One Million B.C.

One Million B.C.

Year: 1940

Runtime: 80 mins

Language: English

Directors: Hal Roach, Hal Roach, Jr.

FantasyActionScience FictionAdventureEpic history and literature

An eye‑catching 1940 American fantasy from Hal Roach Studios, released by United Artists and also billed as Cave Man, Man and His Mate, or Tumak. Victor Mature plays Tumak, a young caveman determined to unify the warlike Rock Tribe with the peaceful Shell Tribe. He falls for Loana (Carole Landis), the chief’s daughter, while his stern father (Lon Chaney Jr.) leads the Rock Tribe.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen One Million B.C. 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 & Setting – One Million B.C. (1940)

Explore the full timeline and setting of One Million B.C. (1940). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

One Million B.C.

The film situates events in a mythic prehistoric era where humans live in small tribal societies alongside dinosaurs. Life centers on hunting, clan rituals, and shared meals. A volcanic eruption and other natural dangers test the tribes and push them toward unity.

Location

Rock Tribe Cave, Shell Tribe Cave

The story shifts between the Rock Tribe's cave and the Shell Tribe's cave, set in a harsh prehistoric environment. The landscapes range from dark, rugged interiors to river valleys carved by ancient lava flows. The two tribes' spaces reflect differing customs around food, hierarchy, and kinship, underscoring a clash that drives the plot.

🪨 Cavern habitats 🧭 Tribal cultures 🌋 Volcanic landscapes

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:12

Main Characters – One Million B.C. (1940)

Meet the key characters of One Million B.C. (1940), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Akhoba (Lon Chaney Jr.)

Akhoba is the head of the Rock Tribe, a fierce patriarch who believes strength and status justify leadership. He clashes with his son Tumak over the first kill, asserting traditional authority in a brutal display. When a younger hunter gains power and Akhoba is sidelined, his authority is questioned and he is left to die, effectively ending his rule for the moment. Later, after witnessing the value of experience and wisdom in the Shell Tribe’s survival, his status shifts as unity takes hold.

🪨 Rock Tribe ⚔️ Warrior 👑 Leadership

Tumak (Victor Mature)

Tumak is the son of Akhoba; ambitious and confrontational, he fights for the right to his first kill. After a banishment, he adapts to life with the Shell Tribe, where he learns different customs and gains patience. He saves a child from a dangerous Allosaurus and, after reclaiming a borrowed spear, asserts himself as a capable hunter and leader. Ultimately, his actions help unite the two tribes into a single community.

⚔️ Warrior 👑 Leader 🧭 Adaptability

Loana (Carole Landis)

Loana is a member of the Shell Tribe who befriends Tumak after rescuing him. She shares her food and helps him understand Shell customs, leading to mutual respect. Her love for Tumak drives the alliance between the tribes, and she guides the Shell Tribe in adopting more communal practices. She remains a catalyst for unity and care amid a harsh world.

💃 Shell Tribe 🫶 Love 🧭 Unity-builder

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:12

Major Themes – One Million B.C. (1940)

Explore the central themes of One Million B.C. (1940), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👑 Leadership

Akhoba’s leadership is built on strength and tradition, clashing with Tumak’s ambition. The fight over the first kill and the bumping of Tumak from his place exposes fragile power structures. When Akhoba is cast out after a failed hunt, the dynamics of authority shift and set the stage for later reconciliation. The evolving leadership reveals how wisdom, courage, and adaptability shape a tribe.

🪶 Cultural Clash

Differences in food rituals, meal order, and social roles between the Rock Tribe and Shell Tribe drive much of the tension. The Shell Tribe practices sharing, especially feeding women and children first, which puzzles Tumak and disrupts Rock Tribe hierarchies. Loana’s actions and her father's leadership show how different customs can complement rather than antagonize. The eventual alliance demonstrates that understanding and adaptation are key to survival.

🌋 Unity

A volcanic eruption destroys the Rock Tribe’s cave and scatters both groups. In the face of disaster, Akhoba, Tumak, and Loana rally their people to rescue the vulnerable and confront a common threat. The two tribes unite under Tumak’s leadership, guided by Loana’s care and Akhoba’s experience. The final moment frames a new dawn as unity replaces division.

🐾 Survival

The narrative is rooted in constant danger from predators and environmental hazards, from mastodon attacks to Allosaurus hunts. Tumak’s prowess saving a child validates his as a hunter and protector, while the tribes must improvise with scarce resources. Food gathering, shelter, and group defense reveal the primitive ingenuity of these communities. The theme emphasizes resilience in a world where every day can be life-or-death.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:12

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of One Million B.C.

Don't stop at just watching — explore One Million B.C. 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 One Million B.C. is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

One Million B.C. Summary

Read a complete plot summary of One Million B.C., 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.

One Million B.C. Summary

One Million B.C. Timeline

Track the full timeline of One Million B.C. with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

One Million B.C. Timeline

More About One Million B.C.

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about One Million B.C.: 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 One Million B.C.