Wheels of Fire

Wheels of Fire

Year: 1985

Runtime: 81 mins

Language: English

Director: Cirio H. Santiago

AdventureScience FictionAction

One Last Hero… The Future is now. There are no rules and no place to hide from the deadly Highway Warriors who ravage the roads in machines of destruction.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Wheels of Fire 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 – Wheels of Fire (1985)

Trace every key event in Wheels of Fire (1985) 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

Trace and siblings saved from a local gang

Trace, a wanderer who once worked for The Ownership, saves his sister Arlie and her boyfriend Bo from a confrontation with a local gang. The rescue demonstrates how fragile order remains in the wasteland. The trio's reunion sets them on a dangerous path that will test loyalties and survival.

the road
2

Confrontation with Scourge and captures

The trio's first major test comes when they encounter Scourge's band and are forced to fight. Trace defeats the bandits pursuing them, dealing a decisive blow to Scourge's early threat. Bo is allowed to join Scourge's men, while Arlie is taken by Scourge to be his sex slave.

near Scourge's camp
3

Trace rescues Stinger and allies

Trace saves a mercenary named Stinger from Scourge's men, and the two decide to work together as reluctant allies. Their alliance strengthens their resolve as they move deeper into Scourge's territory.

on the road near Scourge's territory
4

Desert rescue and Spike joins

Stinger and Trace locate a group called the Sand People and rescue a psychic captive named Spike, who agrees to join their crew. The desert setting underscores the harsh, nomadic life they now share. Spike's addition promises new skills and knowledge for their mission.

desert
5

Survivor delivered to True Believers

Stinger, Spike, and Trace find an Ownership fuel convoy that has been attacked and rescue the sole survivor. They bring the survivor to the True Believers, a community that clings to its faith in stability. The encounter shows how fragile order remains in the wasteland.

near the True Believers' camp
6

Trace leaves companions to search for Arlie

Trace leaves Stinger and Spike with the True Believers, continuing his search for Arlie. He remains determined to reunite his family, even as the risks grow with every mile. The pursuit tightens the emotional stakes of the journey.

outside the True Believers' camp
7

True Believer camp attacked

Scourge's men attack and destroy the True Believer camp, leaving the community scattered and vulnerable. The destruction hardens Trace's resolve and intensifies his hunt for Arlie. The loss reverberates through the small pockets of resistance in the wasteland.

True Believers camp
8

Arlie's locket reveals betrayal

Trace spots Arlie's locket around the neck of a dead Scourge man, a discovery that fuels his rage. He ignores Stinger's pleas to wait for the Ownership forces and presses on alone. The clue confirms Arlie's fate is entwined with Scourge's control.

along the road toward Scourge's fortress
9

Journey to Scourge fortress; trap revealed

Trace reaches Scourge's fortress and finds Arlie waiting there. During their escape, he realizes that the Ownership's advance is actually a trap set by Scourge. The plan shows how deception sits at the heart of the power struggle.

Scourge's fortress
10

Arlie dies disarming trap

Arlie dies disarming the trap that would have destroyed the Ownership forces. Trace mourns her loss but steels himself to press on against Scourge and the tyranny he represents. The sacrifice highlights the cost of rebellion.

Scourge's fortress
11

Trace defeats Scourge with Arlie's car

Outnumbered, Scourge flees the fortress with Trace in pursuit. Trace catches up and kills him with Arlie's car. The bitter victory seals the fall of Scourge's regime but leaves a heavy toll in its wake.

Scourge's fortress
12

Stinger's assault ends in tragedy

Stinger leads the Ownership troops in reclaiming the fortress, but he is killed by Scourge's second in command. His death marks a costly setback for the Ownership. The fortress remains in the hands of Scourge's followers yet now with diminished leadership.

Scourge's fortress

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:47

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Wheels of Fire Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Wheels of Fire

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