Walk on the Wild Side

Walk on the Wild Side

Year: 1962

Runtime: 114 mins

Language: English

Director: Edward Dmytryk

DramaSong and danceDazzling vocal performances and musicalsShow All…

Set in a 1930s New Orleans bordello, Hallie is the madam’s prized attraction, drawing patrons. When Dove Linkhorn, her lovesick former sweetheart from three years earlier, arrives, their reunion upsets the balance, sparking a chain of events that involves the young woman who traveled with Dove and now works as the Doll House’s newest employee.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Walk on the Wild Side yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Walk on the Wild Side (1962)

Trace every key event in Walk on the Wild Side (1962) 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

Dove and Kitty meet and set out for New Orleans

In the midst of the Great Depression, Dove Linkhorn and Kitty Tristram meet on a Texas road and decide to travel together toward New Orleans. They hitchhike and hop freight trains, driven by Dove's search for his lost love Hallie Gerard. Dove remains distant when Kitty makes a pass at him, setting up a tense, uneasy partnership.

Great Depression era (1930s) Texas road
2

Traveling to New Orleans strengthens their uneasy alliance

They continue their journey toward New Orleans, relying on luck and shared needs. Dove stays focused on Hallie, while Kitty's advances persist but are rebuffed. This road-bound partnership drives the film's early dynamics as they press on together.

Great Depression era (1930s) On the road from Texas to New Orleans
3

Kitty steals from a New Orleans cafe; Dove pulls away

At a meal stop near New Orleans, Kitty steals from a local café. Dove leaves her behind and seeks to reconcile with the café owner, Teresina Vidaverri. This incident marks a shift from wandering travelers to ties formed in the city.

Great Depression era (1930s) New Orleans area cafe
4

Dove is sheltered and given work by Teresina

Teresina hires Dove to work at the café and offers him a place to stay while he searches for Hallie. Her hospitality provides a safe base of operations amid the search. Dove begins to settle into a more stable life in New Orleans, at least temporarily.

Great Depression era (1930s) Teresina's Café, New Orleans
5

Dove discovers Hallie at the Doll House, Jo runs the place

Dove locates Hallie working at the Doll House, an upscale French Quarter bordello. Jo Courtney runs the establishment as madam and becomes central to the film’s conflicts. Hallie remains entangled in the life there, complicating Dove’s quest to reach her.

Great Depression era (1930s) French Quarter, New Orleans
6

Jo’s past and Hallie’s ambitions surface

Jo's husband lost his legs in an accident, and Jo's interest in him wanes. A suggested lesbian relationship between Jo and Hallie is depicted, with Jo supporting Hallie's sculpting ambitions. Yet Hallie continues to work as a prostitute at the bordello, illustrating the compromises she faces.

Great Depression era (1930s) Doll House / Bordello, New Orleans
7

Hallie faces the choice between love and bordello life

Despite Dove's proposal, Hallie is unhappy with life at Jo's and does not want to surrender the comforts for marriage. Her decision is complicated by the risks and costs of leaving the bordello. The tension between romance, security, and independence weighs heavily on her.

Great Depression era (1930s) Doll House / Bordello, New Orleans
8

Jo bailouts Kitty and Kitty joins the bordello

Jo bails Kitty out of jail for vagrancy, and Kitty begins working at the bordello. Jo questions Kitty about her past and learns she traveled with Dove from Texas to Louisiana. This knowledge tightens Jo’s control and foreshadows trouble for Dove and Hallie.

Great Depression era (1930s) Bordello, New Orleans
9

Jo pressures Dove with arrest to separate him from Hallie

Jo threatens Dove with arrest for transporting the underage Kitty across state lines for immoral purposes and potential statutory rape unless he leaves New Orleans without Hallie. The confrontation shows Jo’s willingness to weaponize law and leverage against him. Dove leaves the bordello under intense pressure.

Great Depression era (1930s) Bordello, New Orleans
10

Dove is beaten while leaving the bordello

As Dove exits, the bouncer, bartender, and Jo's husband beat him viciously while Kitty watches from upstairs. The attack underscores the peril surrounding anyone who challenges Jo’s operation. Dove’s resolve to find Hallie is driven into sharper relief by the violence.

Great Depression era (1930s) Outside the bordello
11

Dove returns to the café; Teresina tends his wounds

Kitty helps Dove back to the café, where Teresina takes care of him. The café becomes a refuge and a new base for continuing the search for Hallie. Teresina’s kindness contrasts with the bordello’s coercive power.

Great Depression era (1930s) Teresina's Café, New Orleans
12

Kitty retrieves Hallie from the bordello to the café

Kitty returns to the bordello to fetch Hallie and helps her reach the café. Their movement highlights the precariousness of Hallie’s position and the effort to keep her connected to Dove. The plan to reunite the lovers becomes more fragile as tensions rise.

Great Depression era (1930s) Bordello to Café, New Orleans
13

Hallie’s absence triggers suspicion and a confrontation

When Hallie cannot be found at the bordello, Kitty is suspected and pressured. She brings Jo and her three henchmen to the café, escalating the struggle. The search for Hallie intensifies as the situation spirals toward violence.

Great Depression era (1930s) Café and Bordello vicinity, New Orleans
14

Hallie is killed; Kitty testifies; Jo is convicted

During the chaotic confrontation at the café, Hallie is shot and killed by a stray bullet. Kitty testifies, leading to the conviction of Jo and several others. The tragedy and courtroom outcomes mark a grim culmination of the film’s conflicts.

Great Depression era (1930s) Café, New Orleans

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:26

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Walk on the Wild Side

Don't stop at just watching — explore Walk on the Wild Side 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 Walk on the Wild Side is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Walk on the Wild Side Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Walk on the Wild Side, 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.

Walk on the Wild Side Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Walk on the Wild Side

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Walk on the Wild Side. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Walk on the Wild Side

More About Walk on the Wild Side

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Walk on the Wild Side: 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 Walk on the Wild Side

Similar Movies to Walk on the Wild Side

Discover movies like Walk on the Wild Side that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.