No Place to Hide 1973
Directed by
Robert Allen Schnitzer
Made by
No Place to Hide Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for No Place to Hide (1973). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
In October 1969, Jerry Savage, an anti-war activist, accepts a ride from a group of hippies on their way to New York City to sell their wares. During the journey, he forms an instant connection with Laurie Fisher, a sweet-natured jewelry maker who embodies a gentler approach to life. The pair’s budding companionship threads through a city on edge as political tensions simmer just beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, in a New York City dance studio, Estelle Ferguson receives a phone call informing her that “the merchandise has arrived,” a message she confirms by collecting the package later that evening from a chemical company. The next day, [Jerry Savage] reconnects with his friend, Tommy Trafler, in a park to lay out a plan that will unfold in the warehouse district. The discussion centers on a daring project that blends criminal activity with a political motive, all aimed at making a statement that could shake public opinion.
Ray Brown accompanies Estelle to Tommy’s office, where he questions Estelle about the dynamite in her car and demands an explanation for Marlena’s absence. Tommy, trying to project confidence, reassures Ray that Marlena can be trusted, even as the atmosphere around them grows more fraught. That reassurance marks a tense pivot point as the group debates how far they’re willing to go. The next day, Jerry agrees to stay with Estelle, cementing a fragile alliance that will pull him deeper into a plan with dangerous consequences. The bomb-making project intensifies as Marlena, represented in the scene by Barbara Lee Govan, constructs the device and instructs Estelle on detonation while warning that any shock could trigger an premature explosion.
Across town, the FBI intensifies its watch. In Washington, D.C., journalist Richard Scott presses FBI official William Decker about domestic spying and the agency’s liaising with the CIA. Decker denies broader misuse but explains that special operations target a loose network of radical cells known as the Weathermen, who have pursued terrorism in some instances. Back in New York, the operation’s team continues to assemble details: copies of government contracts are prepared to be released to the press to accompany the bombing, a move that Tommy argues is essential for public understanding, while Jerry insists it’s necessary to avoid the appearance of random destruction.
On a ferry across New York Harbor, Tommy Trafler and Marlena share a rekindled romance. Marlena—who knows the government is watching—tells Tommy that he might consider aborting the mission, yet her dedication to the cause remains unshaken. The tension between personal loyalties and political brutalism thickens the air. Soon, Jerry returns to the city to find his companions uneasy about his absence. The group’s patience frays as they debate strategy, and the plot to mail the contract copies to major outlets takes shape, all recorded in a covert FBI tape.
Back in the capital, James Henderson and Chuck Bradley watch Marlena’s actions unfold on film as the federal investigation closes in. The time comes for a dangerous play: Estelle is directed to deliver a gift-wrapped package that appears to be a bomb to a prearranged target, while the real danger lurks in the back seat. As Marlena confronts Tommy about his loyalties, the tension crescendos: Marlena confronts the fact that Tommy is an informant, and Estelle soon becomes a pawn in a larger cat-and-mouse game.
That night, Estelle is lured into a trap. She is pinned in the Morris and Ray Metals building as FBI agents close in, and the confrontation ends with her leaping to her death from the roof. Meanwhile, Tommy’s office is stormed by agents, but the surviving cell members scatter into the city’s shadows. Jerry makes a desperate dash to the commune, only to find it eerily empty. As the dawn breaks, Laurie returns to the grounds and discovers the danger hidden in the car’s backseat. She carefully examines the wrapped package and, in a fatal twist, triggers one last consequence when the bomb explodes, killing her in the process.
Thus unfolds a day-by-day cascade of belief, betrayal, and violence, driven by a mix of activist zeal, personal longing, and calculated risk. The film weaves together the personal lives of its characters with a broader anti-war narrative, leaving a lasting impression of how far some will go for a cause—and what price others pay for it.
No Place to Hide Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of No Place to Hide (1973) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Jerry meets Laurie on the road to New York
In October 1969, anti-war activist Jerry Savage accepts a ride from a group of hippies heading to New York City. He instantly takes a liking to Laurie, a sweet-natured jewelry maker who sees the world differently from him. The encounter plants the seed of a personal connection amid mounting political tension.
Estelle learns the merchandise has arrived
In New York City, Estelle Ferguson receives a phone call informing her that 'the merchandise has arrived'. She later collects it from a chemical company that evening, signaling the operation's escalation and the FBI's interest. The message ties her to Marlena's bombing network.
Tommy Trafler and Jerry plan at the park
Jerry meets his friend Tommy Trafler at a park and they discuss their business plan. They decide to conduct the operation from Tommy's office in the warehouse district. The meeting marks the transition from casual talk to an organized scheme.
Estelle and Ray visit Tommy's office
Estelle and taxi driver Ray Brown arrive at Tommy's office with Jerry; Ray challenges Marlena's security and questions her absence, prompting Tommy to reassure them Marlena can be trusted. The group coordinates their next moves as Marlena remains central to the plan.
Reconnaissance of Morris and Ray Metals
The next day, Jerry and Estelle pose as tourists to study the headquarters of Morris and Ray Metals, a cookware company that operates tiger cages. They map security measures and gather details on government contracts to prepare the press release that will accompany the bombing. The tension escalates as authorities monitor their activity.
FBI briefings on Marlena and the Weathermen infiltrator
In New York, the FBI reviews footage of Marlena's attacks, known as 'Miss M' the Black Bomber, whose bombs have caused destruction but no deaths yet. The FBI assigns a civilian infiltrator from within The Weathermen to report on the cell's activities from the inside. The watchful eyes of law enforcement heighten the stakes for every move.
Tommy and Marlena rekindle on the ferry
On a ferry across New York Harbor, Tommy and Marlena renew their past romance. Marlena knows the government is following her and insists on continuing the mission, while Tommy contemplates aborting but ultimately decides to proceed.
Jerry invites Laurie to the countryside commune
Jerry finds Laurie at her jewelry stand and invites her to spend the weekend at the communal house in the countryside. They discuss their differing philosophies—Laurie promoting love and God as catalysts for change, while Jerry believes in bold actions to end conflict.
Marlena builds the bomb and trains Estelle
Marlena constructs her bomb and instructs Estelle how to detonate it, warning that a sudden shock could trigger premature explosion. The pair prepares for the planned strike, intensifying the sense of danger for everyone involved.
Washington, D.C. debate on domestic spying and CIA ties
In Washington, journalist Richard Scott questions FBI official William Decker about domestic spying and liaison with the CIA. Decker denies such allegations but explains the use of special operations to counter the Weathermen. The exchange highlights political pressure surrounding the investigation.
Tommy delivers fake bomb and secures new identity
Back in New York, Tommy escorts Estelle to the target with what appears to be a real bomb but is actually fake, receiving payment and a new identity from FBI agent Henderson. He returns to the office to pack, revealing his status as an informant to some extent. The deception complicates the plot as suspicions rise.
Marlena discovers Tommy's betrayal and warns Jerry
Marlena realizes Tommy is an informant and warns Jerry, heightening distrust within the cell. Jerry escapes to the commune to avoid capture as Marlena's suspicions deepen.
Estelle dies during the raid and rooftop pursuit
As dawn rises, Estelle is trapped inside the Morris and Ray building by FBI surrounders and jumps to her death from the roof. The destruction continues as the operation spirals out of control and Marlena's cell is exposed.
FBI storms Tommy's office; cell members flee
Agents storm Tommy's office while the surviving cell members have fled, leaving the operation in chaos and exposing the betrayal within the group. The crackdown marks the collapse of the militant plan.
Laurie dies after the bomb explodes at the commune
Jerry arrives at the countryside commune to find it empty, then Laurie returns and discovers the bomb package in a car. She places it back inside, but is killed by the subsequent explosion. The tragedy underscores the human cost of political extremism.
No Place to Hide Characters
Explore all characters from No Place to Hide (1973). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Jerry Savage (Sylvester Stallone)
An idealistic anti-war activist willing to take extreme measures to force political change. He believes the public must understand the reasons behind violence, and he remains stubbornly committed to his mission even when it risks others' lives.
Laurie Fisher (Rebecca Grimes)
A gentle, peace-seeking jewelry designer who provides emotional counterbalance to Jerry’s fanaticism. She believes love and inner peace can transform the world, offering a humane perspective to the campaign’s grim tactics.
Marlena St. James (Barbara Lee Govan)
The notorious bomber known as Miss M or The Black Bomber. Dedicated to the cause, she guides the operation with a stark pragmatism and is prepared to sacrifice herself for the mission.
Estelle Ferguson (Vickie Lancaster)
A dancer who becomes entangled in the bomb plot, collecting dynamite and mentoring others on detonation. She is seductive and calculating, using personal ties to influence the group.
Tommy Trafler (Tony Page)
The operation’s organizer who ultimately doubles as an FBI informant, orchestrating the plan while feeding information to authorities. His calm, calculating nature hides a willingness to betray.
Ray Brown (Dennis Tate)
A taxi driver who challenges Estelle and serves as a skeptical observer of the conspiracy. He is practical and wary of the risks involved in the plan.
James Henderson (Henry G. Sanders)
An FBI official heading special operations, involved in surveillance and infiltration of radical cells. He navigates loyalty and political pressure while pursuing the truth.
Chuck Bradley (Jed Mills)
An FBI agent who documents the mission and supports the undercover operation. He represents procedural vigilance and the dangers of undercover work.
Richard Scott (David Orange)
A journalist probing federal secrets and the line between national security and press freedom. He becomes a key observer, seeking exclusive revelations.
William Decker (Roy White)
A senior FBI official who denies direct ties between the agency and illicit actions, yet oversees the operation with a calculating gaze. He embodies the bureaucracy behind covert actions.
No Place to Hide Settings
Learn where and when No Place to Hide (1973) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
October 1969
The film is set in October 1969, a tense period of anti-war activism and radical movements in the United States. The timeframe features colliding ideals of peace activism, government surveillance, and domestic terrorism, all unfolding within a city that seems to pulse with risk and conspiracy.
Location
New York City, Washington, D.C.
New York City serves as the primary backdrop, with action unfolding across its harbor, warehouse district, and corporate offices. The story also touches Washington, D.C., where FBI operations and political intrigue intersect with domestic spying concerns. The urban environment reflects a volatile late-1960s atmosphere of protest and clandestine operations.
No Place to Hide Themes
Discover the main themes in No Place to Hide (1973). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🔥
Violence and Extremism
Bombings and the willingness to justify deadly acts loom over the narrative, forcing characters to confront the moral costs of political violence.
🕵️
Surveillance and Infiltration
The FBI infiltrates the radical cell, trading information for leverage while pressuring journalists and activists. Trust collapses as undercover operations reveal hidden loyalties and betrayals.
💔
Loyalty and Betrayal
Loyalties are tested as informants, double-crosses, and shifting alliances threaten the group’s cohesion and the safety of its members.
⚖️
Moral Ambiguity
The story pits pacifist impulses against militant action, raising questions about whether noble ends justify violent means and who bears the moral cost.
No Place to Hide Spoiler-Free Summary
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In the fevered summer of 1969, New York City pulses with protests, street art, and the restless energy of a generation refusing to be silent. A tight‑knit student collective, driven by anti‑war conviction, begins to contemplate a dramatic statement against the corporations that profit from foreign dictatorships. The city’s grimy streets, smoky lofts, and crowded cafés become the backdrop for a daring plan that blurs the line between activism and militancy, setting a tone that is both tense and electric.
Jerry Savage, a charismatic anti‑war activist, drifts into the movement after an impromptu ride with a band of hippies. He quickly finds a counterbalance in Laurie Fisher, a gentle jewelry maker whose soft‑spoken optimism offers a quiet refuge from the surrounding chaos. Their budding companionship hints at the personal stakes that will thread through the larger political drama, grounding the revolutionary fervor in moments of tenderness.
Within the collective, Estelle Ferguson emerges as the pragmatic organizer, handling logistics with a cool precision that masks deeper anxieties. She partners with Tommy Trafler, a confident schemer whose charisma hides a web of conflicting loyalties. Their circle expands to include Marlena, a notorious bomb‑making expert whose presence heightens both the danger and the allure of the undertaking. As these figures navigate romance, trust, and the lure of radical action, their relationships pulse with the same urgency that defines the city around them.
The film unfolds as a moody, atmospheric portrait of a volatile era, where the FBI’s shadowy surveillance looms over every whispered conversation. It captures the clash between idealistic purpose and the harsh realities of extremism, inviting viewers to wonder how far individuals will go when belief and love become entangled in a cause that could reshape a nation.
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