Baby Doll

Archie Lee Meighan, a middle-aged cotton gin owner, lives with his young bride Baby Doll in a dilapidated plantation house. Their marriage is marked by emotional distance, as they sleep in separate rooms, with Baby Doll living in an oversized crib, representing the unconsummated state of their relationship.

The couple faces increasing financial difficulties, leading to the repossession of their furniture by a company. With the gin business struggling under the threat of the local syndicate, Archie becomes increasingly frustrated with their dire situation.

In a moment of rage and frustration, Archie Lee burns down the rival Syndicate Gin while they celebrate a gathering. This act of sabotage does not go unnoticed, and Eli Wallach's character, Silva Vaccaro, begins to suspect Archie of wrongdoing due to his absence from the event.

The day after the fire, Eli Wallach's character brings his cotton to Archie Lee's gin, coinciding with flirtations towards Baby Doll. This sparks concern for Baby Doll as she realizes the unexpected attention from Vaccaro could lead to complications.

In an attempt to escape Vaccaro's advances, Baby Doll reaches out to Archie Lee, but he is too preoccupied with repairing his broken gin. This leaves Baby Doll vulnerable, as Vaccaro becomes increasingly persistent in his pursuit.

As tensions mount, Baby Doll grows convinced that their house is haunted, a notion that only adds to her distress. Silva Vaccaro takes advantage of this belief, using it to manipulate her emotional state and gain her trust.

Baby Doll finds herself trapped in the attic during a confrontation, unable to leave until she signs an affidavit accusing Archie Lee of arson. Ultimately, she reluctantly agrees to the demand but manages to negotiate some time alone with Vaccaro.

When Archie Lee returns home, he is appalled to find Baby Doll and Vaccaro together in a compromising situation. Overcome with jealousy and anger, Archie realizes that his rival poses a significant threat to both his life and his business.

During a tense dinner, Baby Doll and Vaccaro openly mock Archie Lee, while he desperately tries to reach out to friends for support. This atmosphere of humiliation deepens his desperation to regain control over his life and marriage.

Feeling humiliated and pushed to the edge, Archie Lee arms himself and sets out to confront Silva Vaccaro. However, the situation escalates when the police are called after Baby Doll's distressed plea for help.

The police arrest Archie Lee after discovering the affidavit signed by Baby Doll, leaving her in a precarious position. She is now uncertain about her feelings for both men and the consequences of her actions.

As the evening draws to a close, Baby Doll confronts the grim reality of her situation. Aunt Rose returns home with a somber heart, symbolizing the heavy emotional weight the family must now bear.