Strait-Jacket

Main Plot

Strait-Jacket follows the story of Lucy Harbin, a woman who, after being released from a mental institution, returns to her family home years after being convicted of murdering her husband and his lover. As she attempts to reintegrate into society, her past looms over her, and the townspeople are wary of her presence. Lucy's daughter, who was a child when the murders occurred, struggles with her feelings toward her mother and the trauma of their shared history. Tensions rise when a series of brutal murders begin to occur, leading to suspicion and fear among the community. As Lucy tries to prove her innocence and reclaim her life, the film delves into themes of madness, guilt, and the impact of violence, ultimately questioning the nature of sanity and the possibility of redemption.

Characters

• Joan Crawford plays Lucy Harbin, a woman recently released from a mental institution, who becomes entangled in a series of gruesome murders, raising suspicions about her sanity.
• Diane Baker plays Carol Harbin, the daughter of Lucy Harbin. Carol's actions and secrets drive the suspense and shocking twists in the psychological thriller.
• Leif Erickson plays Bill Cutler, the skeptical husband who doubts his wife's sanity, adding tension and suspicion to the psychological thriller's unfolding drama.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Strait-Jacket, the tension culminates as the protagonist, Lucy, confronts the truth about her past and the events that led to her institutionalization. After a series of murders occur, all linked to her, Lucy's sanity is questioned, and the audience is left to wonder whether she is the killer or a victim of circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Lucy's memories are fragmented and unreliable. The climax reveals that the real murderer is someone close to her, manipulating events to frame her and cover their own dark secrets. In a dramatic confrontation, Lucy fights to reclaim her identity and prove her innocence. The resolution comes when the true identity of the killer is exposed, leading to a tense showdown that ultimately clears Lucy's name. The film concludes with her finding a sense of closure, having faced the demons of her past. The ending ties back to the overarching themes of madness, manipulation, and the struggle for self-identity, leaving the audience to ponder the fine line between sanity and insanity. Lucy's journey reflects the complexities of trauma and the quest for redemption, providing a chilling yet satisfying conclusion to the narrative.