The Hill

The Hill

Year: 1965

Runtime: 123 min

Language: English

Director: Sidney Lumet

DramaWar

During World War II, five British soldiers find themselves trapped in a harsh Libyan detention camp. Sergeant Major Roberts' conviction casts a shadow over their situation, and as punishment, they are forced to repeatedly climb a steep, man-made hill under the scorching desert sun. Staff Sergeant Williams, a merciless and cruel leader, dictates their grueling ordeal, testing their physical and mental endurance. The soldiers must confront not only the punishing conditions but also the question of whether compassion or despair will ultimately define their survival.

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Timeline – The Hill (1965)

Trace every key event in The Hill (1965) 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

Five new prisoners arrive at the glasshouse

In the Libyan desert, the glasshouse prison accepts five new inmates: Roberts, McGrath, Stevens, Bartlett, and King. They are quickly absorbed into a tense hierarchy as guards eye them with suspicion. The arrival sets the stage for a clash between inmates and camp authorities.

early morning Glasshouse, Libyan desert camp
2

A brutal NCO guard arrives and asserts control

A newly arrived NCO begins enforcing harsh punishments against the newcomers. He uses excessive force to establish authority and signals that discipline will be brutal and uncompromising.

shortly after arrival Glasshouse camp
3

Punishments escalate with the hill drill

The guard orders the prisoners to repeatedly climb a man-made hill at the camp's center. The brutal regimen, intensified by desert heat, wears the men down and heightens tensions.

afternoon Center of camp, hill
4

Stevens dies during the punishment

During another round of hill drills, Stevens collapses and dies from exhaustion. His death crystallizes the brutality of the regime and inflames the prisoners' anger.

afternoon Hill area
5

Roberts arrives and challenges Williams

Roberts, a former Royal Tank Regiment sergeant major, arrives with McGrath and openly challenges Williams' brutality. He questions the legitimacy of the punishment and what it says about the camp's leadership.

after Stevens' death Glasshouse / main yard
6

A power struggle forms among the leadership

Tensions rise as Williams, the conscience Harris, and the Regimental Sergeant Major Wilson vie for control of the camp. Each man advocates a different approach to discipline and order.

ongoing Command area
7

Roberts openly defies Williams

Roberts continues to challenge Williams' methods, defending the prisoners and undermining Williams' authority. The confrontation signals a broader contest over who leads the camp.

confrontation Yard / cell vicinity
8

Williams beats Roberts in an empty cell

In a tense power play, Williams attacks Roberts in an empty cell while others watch. The brutality exposes how far Williams will go to maintain control.

evening Empty cell
9

King refuses to wear the uniform

King endures racial abuse from the RSM and chooses to refuse wearing his uniform and submitting to army discipline. His act becomes a highlighted stand against abuse.

late HQ area
10

Medical officer and Harris decide to report the abuse

The medical officer and Harris confront the abuse, deciding to document it and report Williams and the RSM to higher authorities. Their growing conscience fuels the plan to expose the misconduct.

night Medical wing
11

RSM tries to blackmail the medical officer

The RSM attempts to blackmail the medical officer by citing Stevens' fit-for-punishment rating. The pressure only strengthens the resolve to expose the abuse.

following night Medical wing
12

Roberts is briefly left hopeful but is beaten again

Roberts lingers alone in his cell, thinking the group’s resistance has won. Williams returns to beat him again, reigniting the conflict and keeping the prisoners in fear.

shortly after the attempt to report Cell
13

King and McGrath intervene and confront Williams

King and McGrath intervene to defend Roberts, attacking Williams as the tension reaches its peak. The scene centers the prisoners' solidarity against the brutal leadership.

final Prison block
14

Climax fades to black as revolt erupts

The film ends with the attempted revolt as prisoners confront Williams. Roberts pleads 'you'll muck it up' while King and McGrath act, and the screen fades to black.

final Glasshouse / yard

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:43

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