Sorry Wrong Number

| 1948

Directed by: Anatole Litvak

Main Plot

Sorry Wrong Number follows the story of a wealthy, bedridden woman named Leona Stevenson, who is confined to her home due to a medical condition. One night, while trying to contact her husband, she accidentally overhears a phone conversation about a murder plot targeting her. As she becomes increasingly frantic and desperate for help, Leona attempts to piece together the details of the conspiracy against her. Her paranoia grows as she tries to reach her husband and the police, but her efforts are thwarted by a series of miscommunications and obstacles. The tension escalates as she races against time to uncover the truth and save herself from the impending danger, leading to a gripping climax filled with suspense and intrigue.

Characters

  • Barbara Stanwyck plays Leona Stevenson, a bedridden woman who overhears a murder plot on the phone, leading her to uncover a web of deceit and danger.
  • Burt Lancaster plays Henry Stevenson, the husband who becomes entangled in a plot to murder his bedridden wife, creating suspense and tension throughout the story.
  • Ann Richards plays the role of Sally Lord, the wife of Henry Stevenson. She becomes entangled in a suspenseful plot involving a murder plan overheard on a phone call.

Ending Explained

In Sorry Wrong Number, the climax unfolds as the protagonist, Mrs. Eleanor Stevenson, realizes that her life is in imminent danger. Throughout the film, she has been confined to her bed due to a medical condition, and her paranoia escalates when she overhears a phone conversation about her murder. The tension builds as she frantically tries to piece together the plot against her, desperately seeking help from various sources, including the police. In the final moments, Mrs. Stevenson learns that the call she overheard was indeed a genuine threat. As she races against time to prevent her own demise, the narrative reveals the true nature of her husband’s betrayal and the conspiracy surrounding her. The resolution comes when she confronts the reality of her situation, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion. The film ends with her realization that she cannot escape her fate, highlighting themes of isolation and vulnerability. The ending serves to underscore the film's exploration of trust and betrayal, leaving the audience with a haunting sense of inevitability and the fragility of life. Ultimately, the resolution of the conflict emphasizes the consequences of deception and the dire implications of being trapped in one's own circumstances.

Anatole Litvak Drama Film-Noir Mystery Barbara Stanwyck Burt Lancaster Ann Richards