Road House

Road House

Year: 1948

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Jean Negulesco

ThrillerDramaRomanceSong and danceDazzling vocal performances and musicals

A nightclub owner becomes obsessed with a sultry torch singer, but when the chanteuse’s affections shift toward his loyal manager, he schemes to sabotage them by framing the manager for embezzlement, sparking a tense love‑triangle of betrayal, jealousy and ruthless manipulation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Road House (1948)

Trace every key event in Road House (1948) 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

Underground fight circuit

The movie begins with Carter Ford dominating in an underground boxing ring, showcasing his fighting skills. Frankie, a bar owner, is present and pays close attention to Carter’s performance, indicating her interest in him. After Carter defeats his opponent, Elwood Dalton enters the scene, recognized by Carter, which sets the stage for their interaction.

Underground fight circuit
2

Dalton refuses to fight Elwood Dalton

When Elwood Dalton steps into the ring, Carter recognizes him and chooses not to fight, resulting in Dalton still earning the prize money without fighting. Outside the ring, Dalton is attacked and stabbed by a man who lost money, but Dalton remains unfazed, demonstrating his resilience. Frankie then approaches Dalton with an offer to work at her bar as a bouncer.

Outside the fight circuit
3

Dalton arrives at The Road House in Glass Key

Dalton travels to the Floridian community of Glass Key, where Frankie’s bar, The Road House, is located. He is introduced to locals Charlie and her father Stephen, who give Dalton a book and direct him to the bar. He begins his new job as a bouncer, observing the rowdy atmosphere among the staff and patrons.

Glass Key, The Road House
4

Confrontation with Dell and biker gang

A biker gang led by Dell arrives at The Road House and begins to harass staff and patrons. Dalton attempts to communicate and resolve the conflict peacefully but is provoked, leading to a fight outside. Dalton defuses the situation by driving the gang to the hospital, showcasing his ability to handle violence without escalating it.

Outside The Road House
5

Dalton’s survival and threats from crime boss

Dell and his gang report Dalton’s actions to crime boss Ben Brandt, who orders them to eliminate Dalton. Shortly after, Dalton survives an attempt to run him over and is attacked again by Dell’s associate. Dalton fights Dell and knocks him into the water, only to be attacked by a crocodile, which finishes off Dell, emphasizing Dalton’s resilience.

Near the water in Glass Key
6

Uncovering corruption and threats

Dalton learns from Charlie about shady activities in town linked to Brandt. After a confrontation with Brandt’s goons, Dalton breaks their fingers, showing his tough nature. His criminal father Gerald contacts Knox, a violent thug, to deal with Dalton, indicating escalating threats and Dalton’s rising notoriety.

Glass Key, bookstore and streets
7

Romantic involvement with Ellie

Dalton goes on a date with Ellie, who admits she knows about his past in the UFC. Despite his reluctance to reveal everything, they share a romantic moment, deepening Dalton’s personal struggles with his past. Ellie shows concern for him, hinting at her own complex background.

Ellie’s boat
8

Corrupt law enforcement and Ellie’s father

Dalton is approached by Sheriff Big Dick and his corrupt deputies, who threaten him to leave town. Ellie intervenes to protect Dalton, revealing her father’s complicity with Brandt. She urges Dalton to escape, highlighting the dangerous environment Dalton is caught in.

In and around Glass Key
9

Conflict at The Road House and Knox's arrival

Brandt visits The Road House and taunts Dalton about his past, revealing dark secrets. Knox, a brutal enforcer, arrives and assaults Dalton’s friends, leading to a fierce fight. Dalton manages to fight back, gaining the upper hand with Ellie’s help, showing his fighting skills and resilience.

The Road House
10

Fire and framing of Deputy

Brandt’s goons set the bookstore on fire, attempting to eliminate Charlie and Stephen. Dalton kills Vince, one of the assailants, by stuffing him with a body shot, and then frames a corrupt deputy by planting Vince’s body in his case of money. This move depicts Dalton’s strategic thinking to uncover the truth.

Bookstore and boat in Glass Key
11

Dramatic showdown on the yacht

Dalton infiltrates Brandt’s yacht to rescue Ellie, discovering that Ellie has been kidnapped. He confronts Dick, who reveals he lured Dalton onto the boat. Dalton detonates the yacht, causing it to sink, then fights Brandt’s goons in a chaotic battle, demonstrating his determination to save Ellie and fight the corrupt forces.

Brandt’s yacht
12

Final confrontation at the Road House

Dalton fights Knox and Brandt’s remaining goons outside the bar. Knox is ultimately killed by Dalton after a brutal fight, and Brandt is incapacitated after a crash. Dalton’s combat prowess is showcased as he defends Ellie and destroys the threat to his new community.

The Road House
13

Dalton’s departure

After ensuring the safety of Ellie and the destruction of Brandt’s operation, Dalton prepares to leave town. He visits Charlie and Stephen, leaving them with a cash gift and a farewell. Dalton then catches a bus, heading toward his next destination, symbolizing his ongoing journey.

Bus station and bookstore
14

Post-credits: Knox survives

In the post-credits scene, Knox is shown alive in the hospital, violently beating up doctors and walking out in a gown. This indicates that his character is not defeated and could return for future conflicts, leaving the story open-ended.

Hospital

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:13

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Unlock the Full Story of Road House

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Road House Summary

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Road House Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Road House

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Road House

Road House Spoiler-Free Summary

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Road House Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Road House

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