The Manitou

The Manitou

Year: 1978

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: William Girdler

Sci-FiHorror

A troubled psychic attempts to save his girlfriend from a sinister, malevolent force by summoning an ancient spirit. However, his actions inadvertently unleash a powerful and vengeful entity, threatening both their lives. As the spirit's influence grows, the psychic must confront a terrifying struggle against an escalating evil, blurring the boundaries of reality and sanity in a desperate fight for survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Manitou (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Manitou (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

San Francisco

San Francisco, known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant culture, serves as the backdrop for Karen Tandy's harrowing quest for relief. The prestigious hospital where she seeks treatment symbolizes both hope and turmoil as she confronts the strange malady affecting her. The city's eclectic spirit is mirrored in the diverse characters who rally together in the face of supernatural chaos.

🌆 City 🏥 Hospital

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

Main Characters – The Manitou (1978)

Meet the key characters of The Manitou (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Karen Tandy

Karen Tandy is a determined woman fighting against a strange and distressing condition. Her experiences evolve from seeking medical help to confronting dark spiritual forces, showcasing her resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. As she navigates her tumultuous journey, her character grows from desperation to empowerment.

👩‍⚕️ Protagonist 💔 Suffering

Harry Erskine

Harry is a dubious fortune teller who serves as a source of hope and conflict for Karen. His complex character blends elements of charm and skepticism, creating an engaging dynamic as he grapples with supernatural occurrences. His journey evolves as he confronts his own beliefs while striving to assist Karen amidst chaos.

🔮 Seer 🤔 Skeptical

Dr. Jack Hughes

Dr. Jack Hughes is a skilled surgeon who uncovers the shocking secret behind Karen's condition. Throughout the film, he embodies the tension between medical science and the inexplicable paranormal events surrounding Karen. His character is marked by professionalism but becomes increasingly affected by the chaos that unfolds.

🏥 Surgeon 🚑 Professional

Amelia Caruso

Amelia is a former psychic who provides insight and guidance as dark forces threaten Karen. Her character reflects the reliance on traditional wisdom and spiritual knowledge in combating the unknown. With an air of authority, Amelia commands respect within the group as they confront the supernatural.

🔮 Psychic 🌌 Guiding Spirit

John Singing Rock

John is a reclusive medicine man with deep ties to Native American spiritualism. He becomes a pivotal character as he sheds light on the nature of the manitou and the spirit threatening Karen. His journey showcases a struggle between hostility and collaboration as he seeks to counter the malicious forces at play.

🌿 Medicine Man 💪 Resilient

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

Major Themes – The Manitou (1978)

Explore the central themes of The Manitou (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪄 Mysticism

The film delves into the interplay between ancient mysticism and modern medical practices, exploring how beliefs in the supernatural shape the characters' realities. Karen's plight intertwines with Native American spiritual traditions, revealing the tension between science and the mystical forces at play. This theme compels viewers to ponder the legitimacy and impact of these age-old beliefs in contemporary society.

🌀 Chaos

As the story unfolds, chaos reigns both in the hospital and within the characters' lives, stemming from the awakening of the malevolent spirit Misquamacus. The narrative depicts how turmoil affects relationships and drives individuals to confront their fears and beliefs. This theme highlights the fragility of order in the face of dark forces and personal desperation.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

Unlock the Full Story of The Manitou

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Manitou 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 Manitou is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Manitou Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Manitou, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Manitou Summary

The Manitou Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Manitou with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Manitou Timeline

More About The Manitou

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Manitou: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Manitou

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