The Woman in Red 1984

In San Francisco, CA, we meet Theodore “Teddy” Pierce (Gene Wilder), the director of information at a local advertising agency. His life takes a dramatic turn, as he stands precariously on the edge of a high window ledge, reflecting on the events that transpired over the past month—events that transformed his once unremarkable routine into a whirlwind of chaos and temptation.

It all begins when Teddy parks his car in the underground garage at work, where he encounters a stunning woman dressed in a striking red gown (Kelly LeBrock). Her playful stroll over an air vent, causing her dress to blow up, captivates Teddy, igniting a spark of infatuation that he had never experienced before despite being a happily married man. This unexpected fascination sets off a cascade of complications in his life.

At the office, Teddy sees the enchanting woman again while she is at the desk of his colleague, Ms. Milner (Gilda Radner). Overcome with curiosity, he decides to reach out to her by calling the extension, only to find that he mistakenly believes he is speaking to the woman in red. Ms. Milner, who is far from a glamourous figure, is taken aback by his invitation to dinner at an Italian restaurant that evening. Despite her surprise, she accepts the invitation, leaving Teddy in a tumult of guilt and anxiety.

Desperate to keep his intentions hidden from his wife, Didi (Judith Ivey), he devises a plan with his friend Michael (Michael Huddleston), asking him to impersonate his assistant in a phone call. Didi suspects nothing, but as the evening approaches, Teddy falters and retracts his plan, much to Ms. Milner’s disappointment, who ends up vandalizing his car in a fit of rage.

Ms. Milner, however, isn’t finished with Teddy yet. The next day, she calls him to offer a second chance, but Teddy’s misunderstanding leads him to believe it is the elusive woman in red calling. When he realizes the truth and encounters Ms. Milner once more, he hastily departs, only to provoke her anger anew.

During a staff meeting, Teddy discovers that the captivating woman in red, now identified as Charlotte, is the new face for an upcoming advertising campaign after being spotted horseback riding in Golden Gate Park. After a series of awkward attempts to meet her, Teddy finally connects with Charlotte, who impresses him with her charm. Despite his attempts to keep everything above board, he finds himself drawn deeper into a web of lies and secrets as the desire for excitement begins to overshadow his sense of duty to his family.

Didi, suspicious yet unaware of the depth of Teddy’s escapades, expresses her loyal feelings during one poignant moment, warning him of the repercussions of infidelity. As Teddy’s double life spirals out of control, he learns that Charlotte is married when an unexpected confrontation occurs during their intimate encounter. This revelation throws Teddy into a state of realization as he reflects on what he truly values—his wife and children.

With a growing crowd assembled outside as news of his precarious position at the window spreads, Teddy, amid the chaos, contemplates the absurdity of the situation. A fire department and media presence amplify the absurdity, leading him to a surprising moment of clarity. Overhearing the chaos of Charlotte engaging with her husband, he realizes the gravity of his near-miss with infidelity.

Ultimately, in an attempt to end the turmoil in his heart, Teddy makes a pivotal choice, ready to leap from the ledge, a decision sparked by a newfound appreciation for his life and family. Yet, as he falls from the ledge, he catches a glimpse of a beautiful blonde reporter on the ground—adding an ironic twist to his moment of epiphany. Thus, the adventure of Teddy unfolds, encapsulating themes of temptation, fidelity, and the essence of true love.