Love Nest 1951

Jim returns from WWII and Connie buys the building

Jim Scott returns from Paris after World War II and is stunned to learn that Connie has invested his wages in a run-down Gramercy Park building. He ends up taking on landlord duties, managing repairs and renovations to save money. Connie hopes the arrangement will give him time to write, but the work soon consumes his days.

Charley Patterson moves in

Charley Patterson, a smooth-talking con man, moves into a vacant apartment and quickly ingratiates himself with the tenants. He begins courting Eadie Gaynor, a gentle widow, while continuing his other cons. His presence adds a dangerous edge to the building's atmosphere.

Jim arranges a new tenant

Jim persuades Connie to rent a newly available unit to an old Army buddy, who turns out to be Roberta Stevens, a stunning former WAC. Her arrival injects a new dynamic into the building and into Connie's jealousy. Jim worries about how this will affect his life and work.

FBI inquiry and rumors

An FBI agent visits the Scotts to question what they know about Charley Patterson, but refuses to share information. The encounter underscores Charley's criminal past and sows unease among the tenants. Jim and Connie are left to grapple with the unknown dangers shadowing their building.

Anniversary sighting

During a celebration of their third wedding anniversary at a fancy restaurant, Jim and Connie spot Charley dancing with a stranger. The sight unsettles Connie and deepens her suspicion about Charley's loyalties. Jim's trust in Charley begins to waver as a result.

Building inspector and the wiring issue

A building inspector arrives to warn that exposed wiring is a serious code violation and must be repaired within fifteen days or the building will be condemned. The news forces Jim to confront the costly repairs and possible loss of the building. Connie and Jim's financial strain grows as the deadline looms.

Engagement and wedding plans

Charley and Eadie announce their engagement, adding pressure to Connie and Jim as they face the building's future. The engagement signals Charley's deepening involvement with Eadie and the scheme-fraught environment around the building. Connie grows more worried about Charley's intentions.

Honeymoon and the loan

Jim learns that fixing the wiring will be prohibitively expensive, reinforcing his desire to sell the building. Charley lends Jim $800 for the repairs after he and Eadie return from their honeymoon, but Jim still considers selling. The financial strain remains a central tension in the Scotts' marriage.

Hammock incident and mistaken affair

Jim and Connie argue, and Jim sleeps in a hammock in the backyard. The hammock breaks and Jim ends up sleeping in Roberta Stevens' apartment while she is away on a modeling assignment. Bobbie returns the next morning, and Connie misreads the situation, thinking Jim spent the night with Bobbie.

Confrontation over Charley’s crimes

A newspaper story exposes an elderly Casanova believed to be Charley Price, prompting Jim and Connie to confront Charley. He does not deny his guilt, but declares his love for Eadie and says he has just finished his last con. The confrontation heightens the sense that Charley's days of tricks are ending.

Arrest and future publication

Charley arranges for Jim to be arrested for receiving the $800, as part of Charley's plan to stage a confession and set up Jim as a writer. Jim is furious to find himself in a cell with Charley, who explains he will be paid to publish a series of articles about his escapades. Those articles eventually become a bestselling book.

Charley’s release and reunions

After eighteen months, Charley is released from prison and reunites with Eadie. Jim and Connie, having enjoyed royalties from Charley’s book, have beautified the apartment building and settled into a more comfortable life. The story hints at a renewed, if unconventional, family harmony.