When Time Ran Out...

When Time Ran Out...

Year: 1980

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: James Goldstone

ActionAdventureDramaThriller

Facing a sudden and devastating global freeze, a group of survivors struggles to reach the few remaining safe zones. They must contend with dangerous environments and conflict with other desperate groups as they journey to find warmth and security in a world rapidly disappearing into the cold. The story explores the strength of the human spirit amidst widespread destruction.

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When Time Ran Out... (1980) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In a near‑future where a relentless, planet‑wide freeze turns familiar landscapes into hostile ice fields, humanity clings to the flickering promise of safe zones that still hold warmth. The world’s once‑steady rhythms have shattered, leaving pockets of civilization scrambling across a stark, silvery wilderness. The tone is equal parts gritty survival and quiet awe, as the cold itself becomes a character—an unforgiving force that tests every breath and decision.

Amid this chill, a lavish resort perched on a remote Pacific island becomes an unlikely focal point. Shelby Gilmore, the charismatic owner, is preparing a romantic surprise that may never happen, while his devoted secretary Kay Kirby wrestles with feelings that point elsewhere. Hank Anderson, an oil‑rig worker visiting the island, brings a pragmatic grit and an unspoken bond with Kay that hints at deeper connection. Their intertwined hopes and doubts frame the human heart that beats beneath the freezing threat.

The resort’s eclectic staff and guests add layers of intrigue. Bob Spangler, Shelby’s trusted lieutenant, seeks to steady nerves while hiding his own complicated loyalties, especially toward the ambitious executive Iolani. Iolani is engaged to the meticulous general manager Brian, whose background ties him closely to the resort’s fortunes. The island also shelters a colorful mix of outsiders—seasoned smuggler Francis Fendly, sharp‑eyed investigator Tom Conti, the retired tightrope duo Rene and Rose Valdez, and a boisterous crew led by Tiny Baker. Their varied motives and personalities create a delicate balance of cooperation and tension as the cold advances.

Against this backdrop, the story follows a small, determined group as they weigh the risk of staying behind against the perilous trek toward the island’s promised shore. Their journey through treacherous terrain, haunted by fire‑lit skies, becomes a test of resilience, trust, and the unyielding spirit that refuses to be extinguished. As distant vessels appear on the horizon, the survivors glimpse the fragile possibility of redemption in a world that refuses to give up.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:13

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