Lure of the Wilderness

Lure of the Wilderness

Year: 1952

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Jean Negulesco

AdventureDramaRomance

In the treacherous swamps of Georgia, a young girl and her father—wrongly accused of murder—seek refuge among the murky wetlands. Their isolation ends when a solitary trapper, who has entered the swamp searching for his missing dog, discovers them and offers a reluctant friendship, drawing them deeper into the perilous environment.

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Timeline – Lure of the Wilderness (1952)

Trace every key event in Lure of the Wilderness (1952) 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

Into the swamp and Ben's capture

Ben and his father Zack venture into the dangerous swamp near Fargo, Georgia in search of two lost trappers. The trip is treacherous and unsuccessful, and Ben's dog Careless disappears while chasing a deer. An unseen assailant strikes Ben and he wakes to find himself captive by Jim Harper and his daughter Laurie.

Early 1910s Swamp near Fargo, Georgia
2

Jim's past revealed

Ben immediately recognizes Jim Harper as the man accused of a murder eight years earlier. Jim and Laurie have fled into the wilderness to avoid lynching and confrontation. Jim admits one killing was in self-defense and hints the other was committed by the Longden brothers.

Days after capture Wilderness encampment near the swamp
3

A bid for a fair trial

Ben tells Jim and Laurie that he wants to return to civilization to receive a fair trial. He believes Jim's story and hopes to help clear his name. Laurie remains cautious but begins to see a possible path to exoneration.

Soon after capture Wilderness camp
4

Days in the Harpers' company

Over the following days, Ben accompanies Jim and Laurie on hunting trips in the wilderness. Laurie's hostility softens as trust grows between them, and a mutual attraction starts to form. The trio maintains vigilance, aware that danger from the outside world still lingers.

In the days after capture Wilderness camp
5

Home visit and prophetic betrayal

Ben returns briefly to his father Zack and fiancée Noreen, announcing he will soon go back to the swamp. Noreen makes clear she will not wait for him and intends to find another beau. The news unsettles both families and sets up the later tension.

Short return to civilization Home village near Fargo
6

Dance and the broken engagement

At a village dance, Noreen provokes a confrontation between Ben and her date Jack Doran. Ben defeats Jack and ultimately cancels his engagement with Noreen. The break intensifies the rift between Ben and his former life back in town.

Shortly after the home visit Village dance hall
7

Noreen exposes the Harpers

Noreen follows Ben back to Laurie and discovers Laurie's identity. She falsely claims to Laurie that Ben has betrayed the Harpers and then informs the Longden brothers of Ben's interference. The seed of vengeance begins to grow.

After the dance Laurie's wilderness camp
8

Longden revenge escalates

The Longden brothers plot revenge against the Harpers for meddling with their scheme. They nearly drown Ben and later track down the Harpers to kill them so the truth will remain buried. Tension rises as the group becomes hunted.

Following Noreen's report Around the swamp and village outskirts
9

Ben warns the Harpers

Ben makes a concerted effort to warn Jim and Laurie about the danger from the Longdens. At first, they do not fully believe his warnings, but his persistence puts him in greater danger. He becomes a target for the Longdens.

During the pursuit Swamp camp
10

Jim is shot

During a confrontation, Jim is shot by one of the Longden brothers. Laurie and Ben rush to help, but the attack intensifies the need to act. The incident reinforces the stakes for their struggle in the wilderness.

Confrontation after warning Swamp clearing
11

Laurie's trap and capture

Laurie uses her knowledge of the terrain to set a trap that kills one Longden brother and captures the other. The Harpers' pursuers are finally brought to justice as the brothers are neutralized. With their attackers eliminated, the truth about the Harpers starts to come to light.

Immediately after Jim is shot Swamp/outskirts
12

Vindication and return to civilization

With the truth finally revealed, the Harpers' name is cleared. Ben's involvement helps seal the vindication, and they are able to return to civilization together. The group travels back with Ben, finally restored to normal life.

End of story Civilization

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:01

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Lure of the Wilderness

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