Terror Train

Terror Train

Year: 1980

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Roger Spottiswoode

MysteryThrillerHorror

College friends embark on a Halloween bash aboard a party train, but their revelry turns into terror as a ruthless killer methodically strikes down passengers. Amidst the chaos of costumes and confusion, only Alana can unravel the mystery and stay alive as the killer's rampage threatens to derail the train.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Terror Train 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 – Terror Train (1980)
Trace every key event in Terror Train (1980) 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

New Year's Eve Celebration

As the clock struck midnight, the fraternity scene at Northern Illinois University was alive with excitement. Students gathered to celebrate their annual festive tradition, unaware of the dark events that would soon unfold.

Midnight, New Year's Eve Northern Illinois University
2

The Prank on Kenny

Alana Maxwell reluctantly participated in a prank devised by her friends, luring Kenny Hampson under the pretense of romantic intimacy. This deceptive act led Kenny to a shocking discovery that would forever alter his mental state.

3

Kenny's Discovery

Upon entering the bedroom, Kenny stumbled upon a corpse stolen from the medical school by his fraternity brothers. The horror of this chilling sight shattered his psyche, resulting in his admittance to a psychiatric institution soon after.

4

Three Years Later

Fast forward three years, the same group of friends planned a reunion for New Year's Eve, this time aboard a train. They were eager to rekindle friendships and celebrate their liberation from college as they boarded the train for a night of fun.

New Year's Eve, Three Years Later On a Train
5

The Magician's Performance

As the festivities began, a magician and his lovely assistant entertained the group with their tricks. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy, masking the impending doom lurking not far behind.

On a Train
6

Tragedy Strikes

Unbeknownst to the revelers, tragedy had already struck: Ed had died before boarding, allowing a murderer to assume his Groucho Marx mask. This began a horrific chain of events as the killer stealthily infiltrated the celebration.

On a Train
7

First Victim

As the train journeyed onwards, danger emerged when Jackson was found dead in the sleeper bathroom. The shocking find sent the group into a panic as they realized they were not safe at all.

Sleeper Bathroom
8

The Second Victim

Chaos continued to unfurl aboard the train as Mitchy became another victim, meeting her demise in a secluded compartment. Tensions escalated as the remaining friends realized they were being hunted.

A Secluded Compartment
9

Doc's Discovery

Doc's search for answers turned dire when he discovered Mo's corpse during a magic show. This grim revelation deepened the horror as the group was confronted with the reality of a deadly malicious force among them.

On a Train
10

Emergency Brake

With the danger escalating, conductor Carne invoked the emergency brake to halt the train violently. In the chaos, the porters began to evacuate students while many believed it was just another one of Doc's pranks.

On a Train
11

Kenny's Return

Alana's suspicion grew when she learned Kenny had been released from the psychiatric facility and might be haunting their reunion. The fear was palpable as she connected the bizarre occurrences to his tragic past.

12

Another Murder

Amid the panic, Doc was horrified to learn he had fallen victim to the killer in the sleeper car. The gruesome reality started to dawn on the survivors as they began to understand they were being systematically targeted.

Sleeper Car
13

The Magician's Secret

In a spine-chilling twist, Alana discovered the lifeless body of the magician sprawled across his sword box, leading her to suspect the worst. The atmosphere turned sinister as she rushed to warn her friends of the danger.

On a Train
14

Confrontation with Kenny

Alana confronted Kenny, who had disguised himself as the magician's assistant, revealing the ugly truth of their shared past. Beneath the surface of the conversation, deep emotional trauma and a sinister intent began to emerge.

15

Endgame

In a final confrontation, Carne utilized a shovel to throw Kenny off the train, leaving Alana and the remaining friends to grapple with the consequences of their past decisions. The horrifying night transformed their celebration into a nightmare, shattering their lives forever.

On a Train

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 12:28

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