Pulp (1972) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Mickey King writes pulp in Malta

Mickey King is a British writer living in Malta, churning out violent, sexually charged pulp novels under an array of lewd pen names. His career is defined by sensational output rather than critical acclaim. The setting establishes a cynical mood that frames the rest of the plot.

Where

Malta

Ghostwriting offer for a mystery celebrity

King is approached to ghostwrite the autobiography of a mysterious celebrity. Intrigued, he agrees to take on the project. He is instructed to embark on a package tour, during which a designated representative will contact him.

When

During the package tour

Where

Malta (package tour)

Miller appears as the contact on tour

On the tour, an American man named Miller identifies himself as a college professor and claims to be the liaison. King initially believes Miller is the contact and begins to engage with the process. Suspicion lingers as the setup seems designed to control access to the celebrity's life.

When

During the tour

Where

Package tour locales

Miller dies in a hotel tub after a mix-up

The following day, King learns that Miller has died in his hotel bathtub after a room mix-up. The death feels staged as an accident, leaving more questions than answers. King is left to navigate a dangerous assignment that already feels compromised.

When

The following day

Where

Hotel room

Miller's body vanishes; Liz arrives as the real rep

Miller's body has mysteriously vanished, and Liz, a young woman who claims to be the real representative, makes contact. Liz arranges for King to meet the subject, drawing him deeper into Gilbert's world. The switch raises doubts about who is really orchestrating the project.

When

The next day

Where

Hotel

King meets Preston Gilbert, the celebrity subject

King is introduced to Preston Gilbert, a retired Hollywood star living in exile. Gilbert reveals a terminal cancer diagnosis and requests that King document his life before he dies. The assignment takes on a grim urgency, blending fiction with the truth of mortality.

Where

Gilbert's estate

Cancer diagnosis and the writing commission

Gilbert and King attend a party, where Princess Betty Cippola, the politician's wife, is present. The party hints at links between Gilbert, organized crime, and powerful figures. Secrets creep into the social surface as everyone watches.

When

Evening

Where

Gilbert's party

Miller returns as priest and shoots Gilbert

Miller returns during the party, disguised as a Catholic priest, and opens fire, killing Gilbert. King senses danger and flees while chaos erupts around him. The guests treat the act as Gilbert's prank and applaud as he dies.

When

During the party

Where

Gilbert's party

Funeral reveals a past crime network

At Gilbert's funeral, King pieces together the mystery, realizing Gilbert was connected to the death of a young woman years earlier. He suspects that other powerful people, including Prince Cippola, were involved. The funeral uncovers a web of connections that could ruin them all.

When

Funeral

Where

Gilbert's funeral

Graveyard visit; Miller shoots; King wounded

King visits the young woman's grave to seek truth and closure. Miller reappears and begins shooting, wounding King. Gunfire erupts as King fights to survive.

When

During grave visit

Where

Graveyard

King kills Miller with a truck

King drives away Miller, running him down with a truck to end the confrontation. Miller dies and King is left battered but alive. The act reveals the extreme lengths to which the conspirators will go to protect their secrets.

When

Immediately after confrontation

Where

City street

Recovery and the realization of a cover-up

During his recovery, King realizes that Cippola orchestrated the killings to keep the scandal hidden. He understands the conspiracy extends beyond Gilbert to other powerful figures. A final warning arrives: stay quiet about what he knows or face murder charges for Miller's death.

When

Recovery period

Where

Hospital / recovery location

Final tension: the truth remains dangerous

The story closes with King confronting a grim choice between exposing the truth and preserving his own safety. Powerful enemies still stand, and the threat of retribution lingers. The ending leaves the audience with uneasy tension about what comes next.