Summaries

Synopsis

The story opens with a narrator introducing the film, highlighting its themes of desire and deceit. The plot follows a character named Valerie Bancroft, who has just returned home under the care of a nurse after a serious health scare. Her condition is dire, and the doctor informs Valerie's secretary, Marsha Jordan, and a family friend, Dr. Harrison, that Valerie has only months to live. Harrison is distraught, noting that Valerie was recently full of life, but Marsha insists that they should not tell Valerie the severity of her condition. The conversation shifts to managing Valerie's business affairs, as Valerie herself remains unaware of her grim prognosis. Valerie, feeling confined, questions why she cannot socialize or have fun, leading to plans for her to travel to California for rest. The part concludes with Valerie arriving in California, eager to explore, while her companion, Dr. Peter Kirk, urges her to focus on relaxation.

In California, Dr. Peter Kirk advises Valerie to focus on her health and avoid late nights. He suggests a day of sightseeing followed by an early dinner and a visit to the theater, with no nightclubs. After Kirk leaves, Valerie decides to rest, urging Marsha to explore the hotel. Meanwhile, Marsha contacts Dr. Kirk to confirm that Valerie should not know the full extent of her illness.

At the hotel bar, Marsha meets a man named Ricardo De Villa, who introduces himself as Rick. They share a drink, and Rick inquires about Marsha's background. Later, Marsha learns from a hotel guest that Rick may have ulterior motives, as he shows interest in Valerie's wealth. Marsha is cautious but agrees to meet him again, planning to be careful. The scene ends with Rick revealing to another woman, Fritzie Darvel, that he is struggling financially and may use Valerie as a means to resolve his troubles. Fritzie is an exotic dancer married to Don Darvel, a jealous and suspicious man who closely monitors her activities. Rick's secret relationship with Fritzie adds another layer of danger, as Don's growing jealousy could lead to violence.

Rick tries to convince Fritzie Darvel that his interest in Valerie is purely strategic, aiming to secure her wealth for their future. Meanwhile, Valerie receives a gift from Rick and discusses their plans for dinner, which leads to a minor conflict between her and Marsha regarding Valerie's health and the medications she should take. Despite these concerns, Valerie and Rick go out for the evening, leaving Marsha and Dr. Kirk worried about the late hours.

At dinner, Rick and Valerie engage in casual conversation about their interests, with Rick learning more about Valerie's background. Their evening progresses smoothly until Rick notices that Valerie seems unwell. Concerned, he suggests returning to the hotel, but Valerie brushes it off, blaming the crowded dance floor for her discomfort. After Rick drops her off, Valerie collapses in her room, prompting Marsha to call for urgent medical assistance from Dr. Kirk.

After Valerie collapses, Marsha urgently contacts Dr. Kirk, who insists that Valerie must be told about the severity of her condition to prevent further harm. Marsha reluctantly agrees to keep Valerie's health under control but warns Rick to stay away until Valerie is stronger. Meanwhile, Rick receives money from selling a bracelet but is warned by Fritzie Darvel that Valerie might be more trouble than she's worth. Rick reassures her that the plan is still on track, even as Don Darvel becomes more suspicious of their affair.

Dr. Kirk finally informs Valerie about her critical heart condition, revealing that she might have only a year to live if she takes care of herself. Shocked and disheartened, Valerie realizes that Marsha's interference was for her own good. She contemplates her future and discusses her feelings for Rick, insisting that their relationship is genuine. Later, Valerie reveals her condition to Rick and expresses her desire to live the remainder of her life with him. Rick pretends to be supportive but secretly discusses with Fritzie Darvel how Valerie's illness could be advantageous for them. He plots to stay with Valerie just long enough to benefit from her wealth, despite Fritzie's skepticism about his intentions.

As time passes, Valerie and Rick marry, and Valerie moves to Hawaii, where she seems happy. However, a problem arises when Valerie cannot find her medication. Marsha manages to send the pills, and Valerie asks her to handle household arrangements. Rick continues to play the part of a caring husband, even buying Valerie a pillbox to keep her medication handy. The couple spends time visiting an art dealer, where Rick successfully negotiates a purchase for Valerie, showcasing his charm and cunning.

After their return, Valerie settles into her new home, delighted by the surroundings. Marsha joins them, and they catch up on recent events. Rick, still hiding his true intentions, sneaks a call to Fritzie Darvel, maintaining his secret relationship. Valerie expresses her contentment with her life and her gratitude for Rick's care. Dr. Kirk plans to visit for a checkup, and Valerie's spirits remain high, unaware of Rick's deception.

Marsha becomes suspicious when she notices that Valerie's pillbox has been tampered with. After discovering that some capsules are missing, she suspects Rick of foul play. Dr. Kirk shares her concern and contacts a homicide detective, Fullmer, to investigate. When they check Valerie's medication, it appears normal, but Marsha insists that something is wrong. However, without concrete evidence, they are unable to act.

Meanwhile, Rick continues his deception, juggling his secret affair with Fritzie Darvel and his marriage to Valerie. Despite Marsha's growing fears, Fullmer advises caution, as there has been no clear crime. Frustrated, Marsha decides to return to New York, but Dr. Kirk convinces her to stay, believing that Valerie still needs her support. As tensions rise, Valerie remains unaware of the dangers surrounding her, while Rick's true intentions begin to surface. Don Darvel, increasingly jealous and angry, begins to plot against both Rick and Fritzie.

Valerie and Rick continue their life together, with Valerie's health showing remarkable improvement. Dr. Kirk credits her psychological well-being, noting that Rick's care is the likely reason for her recovery. However, Rick secretly plans to leave Valerie, arranging to meet Fritzie at a motel. As Rick prepares to flee, he becomes increasingly hostile toward Marsha, demanding that she leave the house by morning. Rick's plan is to secure Valerie's wealth and escape with Fritzie, but he remains unaware of Don's vengeful intentions.

Later, Rick meets Fritzie to finalize their plan, providing her with a duplicate key to his room and instructions to lie about his whereabouts. Meanwhile, back at the house, a shocking turn of events unfolds: Valerie collapses. Soon after, Detective Sergeant John Fullmer arrives, revealing that Fritzie has been found dead. Fullmer accuses Rick of murder, confronting him with the evidence. Rick, caught off guard, vehemently denies the charges, but the situation quickly spirals out of control as Fullmer closes in on the truth. It is revealed that Don Darvel, driven by jealousy and anger over Fritzie's affair with Rick, murdered her in a fit of rage.

Detective Sergeant John Fullmer confronts Rick De Villa, suspecting him of being involved in Valerie's death as well. Rick admits to quarreling with Valerie and feeling overwhelmed, but he denies any intention to harm her. Fullmer presses Rick on his whereabouts, and Rick reveals that he was in Palm Springs with Fritzie Darvel. However, Marsha insists that Rick is lying and responsible for Valerie's death. The investigation deepens as Fullmer connects the dots between Fritzie's murder and Rick's actions.

The coroner reveals that Valerie died of a heart attack before being shot, which rules out suicide. Fullmer then informs Rick that Fritzie was found murdered in Palm Springs, and all evidence points to Rick. Despite Rick's desperate claims of innocence, he is arrested and taken to headquarters. As the case unravels, the tangled web of deceit leads to a dramatic conclusion, with Rick facing charges for a crime he insists he didn't commit. However, the truth about Don Darvel's role in Fritzie's murder eventually comes to light, complicating the case and adding further intrigue.

Detective Sergeant John Fullmer and Dr. Peter Kirk piece together the final details of the case. It becomes clear that Rick's plan to secure Valerie's wealth led to a series of tragic events, including Fritzie's murder by Don Darvel. Although Rick tried to cover his tracks, his past actions and deceitful behavior ultimately caught up with him. As the story concludes, justice is served, but not without leaving behind a trail of broken lives and shattered trust. The fates of Valerie, Fritzie, Rick, and Don illustrate the deadly consequences of greed, betrayal, and deceit.