When Time Ran Out

Kalaeu is one of those legendary unspoilt paradises that dot the Pacific. It has become a lure for the powerful, rich and glamorous. It is also the base for a luxury hotel situated alongside the fabled Mona Nui, an inactive volcano for many years and a star tourist attraction. Shelby Gilmore, owner of the Gilmore hotel chain, comes to Kalaleu to check on the progress of his newest hotel. He is accompanied by his adverstising and P.R. chief Kay Kirby. Gilmore is in partnership with ambitious Bob Spangler, scion of a powerful local family which dominates the social and economic life of the island. Spangler's wife is unware that her husband is in love with a native girl, Iolani. Hank Anderson, maverick wildcat oil well driller, is invited to the island by Spangler. While sinking a well he discovers abnormal seismometer readings. They indicate mounting subterranean pressure building up from the impending volcanic action. Spangler, fearful of harming the tourist business, refuses to order an evacuation. Hank's men too are reluctant to leave and give up their bonuses following a successful oil strike. Personal intrigues and subterfuges become merged with the desprate scramble to stay alive when the volcano inevitably errupts. © Warner Bros. Inc.