The Monster Walks (1932) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Robert Earlton wants Ruth dead because of the inheritance structure. According to the will, if Ruth dies, the entire Earlton estate passes to Robert. He and Hanns Krug conspire to murder Ruth so Robert can claim the inheritance, revealing the depths of his greed and betrayal within the family.

Foreshadowing: The will reading establishes that Ruth inherits, but if she dies, the estate goes to Robert, giving him a clear motive.

• robert earlton
• inheritance
• murder plot
• conspiracy
• ruth earlton

Hanns Krug kills his own mother, Mrs. Krug. During the nighttime attacks on Ruth, Hanns is the one operating in the shadows, wearing a disguise to create the illusion of a supernatural monster. When he attempts to murder Ruth, he accidentally strangles his own mother instead, a tragic accident that exposes the chaos of his murderous plan.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, the mysterious hairy hand attacks Ruth but fails; the same hand later kills Mrs. Krug, suggesting the killer is someone within the house.

• mrs krug
• hanns krug
• murder
• housekeeper
• accidental death

The ape, named Exodus, is a remnant of Ruth's father's scientific experiments conducted in the mansion basement. The large ape was kept as part of his research and remains in the house after his death, adding to the eerie atmosphere and eventually playing a crucial role in the story's climax.

Foreshadowing: The discovery of the ape in the basement early in the film foreshadows its involvement in the violent confrontation at the end.

• ape
• exodus
• basement
• experiments
• earlton estate

Robert Earlton is Hanns Krug's biological father. This secret is revealed when Hanns confronts Robert after their murder plot goes wrong. The revelation adds another layer of betrayal, as Robert has been manipulating his own son into committing murders for his inheritanc

Foreshadowing: The secret meeting between Robert and Hanns hints at a deeper connection than just co-conspirators.

• hanns krug
• robert earlton
• father son
• secret relationship
• family secret

The ape turns on Hanns because Hanns attempts to force it to attack Ruth by physically coercing the animal. Rather than attacking the helpless Ruth, the ape redirects its violence toward Hanns, who is directly antagonizing it. This ironic twist saves Ruth and results in Hanns's death, though the exact psychology of the ape's behavior remains ambiguous.

Foreshadowing: Ruth's discovery of the ape earlier in the film establishes it as a dangerous but unpredictable element.

• ape attack
• hanns death
• basement scene
• ruth saved
• irony

The hairy hand is not supernatural but rather Hanns Krug disguised to look like a monstrous creature. He uses a realistic hairy hand prop to create terror and cover his murder attempts. This human culprit explains why the attacks seem targeted and why they cease once Hanns is dead.

Foreshadowing: The attacks always occur at night and specifically target Ruth, suggesting a human plot rather than a true monster.

• hairy hand
• disguise
• murder
• hanns krug
• monster illusion

According to the will, if Ruth dies before claiming her inheritance, the entire Earlton estate passes to her uncle Robert Earlton. This creates the primary motivation for the murder plot. The housekeeper Mrs. Krug and her son Hanns receive only small monthly stipends, leaving them resentful and willing to participate in Robert's scheme.

Foreshadowing: The will reading scene establishes the entire murder motive and explains why Robert would risk everything to eliminate Ruth.

• will
• inheritance
• estate
• robert earlton
• ruth dies

Robert and Hanns plotted to murder Ruth so the estate would pass to Robert. Hanns would carry out the actual killing while disguised as a monster to throw off suspicion. The plan involved using the ape in the basement as a potential weapon or at least as additional intimidation. However, the plan quickly spirals out of control when Hanns accidentally kills his own mother instead of Ruth.

Foreshadowing: The secret meeting between Robert and Hanns reveals the conspiracy after the first attack fails.

• murder plot
• conspiracy
• robert
• hanns
• plan failed

Dr. Ted Clayton learns about the murder plot from Robert, who reveals the information while seemingly unconscious. Clayton immediately rushes through the mansion to warn Ruth and finds her in the basement. By the time he arrives, the ape has already killed Hanns, leaving Ruth frightened but physically unharmed. Clayton escorts her to safety from the chaotic scene.

Foreshadowing: Robert's confession to Clayton provides the warning that allows him to reach Ruth in time.

• ted clayton
• rescue
• basement
• ruth saved
• arrival

Ruth survives the murder attempts and the estate is now hers to claim, as Robert's plot has been exposed and both conspirators are dead. However, the ending is bittersweet, Ruth has survived a traumatic experience, witnessed multiple deaths, and discovered her uncle's betrayal. The film closes with her and Ted facing an uncertain but peaceful future in the haunted mansion.

Foreshadowing: The will explicitly states Ruth inherits unless she dies, and since she survives, the estate is hers.

• ruth
• estate
• survival
• ending
• aftermath