Kill or Be Killed

Kill or Be Killed

Year: 1976

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Ivan Hall

DramaAdventureAction

It’s not merely a contest—survival depends on it. Former Axis power leaders, the ruthless General Von Rudloff and Japanese master Miyagi, organize a lethal martial‑arts tournament inside Von Rudloff’s desert fortress. They scramble to recruit the world’s best fighters, with the defiant Steve Hunt being the most coveted entrant.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Kill or Be Killed (1976)

Trace every key event in Kill or Be Killed (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

Desert competition turns into a trap

Steve Hunt travels to the desert believing he has entered an Olympic-style martial arts competition. He plans to compete and, if necessary, escape. Soon the contestants are revealed to be pawns in Baron von Rudloff's scheme.

Pre-tournament Desert competition site
2

Olga deemed unsuitable; Chico is assaulted

As Steve contemplates escape after Olga is deemed unfit to continue, Chico is assaulted by von Rudloff's fighters. Steve intervenes to help Chico, and the dwarf henchman, seeing the good in Steve, agrees to aid their escape. The plan to flee brings Steve and Olga deeper into danger but also sparks Chico's loyalty to their cause.

Early escape phase Desert training grounds
3

Chico sent to recruit fighters worldwide

After Steve and Olga begin to escape, von Rudloff sends Chico on a global mission to recruit the best fighters for his team. Chico travels around the world, gathering skilled contenders to bolster the Baron's ranks. The recruitment mission demonstrates the breadth of Rudloff's plans against them.

After the escape Around the world
4

Ruell kidnaps Olga to force Steve back

Ruell is hired by Rudloff to kidnap Olga, who is training with her teacher Lorraine, in an effort to draw Steve back onto Rudloff's team. The kidnapping creates a direct leverage over Steve and escalates the conflict. Olga's safety becomes the central stake for Steve and Miyagi's looming intervention.

During kidnapping plan Lorraine's dojo
5

Miyagi offers Steve a chance to rejoin as part of his team

Miyagi learns of Steve's dilemma and offers him a chance to return to competition as a member of Miyagi's team. The offer signals a shift in allegiance and a potential path to triumph. Steve weighs the option but acknowledging his bond with Olga, contemplates the best course.

When dilemma is known Miyagi's dojo
6

Steve accepts and training begins

Steve accepts Miyagi's offer and joins his team just as both squads begin intensive training for the coming contest. The training intensifies the rivalry between the two camps while sharpening Steve's resolve. The groundwork sets the stage for a dramatic showdown.

Pre-tournament Miyagi's dojo and camp
7

Steve returns to the arena as part of Miyagi's team

Steve makes his return to the desert competition, now a member of Miyagi's squad. He trains alongside new teammates and earns their trust through his skill and determination. The dynamic shifts the balance of power in the tournament.

Before tournament starts Desert arena
8

Tournament begins; Steve becomes a focal point

The tournament kicks off with both teams facing off under the baron's watchful eye. Miyagi relies heavily on Steve's prowess, and Steve finds himself at the center of the action. The clashes showcase both the old master's philosophy and Steve's growing confidence.

Start of tournament Tournament arena
9

Steve defeats Ruell and asserts his revenge

During the proceedings, Steve confronts Ruell and exacts his revenge for Olga's kidnapping and the earlier manipulations. The confrontation demonstrates Steve's growth and the tension between the two camps. The victory shakes Rudloff's confidence ahead of the final rounds.

Mid-tournament Tournament arena
10

Final fight begins; Steve is forced to face Olga

In the final round, Rudloff forces Steve to directly confront Olga, turning their rivalry into a personal battle. Steve devises a plan with trusted teammates to escape while the duel rages. The situation tests Steve's loyalty and cunning under pressure.

Final round Tournament arena
11

Escape plan fails; Luke overpowers Steve; capture ensues

Even as the escape plan takes shape, Baron von Rudloff's monster fighter Luke overpowers Steve. Steve and Olga are dragged away, and all fighters from both sides are taken to the Baron's underground prison. The fight becomes a rescue mission from within the captivity.

After capture Baron's underground prison
12

Chico's loyalty revealed to the Baron

The Baron learns that Chico helped Steve and Olga escape, and his mood sours at the notion of defeat being possible. Chico attempts to remind the Baron that there can be victory within defeat, but the Baron refuses to admit it. The revelation strains Rudloff's control over his fighters.

After capture Baron's castle
13

Fighters break out of the castle

The fighters, now united by a common goal, mount a break-out from the Baron's castle. They fight their way through guards and obstacles, leveraging their combined skills. The escape sequence reignites the hope for freedom and survival.

Castle breakout Baron's castle
14

Chase to the desert; Luke defeated by Steve

Steve pursues von Rudloff to the desert, leading to a final desert duel where he defeats Luke with his refined skills. The desert setting provides a stark, harsh backdrop for their confrontation. This victory marks the last major obstacle before the Baron’s end.

Final showdown Desert
15

Baron von Rudloff takes his own life

Confronted with defeat and unable to accept it, Baron von Rudloff uses a gun to end his life. His death ends the threat he posed to Steve and Olga and closes the brutal chapter of the tournament. The desert silence settles after the Baron’s collapse.

After Luke's defeat Desert sands

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:13

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