Sorry, Wrong Number Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bedridden woman eavesdrops on a murder plot, and it turns out to be the perfect excuse to rehash all her marital issues via extended flashback sequences before a tragic case of mistaken identity… or is it?

🍿 Sorry, Wrong Number: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Accidental Overhearing

Leona Stevenson, a bedridden and neurotic woman, is alone in her New York City apartment. While trying to reach her husband, Henry, she accidentally overhears a phone conversation detailing a murder plot set to occur that night. The details are chilling: the victim is a woman, the time is 11:15 PM, and the location is a house near a train crossing.

Frantic Investigation

Paralyzed with fear, Leona attempts to alert the authorities and find out who the intended victim is. Her efforts are met with skepticism and indifference from the police and telephone operators. As she frantically makes calls, flashbacks reveal her past, including her controlling relationship with her husband and her strained relationship with her father.

Unraveling the Truth

Through a series of phone calls and flashbacks, Leona uncovers a web of deceit involving her husband’s financial troubles and his involvement in a drug smuggling operation. She learns that Henry is deeply in debt to a gangster named Morano and that he has been embezzling funds from her father’s company to cover his losses. The true target of the murder plot becomes increasingly clear.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Leona Stevenson (Barbara Stanwyck): A neurotic, bedridden heiress who overhears a murder plot and frantically tries to prevent it, only to discover she is the intended victim.
• Henry Stevenson (Burt Lancaster): Leona’s husband, who is entangled in criminal activities and plots to have his wife murdered for her inheritance.
• Sally Hunt Lord (Ann Richards): Leona’s former friend and Henry’s ex-girlfriend, who attempts to warn Leona about Henry’s involvement in suspicious activities.
• Waldo Evans (Harold Vermilyea): A pharmaceutical scientist blackmailed into participating in Henry’s drug smuggling operation and the planned murder of Leona.
• James Cotterell (Ed Begley): Leona’s wealthy and overprotective father, who disapproves of Henry and unknowingly sets the stage for his daughter’s vulnerability.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Henry Stevenson: “I want you to do something. I want you to get yourself out of the bed, and get over to the window and scream as loud as you can. Otherwise you only have another three minutes to live.” – Said by Henry during a phone call with Leona to urge her to save herself from the impending murder.
• Leona Stevenson: “Operator, get me the police!” – Exclaimed by Leona as she desperately tries to report the murder plot she overheard.
• Morano – Gangster: “Accidents can be arranged.” – Morano suggests this to Henry as a way to solve his money problems, hinting at Leona’s murder.
• Killer: “Sorry, wrong number.” – The chilling last words spoken by the killer after murdering Leona and answering Henry’s call.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $1,974

💥 Sorry, Wrong Number Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Sorry, Wrong Number’ late one night and being absolutely glued to the screen. The way the tension builds, just from phone calls and Stanwyck’s reactions, is incredible. I actually jumped out of my seat during the ending! The flashbacks added a lot of depth, showing why everything was happening. It’s a real classic that everyone should see.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Viewers who appreciate suspenseful thrillers”
  • “Those interested in stories with strong female leads”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films with twist endings”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Murder”
  • “Intense thematic elements”
  • “Disturbing situations”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “An unquestionable winner! Stanwyck delivers a powerhouse performance as the invalid Leona, creating suspense with just her voice and facial expressions. While the flashbacks occasionally slow the pace, the film builds to a terrifying climax that will leave audiences breathless.
• The Wrap: “The movie’s shock value outlasts its staled conventions. Barbara Stanwyck, acting in the most unabashedly actressy way, isn’t as effective as in other roles. But in the same time Sorry, Wrong Number’s is one of the best fright tales around.

Audience Reactions

Barbara Stanwyck’s performance is mesmerizing, perfectly capturing the character’s desperation and fear.: The film’s suspenseful atmosphere, created through phone calls and flashbacks, is highly effective.

The ending is shocking and unforgettable.: The film is a classic example of film noir, with its dark themes and stylish visuals.

Overall Consensus: A suspenseful and well-crafted film noir classic, elevated by Barbara Stanwyck’s outstanding performance.

Awards

1. Academy Awards (Best Actress)- 1949

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on Lucille Fletcher’s popular radio play of the same name, which starred Agnes Moorehead.”
• “Barbara Stanwyck received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance, but lost to Jane Wyman in Johnny Belinda.”
• “The film utilizes a significant amount of flashbacks to expand the narrative beyond the original radio play’s single setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Sorry, Wrong Number?

Sorry, Wrong Number is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential television broadcasts. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Sorry, Wrong Number, you might like these similar films:

• Dial M for Murder (1954): Features a plot involving a planned murder and the use of the telephone as a key element of the suspense.
• Rear Window (1954): Like Sorry, Wrong Number, it involves a protagonist confined to one location who uncovers a crime through indirect means.
• Wait Until Dark (1967): A woman who is blind is terrorized by criminals, similar to Leona’s helplessness.
• When a Stranger Calls (1979): Features a woman alone in a house receiving threatening phone calls, creating suspense and fear.

🛒 Sorry, Wrong Number Related Products

• Sorry, Wrong Number (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine restoration of the film, featuring insightful commentary, interviews, and essays. A must-have for collectors and serious film enthusiasts.
• Vintage Rotary Dial Telephone (Replica): A fully functional replica of the classic rotary dial phone. This phone will add a touch of vintage style to any room while you relive the suspense of the film.
• Women of Classic Film Noir: 52 Leading Ladies Featuring Barbara Stanwyck [Paperback]: An excellent book by Robert James Parish that examines the careers and impact of female stars in classic film noir, with a dedicated chapter on Barbara Stanwyck. This book offers insights into the actress’s role and the genre’s overall appeal.

🎧 Soundtrack

Sorry, Wrong Number features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “June in January” – performed by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger
• “Main Title Ostinato” – performed by Franz Waxman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

You Have the Wrong Number! | The Carol Burnett Show Clip

Ever had a wrong number call turn into a complete disaster? This Carol Burnett sketch takes that awkwardness to a whole new level of hilarious chaos. It’s a total riot and a fun twist on the whole ‘wrong number’ concept!

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