicopter spots the fugitives and relays their location to Fallsburg police, who set up a roadblock using a tractor-trailer. Dinah drives toward the roadblock and is wounded in the shoulder as gunfire erupts around them.

Afternoon Fallsburg outskirts
10

Blake falls in the line of duty

Blake tries to help Dinah escape during the gunfight, but he is fatally shot by the pursuing police while he sacrifices himself near the town parade. He dies lying on the American flag as the crowd in Fallsburg continues on.

Parade day Fallsburg parade route
11

Dinah wounded and taken to jail

The Fallsburg police chief arrives with the wounded Dinah in the back seat and drives her toward the town jail, leaving Blake’s body behind. Dinah stares at Blake’s dead form, realizing her life will never be the same. The film ends on a bleak note as she is taken away.

Later Fallsburg
12

Bleak ending

In the final moments, Dinah’s fate is sealed by the legal system and the loss of her partner in crime. The story closes with her heading to jail, life forever altered by the cascade of violence and corruption she experienced.

End Fallsburg jail

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:30

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Jackson County Jail Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Jackson County Jail

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