Test your knowledge of Trog with our quiz!
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Trog (1970). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Trog (1970) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Discovery of a living troglodyte in the countryside caves
Dr. Brockton, a renowned anthropologist, learns that a lone male troglodyte survives in the caves of the British countryside. The find promises potential insights into human evolution and a possible missing link. The discovery attracts scientific interest while the local community remains mostly unaware at first.
Troglodyte brought to the surface
Brockton extracts the creature and brings him to the surface for observation. The townspeople flee in terror as the experiment comes into daylight, while Brockton steadies herself with a tranquilizer gun and subdues the caveman.
Troglodyte moved to Brockton's lab
The captured troglodyte is taken to Brockton's laboratory for systematic study. The town grows wary of the project and its potential to redefine civilization, setting the stage for conflict with detractors.
Public opposition and fear mount
Sam Murdock, a local businessman, decries the project as dangerous and commercially damaging. He challenges the legitimacy of a woman heading a research facility, and municipal courts weigh protecting the creature versus public outcry.
Language and socialization experiments begin
Brockton subjects Trog to a series of surgeries and a hypnotic device designed to unlock language and social behavior. Over time, the caveman shows signs of learning and starting to engage through play and sharing.
Murdock orchestrates a late-night release
Under pressure from opponents, Murdock arranges the creature's release at night. He hopes the disturbance will force officials to abandon the project and discredit Brockton.
Trog's violent rampage begins
Trog goes on a brutal midnight rampage through the town. He first beats Sam Murdock to death, then proceeds to kill a grocer, a butcher, and a citizen in a car, spreading fear among the townspeople.
Trog abducts a child from a playground
In the chaos of the rampage, Trog snatches a little girl from a playground and drags her toward his cave. The abduction heightens the urgency for authorities to intervene and understand the creature's behavior.
Authorities converge on the cave entrance
Dr. Brockton, police, and army personnel gather at the cave's entrance, pleading with the authorities to allow safe retrieval. Brockton argues that she can communicate and avoid further bloodshed if given the chance.
Brockton descends into the cave
Ignoring the initial orders, Brockton charges into the cave to confront Trog and retrieve the girl. Inside, Trog initially resists but is calmed by Brockton's stern reprimand and concerned plea.
Trog surrenders the girl
After Brockton's intervention and a tense exchange, Trog relinquishes the girl and allows her to be taken by her rescuers. The pair exit the cave together, ending the immediate danger.
Explosives, assault, and the creature's death
Shortly after the rescue, soldiers ignite explosives and assault the cave. Trog is wounded by gunfire and falls, impaled on a stalagmite, ending the confrontation and the missing-link drama.
Aftermath and Brockton's walk away
With the crisis over, a news reporter questions the doctor about the 'missing link'. Brockton pushes aside the microphone and walks away, choosing silence over sensationalism as she contemplates what the discovery means.
Explore all characters from Trog (1970). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Dr. Brockton (Joan Crawford)
Dr. Brockton is a renowned anthropologist who leads the search for the lone troglodyte. She proposes bringing the creature to the surface for study and potential domestication. Her approach blends scientific curiosity with a calm, determined demeanor. Her actions place her at odds with townspeople and business interests.
Sam Murdock (Michael Gough)
Sam Murdock is a local businessman whose fear of commercial damage drives his opposition to the project. He fears negative publicity and financial loss from the discovery. He orchestrates the release of Trog in hopes of provoking a deadly confrontation. His actions escalate the conflict between science and the town.
Trog (Joe Cornelius)
Trog is a lone troglodyte discovered in the countryside caves. He is subjected to training and language induction through medical intervention. The creature shows primitive power but also moments of learning and vulnerability. He dies after being wounded during the cave assault.
Little Girl (Chloe Franks)
The Little Girl is a young playground target who is taken by Trog and later found in the cave. Her safety becomes a focal point that propels the rescue effort. Her situation amplifies the moral stakes of the conflict between science and local danger.
Reporter (Maurice Good)
On-site journalist who frames the story for the public and presses for a comment as events unfold. His presence underscores media scrutiny and the sensationalism surrounding the missing link. He highlights how public perception can shape the course of the investigation.
Magistrate (Thorley Walters)
The local magistrate who presides over the municipal court and upholds the decision to protect Trog. He embodies the legal framework that governs the intersection of science, ethics, and public safety. His rulings influence the trajectory of the scientific investigation.
Inspector Greenham (Bernard Kay)
Inspector Greenham is the police officer coordinating the law enforcement response to the perceived threat. He represents authority and pragmatism in the face of mounting tension between science and public order. His role anchors the film in a formal response to extraordinary events.
Learn where and when Trog (1970) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Contemporary Britain
Set in contemporary Britain, the film unfolds in a near-present era with modern research facilities. Public institutions and law enforcement shape the narrative as the scientist pushes boundaries. Public interest and bureaucratic resistance heighten the stakes around the experiment.
Location
British countryside caves, small town, Dr. Brockton's laboratory
The primary setting is the British countryside caves where the troglodyte is found. The scientist operates a laboratory in the town to study the creature. The story moves between the cave, the lab, and the surrounding town, highlighting the contrast between natural isolation and human institutions.
Discover the main themes in Trog (1970). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🧬
Science
Science drives the plot as Brockton attempts to bring a cave dwelling into the light for study. The film questions whether the pursuit of knowledge justifies potential harm to an intelligent being. Brockton's methods reveal the tension between compassionate curiosity and scientific ambition.
🏛️
Power and Fear
Power in the town rests with business interests and authorities who fear the impact of the discovery. Sam Murdock uses his influence to oppose the research and to release Trog. The fear of the unknown fuels danger and shows how institutions respond with force. The narrative raises questions about how best to handle new life when profits and public safety collide.
⚖️
Ethics
Ethical questions dominate as Brockton weighs scientific advancement against respect for a sentient being. The legal system and military responses illustrate the clash between progress and protection. The fate of Trog and the choices made during the rescue highlight the price of discovery. The film invites viewers to consider who truly owns the outcomes of research.

Coming soon on iOS and Android
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.
Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2026)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2026 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.