Bluebeard’s 10 Honeymoons 1960

Landru becomes infatuated with Odette

Landru, a successful art dealer, becomes infatuated with Odette, a burlesque performer who already has a lover. Odette tricks Landru into believing her mother is ill and needs money for an operation, and he vows to raise the funds. Her manipulation deepens his fixation and commitment to helping her, even as it serves her own aims.

Landru seeks sellable furniture

Landru begins looking for furniture he can sell to finance the operation. He tests his charm on various owners and schemes to arrange discreet sales. The prospect of easy profits seduces him as he rationalizes exploiting others' possessions.

Vivienne enters Landru's sights

Landru meets Vivienne, a young widow hoping to sell vintage furniture, and quickly charms her. He presents himself as a dependable buyer and ally in her financial needs. The encounter signals the start of a new, lucrative target in his growing scheme.

Quarrel over sold furniture

Landru learns Vivienne has sold the furniture to someone else, sparking a sharp quarrel between them. The conflict exposes his willingness to manipulate others and foreshadows the violence to come. The episode reinforces his belief that others' misfortunes can be exploited for profit.

Vivienne's death and the cover-up

In the ensuing events, Vivienne dies accidentally during the quarrel. Landru manages to cover up the manslaughter, preserving his own innocent image. He then realizes he can profit from the tragedy by taking her furniture and selling it as his own.

A criminal enterprise takes shape

Landru adopts multiple aliases and begins charming several wealthy, middle-aged women. He woos them, sets up marriages, and uses their wealth to fuel his growing scheme. His confidence grows as he sees how easily he can exploit his new targets.

The method evolves: drugging and stabbing

He continues the pattern with more victims, usually drugging them and then stabbing them to kill. Each murder consolidates his control over the victims' assets and removes witnesses. The operations become more systematic and lucrative as he expands his 'collection' of wives.

Odette is betrayed and murdered

Landru later sees Odette with her lover and realizes she has used him all along. He lures her to his villa and murders her, sealing the end of their relationship. The killing demonstrates his readiness to dispose of anyone who threatens his control.

Vivienne's sister grows suspicious

Vivienne's sister becomes suspicious about her disappearance, but the police lack evidence to act. She persists, trying to uncover the truth and connect the dots. The lack of official help pushes her to seek justice on her own terms.

The sister finds Landru

The sister tracks down Landru and locates him at his rented villa. She presents a lead that could expose his crimes and drive the investigation forward. This discovery sets the stage for the police to intervene.

Arrest and capture

Police arrive and arrest Landru, gathering the evidence needed to charge him in connection with the disappearances and deaths. The arrest marks the collapse of Landru's century of deception. The suspect's calculated persona finally gives way to legal judgment.