Jigsaw

Jigsaw

Year: 1962

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: English

Director: Val Guest

CrimeDramaMysteryThrillerThrillers and murder mysteries

A woman is discovered murdered in a seaside house on the coast near Brighton, East Sussex, England. Detective Inspector Fred Fellows and Detective Sergeant Jim Wilks lead the investigation, methodically pursuing leads and clues across Brighton, Hove and beyond. The plot is based on Hillary Waugh’s novel “Sleep Long My Love” and inspired by the real Brighton Trunk Murders of the late 1930s.

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Timeline & Setting – Jigsaw (1962)

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

Time period

Location

Saltdean (near Brighton), Lewes, Greenwich

The crime unfolds in a seaside English locale around Saltdean, with key action moving through nearby towns such as Lewes and Greenwich. The area combines quiet residential streets, small offices, and the coastline, creating a tense backdrop for a dispassionate police investigation. Investigators traverse the region as they piece together who the victim was and how the identity confusion began.

🏖️ Coastal setting 🕵️ Detective mystery

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:09

Main Characters – Jigsaw (1962)

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

Det. Insp. Fred Fellows (Jack Warner)

A veteran inspector who leads the investigation with a calm, methodical approach. He pieces together leads across the Brighton area and uses a non-standard procedure to confirm his theory. His perseverance and sharp reasoning drive the case toward a breakthrough.

🕵️ Detective 🧠 Analytical

Jean Sherman

A living woman linked to the case who had a one-night stand with a man named Campbell. Her testimony and backstory help the detectives connect the victim to a name, while complicating alibis. She becomes a focal point in the search for identity.

🎭 Drama 🔎 Clarity

Ray Tenby

A suspect who knew about the victim and the house, but who claims the death was accidental. His alibi is questioned as the investigation uncovers inconsistencies and lies about crucial details.

🧩 Deception 🕵️ Suspense

Mr Simpson

The victim's father, who receives the devastating news and must confront the reality of his daughter's death. His reaction illustrates the personal toll of the case and the pressure on investigators to deliver truth.

💔 Grief 👨‍👦 Family

Mrs Simpson

The victim's mother, who shares in the grief and interacts with the detectives as the case unfolds. Her perspective underscores the human cost behind the mystery.

💔 Grief 🧭 Family

Det. Sgt. Jim Wilks

A seasoned detective who assists Fellows and contributes to the procedural work that keeps the investigation on track.

🧭 Teamwork 🧰 Procedure

Sgt Gorman

A sergeant who helps manage leads and coordinate field work across locations as the case expands from Brighton to surrounding towns.

🗺️ Fieldwork 🚓 Police

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:09

Major Themes – Jigsaw (1962)

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

🎭 Identity

The case hinges on who the victim really was and whether appearances hide the truth. False identities, such as the name John Campbell and the victim’s assumed identity, drive the plot and mislead both characters and viewers. The detectives must pierce the veil of disguise, using handwriting analysis and cross-referenced testimony to uncover reality.

🕵️ Investigation

The film emphasizes methodical police work: following up odd leases, tracking leads across Brighton-area towns, and interrogating suspects. The detectives build a case step by step, comparing alibis with physical evidence. The story revolves around patient deduction and the persistence required to connect disparate clues.

💡 Truth & Lies

Lies about identities and motives collide with stubborn facts, forcing the investigators to revise theories. A key suspect's alibi and a lie about a bank holiday purchase become turning points. The truth gradually emerges through careful reexamination of statements and documents.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:09

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Jigsaw Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Jigsaw, 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.

Jigsaw Summary

Jigsaw Timeline

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Jigsaw Timeline

More About Jigsaw

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Jigsaw (1962) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Jigsaw (1962) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Jigsaw (1962) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow