Woman of Straw 1964
Directed by
Basil Dearden
Made by
United Artists
Woman of Straw Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Woman of Straw (1964). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Playboy Anthony Richmond, portrayed by Sean Connery, concocts a cunning plan to seize his uncle Charles Richmond’s vast fortune of £50 million. Charles, a domineering and arrogant tycoon confined to a wheelchair, becomes the unsuspecting target of Anthony’s devious scheme. To carry out his plot, Anthony hires the naive yet sincere Maria Marcello, played by Gina Lollobrigida, convincing her to marry the old man in exchange for an enticing sum of one million pounds.
As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses Maria bravely endure the relentless emotional and verbal abuse inflicted by Charles, both at his lavish estate and during a turbulent yacht trip in the picturesque backdrop of Mallorca, Spain. It is during this trip that they tie the knot, and in a unexpected turn of events, a humbled Charles alters his will, leaving his entire fortune to Maria, while his greedy nephew, Anthony, is only granted a measly £40,000.
However, tragedy strikes when Charles passes away on the yacht under mysterious circumstances. In an audacious twist, both Anthony and Maria devise a plan to maintain the illusion that Charles is still alive as they return to the estate. As tensions rise, Maria finds herself under suspicion for murder after she confesses their elaborate ruse to the detectives. It is then she learns about Anthony’s dark reality: he had poisoned his own uncle with barbiturate poison and cunningly deceived Maria about Charles’s last will, intending to frame her for the crime and secure the fortune for himself once she is convicted.
The plot thickens as detectives Lomer and the loyal servant Thomas, played by the enigmatic Johnny Sekka, uncover a shocking tape recording left by Charles on his deathbed. This recording unveils Anthony’s treachery and his role in the murder. In a frantic attempt to escape his impending fate, Anthony finds himself face-to-face with consequence. As the wheelchair containing Charles is pushed towards him, he meets his demise by tumbling down the grand staircase, all while a ghostly apparition of Charles looms ominously above.
In the conclusion of this thrilling tale, justice prevails as Maria proves her innocence in court, emerging victorious and inheriting Charles’s estate and fortune. The film closes on a triumphant note, with Maria finally free from the shackles of Anthony’s treachery. This captivating story ultimately reflects the duality of trust and betrayal, showcasing how the unsuspecting can navigate the treacherous waters of deception, leading to a satisfying yet somber resolution.
Woman of Straw Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Woman of Straw (1964) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Anthony's Scheme
Playboy Anthony Richmond devises a cunning plan to inherit his uncle Charles Richmond's £50 million fortune. He enlists the help of Maria Marcello, a new Italian nurse, convincing her to marry the tyrannical tycoon for a promise of one million pounds.
Charles's Abuse
Once Maria becomes Charles's nurse, she faces his verbal and emotional abuse both at his estate and during a yacht trip. Despite the harsh treatment, Maria remains sincere and committed to her role.
The Wedding
In a significant turn of events, Maria marries Charles during the yacht trip in Mallorca, hoping to fulfill Anthony's plan. As the ceremony concludes, a humbled Charles decides to change his will, promising Maria his entire fortune.
Will Changes
After their marriage, Charles undergoes a transformation and officially alters his will to leave most of his fortune to Maria. This act leaves his nephew, Anthony, with a mere £40,000, igniting Anthony's desperation.
Uncle's Death
Tragedy strikes when Charles dies early one morning on the yacht, leaving both Anthony and Maria in shock. Anthony, seeing an opportunity, proposes they pretend Charles is still alive to protect their interests.
Concealing the Truth
Following Charles's death, Anthony and Maria hatch a plan to deceive others into believing Charles is still alive. They return to the estate and craft a facade to mislead relatives and potential investigators.
Maria's Confession
Maria gets entangled in a web of deceit when she confesses their scheme to detectives who are investigating the case. This admission casts suspicion on her, placing her under the spotlight as a potential murder suspect.
Discovery of Murder
Amid the investigation, Maria uncovers the shocking truth: Anthony had poisoned Charles with Barbiturate to secure his inheritance. The betrayal cuts deep as she realizes she has been used in his wicked game.
Detectives on the Case
Detective Lomer and the servant, Thomas, unveil a tape recording in which Charles reveals Anthony's heinous act of murder right before he died. This evidence becomes crucial in unraveling Anthony's manipulation.
Anthony's Downfall
In a desperate attempt to flee after being exposed, Anthony makes a rash move. He plummets down the grand staircase, meeting his demise as he falls under the haunting gaze of Charles' ghostly wheelchair.
Maria's Innocence
After the truth of Anthony's betrayal and the evidence against him emerges, Maria is exonerated in court. The judgment restores her reputation and allows her to reclaim Charles's estate and fortune.
Final Justice
Maria inherits the vast fortune once controlled by Charles, symbolizing her triumph over the cruel events that transpired. The film concludes with her newfound power and the recognition of her innocence.
Woman of Straw Characters
Explore all characters from Woman of Straw (1964). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Maria Marcello
Maria is portrayed as a sincere and nurturing character, caught in a web of deceit orchestrated by Anthony. Despite enduring emotional and verbal abuse, she remains resilient and morally grounded. Maria's journey from a manipulated nurse to a figure of justice emphasizes her strength and redemptive arc throughout the film.
Anthony Richmond
Anthony is depicted as a cunning and unscrupulous playboy, driven by greed and ambition. His manipulation of both Maria and his uncle reveals his dark, deceitful nature. Anthony's ultimate downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of avarice and betrayal.
Charles Richmond
Charles is a tyrannical tycoon whose domineering presence influences the events of the story. Confined to a wheelchair, his character embodies both wealth and cruelty, challenging Maria as she navigates her complex relationship with him. His eventual demise and the revelation of his will set the stage for the unfolding drama.
Woman of Straw Settings
Learn where and when Woman of Straw (1964) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The timeline of the movie appears to be set in contemporary times, as indicated by the characters' lifestyle and social structures. This period reflects the clash between wealth and morality, revealing a society where greed leads to treachery. The film explores themes of deception and justice that resonate with modern audiences.
Location
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is known for its beautiful beaches and luxurious estates, attracting visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history. The affluent estate of Charles Richmond serves as a central location in the story, where crucial events unfold. The yacht trip also highlights the island's maritime allure, making it a significant backdrop for the characters' interactions.
Woman of Straw Themes
Discover the main themes in Woman of Straw (1964). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Greed
Greed is a central theme in 'Woman of Straw,' as Anthony's desire for wealth drives him to manipulate and betray those around him. The corrupting influence of money creates a moral vacuum, leading to deceit, crime, and ultimately, downfall. The movie illustrates how the pursuit of monetary gain can overshadow human relationships and ethics.
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Justice
Justice plays a crucial role in the narrative, with Maria fighting to clear her name after being falsely implicated in her husband's murder. The story portrays a turnaround where truth prevails, and justice is restored, highlighting the resilience of the innocent. Maria's ultimate triumph underscores the importance of integrity and the notion that justice will be served.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is woven throughout the plot, particularly in the relationship between Anthony and Maria. Anthony's deception leads to tragic consequences, showcasing how trust can be manipulated for selfish ends. This theme serves to illustrate the dangers of misplaced trust and the devastating fallout that can occur from betrayal.
Woman of Straw Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Woman of Straw (1964). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a world of glittering wealth and towering expectations, a reclusive magnate astonishes his circle by announcing that his vast fortune will be redirected to charitable causes. The revelation sends ripples through his family estate, where power has always been measured in silver spoons and quiet manoeuvring. Beneath the polished façade, lingering questions about loyalty, ambition, and the true cost of generosity begin to surface.
Enter Anthony Richmond, the nephew whose sharp mind and restless drive make him both a contender and a challenger within the family’s intricate hierarchy. He perceives the new will not as a final act of benevolence but as an invitation to reshape his own destiny. To that end, he orchestrates a delicate plan that hinges on an unlikely partnership. Maria Marcello, a compassionate nurse whose beauty is matched only by her earnest nature, becomes the focal point of his scheme, as marriage appears to be the most promising avenue toward reclaiming the fortune that now lies beyond reach.
The film unfurls amid the opulent corridors of a sprawling estate and the sun‑drenched decks of a Mediterranean yacht, blending luxurious aesthetics with an undercurrent of tension. The atmosphere is thick with a blend of elegance and unease, where whispered conversations echo off marble walls and the sea’s gentle roll provides a deceptive calm. Each setting reflects the characters’ inner conflicts: the grandeur of the manor mirrors Charles Richmond’s formidable presence, while the open waters hint at the uncertain horizons ahead.
Against this backdrop, the narrative invites viewers to watch a careful dance of manipulation and affection, where trust is a fragile commodity and every smile may conceal a hidden agenda. As the characters navigate their intertwined motives, the story promises a compelling mix of intrigue, emotional stakes, and the timeless question of whether love can truly triumph over ambition.
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