Seance on a Wet Afternoon

| 1964

Directed by: Bryan Forbes

Main Plot

Seance on a Wet Afternoon follows the story of a troubled medium named Myra, who is desperate to gain recognition for her abilities. She concocts a plan to kidnap a wealthy child, hoping to use the ransom money to fund her aspirations and prove her psychic talents. Myra enlists the help of her reluctant husband, who is initially hesitant but ultimately goes along with her scheme. As the kidnapping unfolds, Myra becomes increasingly consumed by her obsession with the supernatural and the power she believes she possesses. The tension escalates as the police begin to investigate the case, leading to a psychological battle between Myra's manipulations and the realities of her actions. The film explores themes of desperation, ambition, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, creating a haunting atmosphere that reflects Myra's inner turmoil.

Characters

  • Kim Stanley plays Myra Savage, a medium who orchestrates a kidnapping to gain fame and prove her psychic abilities.
  • Richard Attenborough plays Billy Savage, a husband who assists his wife in a kidnapping scheme to validate her psychic abilities.
  • Margaret Lacey plays Mrs. Wintry, a client of the medium Myra Savage. Her character helps establish Myra's credibility and desperation for recognition.

Ending Explained

In Seance on a Wet Afternoon, the ending culminates in a tense confrontation that resolves the central conflict surrounding the kidnapping plot orchestrated by the main character, who seeks to gain notoriety as a medium. As the story unfolds, the protagonist's mental state deteriorates, leading to increasingly erratic behavior. The climax occurs when the police begin to unravel the truth behind the kidnapping, and the protagonist's carefully constructed facade begins to crumble. In the final moments, the protagonist's desperation leads to a shocking revelation about the fate of the kidnapped child. The emotional weight of her actions becomes unbearable, and she is ultimately confronted by the consequences of her manipulation and deceit. The resolution highlights the themes of obsession and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, as the protagonist's quest for recognition spirals into tragedy. The film concludes with a haunting sense of inevitability, as the protagonist faces the repercussions of her actions, leaving viewers to ponder the moral implications of her choices. The ending ties back to the overarching narrative of ambition and the lengths one might go to achieve fame, ultimately leading to a poignant and unsettling conclusion.

Bryan Forbes Crime Drama Kim Stanley Richard Attenborough Margaret Lacey