Damnation Alley
Following World War III, four survivors at an desert military installation attempt to drive across the desolate wasteland of America to Albany, where they hope more survivors are living, using a specially built vehicles to protect themselves against the freakish weather, mutated plant and animal life, and other dangers encountered along the way.
The film underperformed commercially against its respectable budget of $17.0M, earning $8.7M globally (-49% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its bold vision within the action genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Damnation Alley (1977) reveals strategically placed story structure, characteristic of Jack Smight's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 31 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Air Force missile silo crew operates in underground bunker during tense Cold War standoff. Tanner and Denton perform routine duties in a world on the brink of nuclear war.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 9 minutes when Nuclear war begins. Missiles launch automatically due to system malfunction. The world is destroyed in nuclear holocaust, killing billions and making Earth's surface uninhabitable.. At 10% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Tanner and Perry decide to leave the bunker and journey across post-apocalyptic America in armored Landmaster vehicle to reach Albany and find other survivors., moving from reaction to action.
At 44 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 48% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Perry is killed during attack by giant mutated cockroaches in Salt Lake City. False defeat - the group loses their military leader and technical expert, making survival seem increasingly impossible., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 66 minutes (72% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The Landmaster breaks down completely in the wasteland. Stranded without transportation in deadly environment. The mission appears doomed and death seems inevitable., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 71 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 78% of the runtime. Tanner successfully repairs the Landmaster. Realizes that survival means protecting the future (Janice and Billy) not just reaching a destination. Renewed commitment to reach Albany., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Damnation Alley's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Damnation Alley against these established plot points, we can identify how Jack Smight utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Damnation Alley within the action genre.
Jack Smight's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Jack Smight films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.4, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Damnation Alley takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jack Smight filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Jack Smight analyses, see Midway, Harper and Airport 1975.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Air Force missile silo crew operates in underground bunker during tense Cold War standoff. Tanner and Denton perform routine duties in a world on the brink of nuclear war.
Theme
Discussion about survival and what happens after the bombs fall. "If we're still alive, we'll have to find a way to keep living." Theme of perseverance in face of annihilation stated.
Worldbuilding
Establishing the underground missile base life, crew relationships, tensions between personnel. Shows the isolated military existence and fragile geopolitical situation that could trigger mutual assured destruction.
Disruption
Nuclear war begins. Missiles launch automatically due to system malfunction. The world is destroyed in nuclear holocaust, killing billions and making Earth's surface uninhabitable.
Resistance
Survivors remain in bunker for two years. Growing isolation and debate about whether anyone else survived. Denton killed in accident. Discovery that Albany, New York is sending radio signals prompts debate about leaving safety of bunker.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Tanner and Perry decide to leave the bunker and journey across post-apocalyptic America in armored Landmaster vehicle to reach Albany and find other survivors.
Mirror World
Tanner and Perry encounter Janice, a young woman survivor in the ruins of Las Vegas. She represents hope, humanity, and connection in the wasteland - embodying what they're fighting to preserve.
Premise
Journey through post-apocalyptic wasteland. Encountering mutated creatures, violent storms, floods, killer cockroaches, and other survivors. The promise of the premise: survival adventure through radioactive America.
Midpoint
Perry is killed during attack by giant mutated cockroaches in Salt Lake City. False defeat - the group loses their military leader and technical expert, making survival seem increasingly impossible.
Opposition
Continuing journey with reduced crew and resources. Encounter Billy, a young survivor. Face increasing environmental hazards, vehicle damage, and challenges crossing hostile terrain toward Albany.
Collapse
The Landmaster breaks down completely in the wasteland. Stranded without transportation in deadly environment. The mission appears doomed and death seems inevitable.
Crisis
Dark night of soul. Tanner works desperately to repair the Landmaster while protecting Janice and Billy. Questions whether the journey was worth the lives lost. Contemplates giving up.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Tanner successfully repairs the Landmaster. Realizes that survival means protecting the future (Janice and Billy) not just reaching a destination. Renewed commitment to reach Albany.
Synthesis
Final push to Albany. Overcoming last obstacles and arriving to discover a small community of survivors rebuilding civilization. The mission succeeds and humanity has hope for future.
Transformation
Tanner, Janice and Billy welcomed into Albany community. Tanner transforms from isolated military operator to protector and father figure, choosing human connection over solitary survival. Hope restored.