The First Deadly Sin

The First Deadly Sin

Year: 1980

Runtime: 112 mins

Language: English

Director: Brian G. Hutton

MysteryCrimeThrillerDramaThrillers and murder mysteries

Inspector Edward X. Delaney, an NYPD detective on the brink of retirement, races against time to stop a serial killer terrorizing New York. As the victims’ deaths follow a chilling, ritualistic pattern, Delaney must decipher the link and the meaning behind the gruesome method before the murderer strikes again.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The First Deadly Sin (1980)

Trace every key event in The First Deadly Sin (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

Murder outside a church begins the case

A man is attacked outside Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on West 81st Street. The wound is unusually spherical, and the coroner confirms it was caused by a round object rather than a blade. The NYPD arrives to process the scene and begin the investigation.

Opening scene Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, West 81st Street, Manhattan
2

Barbara's emergency surgery and worry

Delaney learns at the scene that his wife Barbara is recovering from emergency surgery. He rushes to the hospital as her surgeon explains that Barbara's kidney was removed due to complications from stones. Barbara's condition worsens, fueling Delaney's suspicions about Dr. Bernardi's competence.

Early in investigation Hospital
3

Delaney dives into the case at the Met

Despite warnings about police priorities, Delaney throws himself into the case. He visits the Metropolitan Museum of Art to consult Arms and Armor curator Christopher Langley about what weapon could cause such a wound. Langley eagerly devotes time to researching the mystery.

Early investigation Metropolitan Museum of Art
4

Langley pins down a tool-based killer

Langley concludes the wound is produced by a tool-like implement rather than a conventional weapon. He visits a hardware store and, with the clerk's help, deduces that the weapon was most likely an ice axe. This insight sharpens the lead and points Delaney toward a specific murder tool.

Early investigation Hardware store
5

Pattern emerges across the city

Delaney discovers a similar attack on West 79th Street and, with Ferguson's help, learns that the wound patterns are nearly identical. The case reveals a city-wide pattern rather than a lone incident, widening the scope of the investigation. This shocks the team and changes their approach.

Mid-film West 79th Street; various NYC locations
6

Snowballing evidence leads to buyers

Langley uses the new information to locate the exact model of ice axe. A sporting goods shop owner provides the addresses of every customer who bought that model, giving Delaney a concrete trail to follow toward a suspect. The investigation tightens as more names are traced.

Mid-film Sporting goods store
7

Trail leads to Daniel Blank

The collected addresses point to Daniel Blank, who has been seen intermittently cleaning up after the murders. Delaney closes in on Blank as the suspect, tightening the net around him while Blank continues his pattern of violence.

Mid-film Daniel Blank's high-rise
8

A final attack and a tragic consequence

As Delaney closes in, Blank makes one last attempt to strike. Although his victim escapes, the person is later hit by a passing car, reinforcing the killer's reach but complicating the case. Delaney remains focused on bringing Blank to justice.

Mid-to-late film City streets
9

Confrontation and the shooting

Delaney confronts Blank in his luxury apartment. Blank brags about his connections and tries to report Delaney for breaking in, but Delaney shoots Blank in the head with a Luger pistol from his WW2 memorabilia. The violent confrontation marks the climax of the investigation.

Climax Blank's luxury apartment
10

Retirement and discovery at the precinct

Delaney returns to the police precinct, where he retires from the force. The desk sergeant informs him that Blank's body has been found, and Delaney confirms that he has retired as he walks out of the building. The procedural arc reaches its denouement.

Ending Police precinct station house
11

Final vigil: Barbara's death

In the hospital, Delaney sits beside his wife, reading to her and holding her hand. He breaks down in tears as she dies, bringing a quiet, personal ending to the case and the film. The emotional resonance lingers after the carnage.

Ending Hospital room

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:58

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