What are the key story phases in The Killing Time?

The story of The Killing Time progresses through these phases: The Deceptive Arrival, The Sabotaged Plot, The Frame-Up Unravels, Justice and Resignation.

How does The Killing Time end?

In the final act ("Justice and Resignation"): The sheriff intervenes at the last second, clearing the deputy's name but leaving him to quit the force.

The Killing Time (1987) — AI Story Visualization

Name: The Killing Time
Genre: action, mystery, romance, thriller
Released: 1987
Rating: 5

Plot Analysis Summary

A deputy sheriff's murder plot is hijacked by an imposter seeking revenge, leading to a violent confrontation and tragic resignation.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Deceptive Arrival

The Sabotaged Plot

The Frame-Up Unravels

Justice and Resignation

After a psychopath murders a man who was on his way to a job as a deputy sheriff in a small California town, he assumes the deputy's identity and arrives in town to start his new 'job'. What he doesn't know is that the recently appointed sheriff and his mistress are plotting to murder her evil husband—and blame it on the new deputy.

Directed by

Rick King

Key Cast

Beau Bridges — Sam Wayburn
Kiefer Sutherland — The Stranger
Wayne Rogers — Jake Winslow
Camelia Kath — Laura Winslow
Joe Don Baker — Carl Cunningham

Rating: 5/10 (37 votes)