No Place to Hide

No Place to Hide

Year: 1973

Runtime: 80 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Allen Schnitzer

ThrillerDramaCrime

Set in late‑1960s New York, a politically driven student collective plots to bomb the offices of corporations that profit from dictators in Central American nations. Their plan leads them to enlist a notorious terrorist and bomb‑making expert, drawing the FBI into a chase, while the members wrestle with personal loyalties and romance.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – No Place to Hide (1973)

Trace every key event in No Place to Hide (1973) 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

Jerry meets Laurie on the road to New York

In October 1969, anti-war activist Jerry Savage accepts a ride from a group of hippies heading to New York City. He instantly takes a liking to Laurie, a sweet-natured jewelry maker who sees the world differently from him. The encounter plants the seed of a personal connection amid mounting political tension.

October 1969 On the highway toward New York City
2

Estelle learns the merchandise has arrived

In New York City, Estelle Ferguson receives a phone call informing her that 'the merchandise has arrived'. She later collects it from a chemical company that evening, signaling the operation's escalation and the FBI's interest. The message ties her to Marlena's bombing network.

early October 1969 New York City (dance studio for the call; chemical company pickup later)
3

Tommy Trafler and Jerry plan at the park

Jerry meets his friend Tommy Trafler at a park and they discuss their business plan. They decide to conduct the operation from Tommy's office in the warehouse district. The meeting marks the transition from casual talk to an organized scheme.

October 1969 Park, New York City
4

Estelle and Ray visit Tommy's office

Estelle and taxi driver Ray Brown arrive at Tommy's office with Jerry; Ray challenges Marlena's security and questions her absence, prompting Tommy to reassure them Marlena can be trusted. The group coordinates their next moves as Marlena remains central to the plan.

same day Tommy's office, warehouse district
5

Reconnaissance of Morris and Ray Metals

The next day, Jerry and Estelle pose as tourists to study the headquarters of Morris and Ray Metals, a cookware company that operates tiger cages. They map security measures and gather details on government contracts to prepare the press release that will accompany the bombing. The tension escalates as authorities monitor their activity.

the following day Morris and Ray Metals HQ, New York City
6

FBI briefings on Marlena and the Weathermen infiltrator

In New York, the FBI reviews footage of Marlena's attacks, known as 'Miss M' the Black Bomber, whose bombs have caused destruction but no deaths yet. The FBI assigns a civilian infiltrator from within The Weathermen to report on the cell's activities from the inside. The watchful eyes of law enforcement heighten the stakes for every move.

pre-operation FBI offices, New York City
7

Tommy and Marlena rekindle on the ferry

On a ferry across New York Harbor, Tommy and Marlena renew their past romance. Marlena knows the government is following her and insists on continuing the mission, while Tommy contemplates aborting but ultimately decides to proceed.

the night before the operation New York Harbor ferry
8

Jerry invites Laurie to the countryside commune

Jerry finds Laurie at her jewelry stand and invites her to spend the weekend at the communal house in the countryside. They discuss their differing philosophies—Laurie promoting love and God as catalysts for change, while Jerry believes in bold actions to end conflict.

weekend after first meeting Laurie's jewelry stand; countryside commune
9

Marlena builds the bomb and trains Estelle

Marlena constructs her bomb and instructs Estelle how to detonate it, warning that a sudden shock could trigger premature explosion. The pair prepares for the planned strike, intensifying the sense of danger for everyone involved.

before dawn of operation New York City
10

Washington, D.C. debate on domestic spying and CIA ties

In Washington, journalist Richard Scott questions FBI official William Decker about domestic spying and liaison with the CIA. Decker denies such allegations but explains the use of special operations to counter the Weathermen. The exchange highlights political pressure surrounding the investigation.

early in the operation timeline Washington, D.C.
11

Tommy delivers fake bomb and secures new identity

Back in New York, Tommy escorts Estelle to the target with what appears to be a real bomb but is actually fake, receiving payment and a new identity from FBI agent Henderson. He returns to the office to pack, revealing his status as an informant to some extent. The deception complicates the plot as suspicions rise.

night before bombing Tommy's office, New York City; Estelle's ride
12

Marlena discovers Tommy's betrayal and warns Jerry

Marlena realizes Tommy is an informant and warns Jerry, heightening distrust within the cell. Jerry escapes to the commune to avoid capture as Marlena's suspicions deepen.

immediately after Tommy's office; Estelle's apartment
13

Estelle dies during the raid and rooftop pursuit

As dawn rises, Estelle is trapped inside the Morris and Ray building by FBI surrounders and jumps to her death from the roof. The destruction continues as the operation spirals out of control and Marlena's cell is exposed.

dawn Morris and Ray Metals building, NYC roof
14

FBI storms Tommy's office; cell members flee

Agents storm Tommy's office while the surviving cell members have fled, leaving the operation in chaos and exposing the betrayal within the group. The crackdown marks the collapse of the militant plan.

later that day Tommy's office, New York City
15

Laurie dies after the bomb explodes at the commune

Jerry arrives at the countryside commune to find it empty, then Laurie returns and discovers the bomb package in a car. She places it back inside, but is killed by the subsequent explosion. The tragedy underscores the human cost of political extremism.

same day as Estelle's death Commune; car

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:06

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