Night of the Lepus

Night of the Lepus

Year: 1972

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: William F. Claxton

Sci-FiThrillerHorror

A plague of giant, genetically mutated rabbits descends upon an Arizona ranch, causing widespread devastation. Rancher Cole Hillman seeks a solution to the bizarre outbreak, but his actions trigger a terrifying escalation of the creatures' size and aggression. A team of scientists must grapple with the unintended results of their research as they battle an increasingly ferocious and overwhelming horde, struggling to survive against the unexpected threat.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Night of the Lepus yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Night of the Lepus (1972)

Trace every key event in Night of the Lepus (1972) 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

A Startling News Report

The film opens with a news report discussing the growing problem of overpopulation among both humans and animals. It specifically highlights the rabbit outbreak that occurred in Australia during the 1950s, drawing attention to a similar crisis developing in the American Southwest, particularly in Arizona.

2

Cole's Horse Accident

In Arizona, we meet Cole Hillman who is out riding his horse when the animal unexpectedly steps into a rabbit hole. This accident tragically injures the horse, leading Cole to make the heart-wrenching decision to shoot it and begin the long trek home on foot.

Arizona
3

Seeking Help from the University

Determined to tackle the rabbit infestation, Cole reaches out to a local university in Ajo for assistance. There, he meets Dr. Elgin Clark, who initially suggests bringing in an expert who previously dealt with coyote issues, though this idea leaves Cole apprehensive.

Ajo
4

Contacting the Bennett Family

Dr. Clark proposes that Cole consult with the Bennett family, who are researchers focused on eco-friendly methods for wildlife control. The Bennetts include Roy, Gerry, and their daughter Amanda, who are currently engaged in experiments with bats to combat mosquito populations without resorting to harmful pesticides.

5

Ranchers Battling Rabbits

As Cole and the Bennetts travel to his ranch, they observe desperate ranchers shooting at rabbits, illustrating the dire consequences of the infestation. Cole expresses concern about potential poisoning of his land if he resorts to using chemicals, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.

Cole's Ranch
6

Exploring Alternative Solutions

Despite his initial reluctance, Cole considers Roy's ideas about disrupting the rabbits' reproductive systems or introducing a disease that specifically targets them. Meanwhile, Amanda develops a budding friendship with Cole's son, Jackie, adding a personal touch to the unfolding crisis.

7

Stalled Experiments

Progress at the university is minimal as their experiments on the rabbits show little promise. Cole's ranch remains in jeopardy, pushing him into a more desperate state as he contemplates extreme measures to protect his livelihood.

University
8

Experimentation Conflict

In a moment of desperation, Cole attempts an injection on an untested rabbit, leading to a moral conflict with Amanda, who has become attached to a different rabbit. To protect her pet, she swaps it with one from the control group, believing she is saving it from harm.

9

The Rabbit Escape

Tension escalates when Jackie unintentionally lets Amanda's rabbit loose. As the university's tests progress with limited success, panic ensues when the rabbits start behaving abnormally large yet unaffected, raising alarm bells for everyone involved.

10

Desperate Measures

Facing the rabbit crisis head-on, Cole makes the risky decision to burn a section of his land to create a food-less environment for the rabbits. This strategy provides temporary relief, but the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.

11

Discovery of Large Rabbits

The plot thickens as unnatural animal tracks lead Cole and the Bennetts to an abandoned mine, where they confront massive rabbits. This encounter escalates the already critical situation into a terrifying fight for survival as the group realizes the true extent of the problem.

Mine
12

Tragic Incidents Occur

As they attempt to manage the massive rabbit population, a truck driver falls victim to a rabbit attack, highlighting the urgent danger posed by these creatures. The chaos continues to escalate when an explosion meant to contain the rabbits only increases the pandemonium.

Cole's Ranch
13

The Final Strategy

In a climactic moment, the group decides to use a railroad track to electrocute the advancing rabbit swarm as they pass. As reinforcements arrive and chaos ensues, everyone must confront their fears amidst the tumult and gunfire, working together to implement their plan.

14

Aftermath and Reflection

As the crisis reaches its conclusion, Cole reflects on the events that have transpired, finding a glimmer of hope. With the return of coyotes to the area, he considers the possibility of natural balance being restored, signifying hope for the future.

15

Conclusion and Message

The film concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance within nature. Cole's invitation for the Bennetts to visit his ranch symbolizes the potential for recovery and understanding after an ecological crisis.

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 11:54

Unlock the Full Story of Night of the Lepus

Don't stop at just watching — explore Night of the Lepus in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Night of the Lepus is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Night of the Lepus Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Night of the Lepus, 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.

Night of the Lepus Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Night of the Lepus

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Night of the Lepus. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Night of the Lepus

More About Night of the Lepus

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Night of the Lepus: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Night of the Lepus

Similar Movies to Night of the Lepus

Discover movies like Night of the Lepus that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.