Rage

Rage

Year: 1972

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

DramaThrillerIntense violence and sexual transgressionMilitary combat and heroic soldiersIntense political and terrorist thrillers

The rancher discovers that a military‑run nerve‑gas leak, dismissed as an accident, has killed his livestock and his son. Determined to seek justice, he confronts the armed forces, only to encounter a wall of silence and a tangled conspiracy that threatens to hide the truth. His pleas fall on deaf ears, leaving the truth buried.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Rage 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 – Rage (1972)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Rage (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 1970s

The events are staged in a contemporary period, reflecting Cold War anxieties about chemical weapons. Rural life and government/military structures intersect in a modern, present-day setting for the era. The timeframe reinforces a sense of immediacy for the crisis and the characters' decisions.

Location

Wyoming, USA, Chivington Research Laboratories, Military Base

The story unfolds primarily on a Wyoming sheep ranch and in the nearby hospital, grounding the drama in a stark rural setting. The film also takes the characters to a secretive military research environment and a base where nerve-agent work occurs. This mix of open plains, clinical corridors, and restricted facilities underscores the contrast between everyday life and high-stakes national security.

🏞️ Rural Wyoming 🏥 Hospital 🏢 Military Research Base

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:52

Main Characters – Rage (1972)

Meet the key characters of Rage (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dan Logan (George C. Scott)

Wyoming sheep rancher and devoted father who fights desperately to save his son after the nerve-agent exposure. His grief grows into a fierce, sometimes reckless pursuit of the truth, driving him toward drastic actions against those he blames for the catastrophe.

👨‍👦 Family 💔 Grief 🔥 Vengeance

Maj. Holliford (Martin Sheen)

Army Major who oversees the response to the outbreak and recognizes the Logans were exposed to MX-3. He balances duty with a willingness to manipulate information to minimize damage, revealing systemic pragmatism and moral compromise.

🪖 Military ⚖️ Moral Ambiguity 💊 Biohazard Ethics

Dr. Spencer (Barnard Hughes)

Medical researcher who participates in the cover-up while overseeing treatment. He rationalizes secrecy and continues to study the toxin, illustrating how scientific curiosity can collide with ethics under pressure.

🧪 Ethics 🤝 Complicity 🧬 Research

Dr. Caldwell (Richard Basehart)

Dan’s personal physician who defers to Holliford and Spencer, ultimately helping shield the truth from Dan. His stance highlights the tension between patient care and institutional protectiveness.

🏥 Ethics 🧭 Authority 🕵️‍♂️ Deception

Chris Logan (Nicolas Beauvy)

Dan's son who sleeps outside and is exposed to the nerve agent; his fate catalyzes the film’s tragedy and Dan’s ensuing vigilante path.

👦 Family 😢 Innocence 💥 Tragedy

Dr. Walter Steenrod (Fielding Greaves)

Scientist at Chivington Research Laboratories involved in nerve-agent development, representing the scientific establishment behind the weapon.

🧬 Science 🏛️ Research 💼 Power

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:52

Major Themes – Rage (1972)

Explore the central themes of Rage (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧬 Bioweapon Threat

The nerve agent MX-3 at the center of the plot reveals how scientific advancements can become instruments of mass harm. The film examines the fragile boundary between research and weaponization, showing how easily dangerous knowledge can slip into danger for civilians. It also critiques institutional secrecy that puts public safety at risk in the name of control.

💔 Grief and Vengeance

Dan Logan’s drive to uncover the truth about his son’s fate is fueled by profound grief. The narrative traces how personal loss can spiral into violent action against those perceived to be responsible. It raises questions about whether justice can justify brutal means when institutions fail to protect the innocent.

🧭 Moral Ambiguity

Duties of duty and the line between care and concealment blur as Holliford, Spencer, and Caldwell manipulate information. The characters’ actions reveal a gray area where safeguarding national interests can trample individual rights. The film invites viewers to weigh loyalty to country against ethical transparency.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:52

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 Rage

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

Rage Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Rage, 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.

Rage Summary

Rage Timeline

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

Rage Timeline

More About Rage

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Rage: 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 Rage

Similar Movies to Rage

Discover movies like Rage 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.