The Flying Serpent

The film opens with a scrolling text that explains Quetzalcoatl has guarded Montezuma's treasure for 300 years. Dr. Forbes taunts the serpent and reveals it has been imprisoned behind bars for five years. The setup foreshadows a deadly conflict over power and a stolen feather.

Forbes taunts Quetzalcoatl inside the cave and confirms his plan to reclaim the feather by leveraging the beast's rage. He hints the creature will kill to recover its feather. The tension establishes the motive for future killings.

Forbes pretends to accidentally drop the feather near Dr. John Lambert. Lambert, who recently wrote about Aztec carvings of the mythical bird, recognizes its significance and quietly keeps the feather. This sets Lambert on a path that will intersect with Forbes's deadly scheme.

Forbes returns to the cave and releases Quetzalcoatl, unleashing the creature to chase its feather. The beast moves with feral determination as it leaves its confinement. The release escalates the danger for anyone connected to the feather.

The beast locates Lambert, who has since left his office carrying the feather, and kills him. This murder confirms the connection between Lambert's death and the feather. Quetzalcoatl returns to its cave after the deed.

Richard Thorpe is announced as the investigator for Lambert's death, launching the formal inquiry. He begins gathering facts and connects various clues that point toward Forbes's possible involvement. The case tightens the noose around Forbes's plans.

Forbes resolves to plant the feather on Thorpe to implicate him and derail the investigation. His scheme shows a ruthless willingness to manipulate the authorities. The plan introduces a dangerous new turn in the pursuit of the truth.

During the investigation, Thorpe notes that Forbes's late wife died under circumstances similar to Lambert's. This observation suggests a pattern and heightens suspicion around Forbes. The possibility of a broader conspiracy weighs on the case.

Forbes plants the feather on Thorpe, hoping to ensnare him. Sheriff Bill Hayes spots the feather first and retrieves it, foiling Forbes's immediate plan. The incident raises the stakes and draws more lawmen into the case.

Forbes returns to the cave and releases Quetzalcoatl a second time in an effort to eliminate Thorpe. The monstrous act demonstrates Forbes's willingness to use fear and murder to protect his secrets. The pursuit resumes with renewed urgency.

As the feather remains in circulation, Sheriff Hayes is killed by Quetzalcoatl. The murderous toll underscores the peril the investigators face. Thorpe and Hastings push to locate the beast before it escapes again.

Thorpe and Hastings spot Quetzalcoatl as it rises and prepares to fly away, closing the sequence of immediate confrontations. The chase remains unresolved, leaving room for the story to continue beyond this point. The timeline ends with the beast's presence implied and the investigators on its trail.