Another Man’s Poison

Year: 1951

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Irving Rapper

CrimeDrama

Mystery novelist Janet Frobisher lives alone in an isolated house after years apart from her criminal husband. When she falls for her secretary’s fiancé, the husband’s sudden return forces her to poison him. Just as she prepares to hide the body, one of his dangerous associates appears, complicating her desperate plan.

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Another Man’s Poison (1951) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Another Man’s Poison (1951), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Successful mystery novelist Janet Frobisher, Bette Davis, who has been separated for years from her husband, a man with a criminal past, lives in an isolated home in Northern England. Her nearest neighbour is a nosy vet, Emlyn Williams as Dr Henderson. Janet has an affair with, and falls in love with, her secretary Chris Dale, Barbara Murray’s fiancé, Larry Stevens, Anthony Steel, who is years younger than she. The tension between desire and danger threads through the quiet country lanes and creaking house, creating a mood where every message could be a trap and every gesture hides a motive.

When her estranged husband, George Bates, Gary Merrill, unexpectedly appears, Janet poisons him by administering medication given to her by Dr Henderson for her horse. One of the deceased man’s criminal cohorts arrives as she is preparing to dispose of the body in the local lake. When Janet’s secretary and Larry arrive at the secluded house, the mysterious man, who has assisted her with her scheme, impersonates George, the long-absent husband of Janet.

George and Janet trade accusations and insults. Chris learns of Larry’s affair with Janet, and determines to leave for London. Janet tries to convince Larry to stay with her, but he loves Chris and chases after her unsuccessfully. George shoots Janet’s horse to upset her. Janet pretends she is remorseful about Larry and Chris, and sends George after Chris in an unsafe vehicle. He crashes, but survives.

The next morning the authorities are dragging the lake because of the crash. Janet’s attempt to kill George has trapped them both, although George plans simply to run away. Janet tricks George into poisoning himself. As George dies, Dr Henderson arrives and says he knew all along that George was an imposter; the real George had stopped by his house in the fog the night he arrived. Janet pretends to faint. Dr Henderson gives her a drink from the same flask she used to trick George. When she opens her eyes and recognises the flask, she realises she has killed herself, and bursts into hysterical laughter.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:26

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The narrative typically begins with a character attempting to solve a problem or cover up a crime in a secluded environment. Their initial plan quickly unravels as unexpected visitors, often connected to the crime, arrive and apply pressure. The story becomes a tense battle of wits and wills within the confined space, where each new complication tightens the noose, leading toward a dark resolution.

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