The Iron Maiden

The Iron Maiden

Year: 1963

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: English

Director: Gerald Thomas

Comedy

Jack Hopkins, an aircraft designer, pitches his jet to millionaire Paul Fisher, but their first meeting goes badly. Fisher’s daughter Kathy damages Jack’s engine “The Iron Maiden,” jeopardizing his entry in the Woburn Abbey steam rally. With his fireman injured, Jack is desperate until Fisher volunteers to drive the engine, forging an unlikely friendship.

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Timeline & Setting – The Iron Maiden (1963)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Iron Maiden (1963). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

England, Ascot Racecourse, Woburn Abbey

The story unfolds across rural England, moving from a countryside airfield to the grand grounds of Ascot Racecourse and the stately Woburn Abbey steam rally. It switches between narrow lanes, small villages, and industrial halls where traction engines throng. These locales frame a lighthearted clash of engineering ambition and personal ambition, with a distinctly British backdrop.

❄️ Rural England 🚜 Traction engines 🏁 British rallies

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:13

Main Characters – The Iron Maiden (1963)

Meet the key characters of The Iron Maiden (1963), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jack Hopkins (Michael Craig)

An inventive, hands-on aircraft designer and engineer with a passion for traction engines. He combines technical genius with pragmatic problem-solving and a stubborn, charismatic drive to prove his ideas can win over sceptics.

🧠 🛠️ 💪 🚀

Kathy Fisher (Anne Helm)

Daughter of Paul Fisher, curious and independent, she steers through danger with courage and a sense of adventure. She becomes an active partner in the journey, supporting Jack and bringing warmth to the alliance.

❤️ 🏃‍♀️ 🧭

Sir Giles Thompson (Cecil Parker)

Jack's austere boss who pushes for a sale and treats innovation as a strategic gamble. At first cautious and hard-nosed, he eventually resigns alongside the rival, acknowledging the shifting tide of competition.

🎩 🧭 🧱

Miriam Fisher (Jeff Donnell)

Paul Fisher’s wife, part of the visiting party, she provides steadiness and support. She witnesses the unfolding drama and embodies a practical, patient perspective within the high-stakes deal.

👩‍💼 🫶 🌟

Admiral Sir Digby Trevelyan (Noel Purcell)

Rival traction engine owner who lays traps and competes fiercely. His machinations heighten the risk and push Jack and Fisher to improvise under pressure.

🧭 🪨

Lord Upshott (Roland Culver)

Leader of the opposition aircraft company and a key rival whom the Fishers encounter on their journey. His arrival at Ascot intensifies the competition and tests Fisher’s choices.

👑 🏁 🧭

Fred Trotter (Sam Kydd)

The fireman who hosts Jack when their paths cross and becomes a supportive ally. His accident and misadventures add humor and resilience to the expedition.

🔥 🛠️ 😂

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:13

Major Themes – The Iron Maiden (1963)

Explore the central themes of The Iron Maiden (1963), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💡 Innovation

The narrative centers on Jack’s dream of a new jet and how it challenges the old-guard methods of established industry. The road trip with the American investor becomes a proving ground for cross-technology collaboration. The film highlights practical ingenuity, improvisation, and the courage to pursue bold engineering ideas despite setbacks.

🤝 Friendship

Initial misunderstandings between Jack and Paul Fisher give way to mutual respect as they navigate a string of misadventures. Shared danger and mechanical toil forge a bond that transcends business interest. The alliance culminates in teamwork that helps win the rally and soften rivalries.

🏁 Perseverance

The journey is punctuated by breakdowns, traps, fuel shortages, and injuries, yet the duo presses on through grit and improvisation. They convert humble resources into progress, turning obstacles into opportunities. The climactic rally at Woburn Abbey testifies to their stubborn resolve and ingenuity.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:13

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Unlock the Full Story of The Iron Maiden

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Iron Maiden in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Iron Maiden is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Iron Maiden Summary

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The Iron Maiden Summary

The Iron Maiden Timeline

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The Iron Maiden Timeline

The Iron Maiden Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Iron Maiden Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Iron Maiden

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