Sorry Wrong Number

Main Plot

"Sorry, Wrong Number," directed by Anatole Litvak, is a suspenseful thriller centered around Leona Stevenson, a bedridden, wealthy woman who accidentally overhears a phone conversation about a planned murder. As she tries to piece together the details, she becomes increasingly frantic, making numerous calls to various people in an attempt to prevent the crime. Her investigation reveals a web of deceit and betrayal, involving her own husband and his dubious business dealings. The tension escalates as Leona's isolation and helplessness grow, leading to a gripping climax. The film masterfully builds suspense through its use of limited settings and real-time storytelling.

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 the climax of Anatole Litvak's film 'Sorry, Wrong Number,' Leona Stevenson, a bedridden heiress, realizes that she is the intended victim of a murder plot orchestrated by her husband, Henry Stevenson. Throughout the movie, Leona overhears a phone conversation about a planned murder, which she initially believes is unrelated to her. However, as she pieces together various clues and conversations, she discovers that Henry is deeply in debt and involved in criminal activities. He has conspired with his associates to have her killed to inherit her wealth and settle his debts. In the final moments, Leona is alone in her house, frantically trying to get help over the phone. Despite her desperate attempts, she is unable to reach anyone in time. The tension escalates as the murderer enters her home. The film concludes with Leona's terrified screams as she is attacked, and the phone receiver dangles ominously, symbolizing her futile efforts to seek help. The ending underscores the themes of isolation, betrayal, and the helplessness of being trapped in a dire situation with no escape.