Calling Dr. Gillespie

Marcia Bradburn informs Roy Todwell that her father has given permission for their engagement. It marks a hopeful turning point for their relationship. The news sets the stage for the couple's plans, which are soon challenged by Roy's volatile temperament.

When Marcia refuses to elope immediately, Roy picks up a flagstone and kills his dog with it. He then drives off, signaling the first outbreak of his violent instability. The act foreshadows the danger he poses to others.

Emma Hope contacts Dr. Gillespie after becoming worried about Marcia's friend, and a careful psychiatric exam is arranged. Dr. Gerniede is invited to observe and discuss Roy’s condition without him knowing. This setup creates tension between medical teams and Roy's family.

Gerniede diagnoses dementia praecox and, along with Gillespie, recommends treatment in a mental institution. The specialists push for psychiatric care to restore Roy's stability. Their plan contrasts with the parents' belief that rest will suffice.

Roy's parents refuse the hospital route, trusting their family physician Dr. Kenwood, who says the problem is overwork at college. He urges rest rather than confinement. The family stands by this diagnosis even as the warning signs intensify.

Despite the earlier evaluations, Roy suddenly goes berserk and destroys a store's toy display while out with Marcia. This public outburst confirms the severity of his condition. It underscores the urgency of intervention.

Roy escapes through a window, believes Gillespie is his enemy, and begins a restless journey. He sends threatening postcards as he travels from city to city. The pursuit escalates and the danger broadens.

In a new city, Roy buys a car, and after its delivery he murders the salesman and his assistant. The killings mark a growing, unstoppable rampage. The event showcases Roy's complete loss of control.

Roy slips into Gillespie's hospital undetected, murders Dr. Kenwood's assistant, and masquerades as him. The deception deepens the risk to the hospital staff and Marcia. It becomes a tense game of cat and mouse.

Roy contacts Marcia, who persuades him to give himself up. Her appeal reveals a moment of clarity amid his madness. The decision marks a temporary easing of the immediate danger.

Roy is brought to Dr. Gillespie's office, seemingly sane, and pulls out a gun, declaring he must kill the doctor to be cured. The tension peaks as the doctor remains calm and tries to talk him down. Fortunately, hospital attendant Joe Wayman intervenes and disarms him.

Gerniede signals Joe Wayman from the next room, and Joe knocks the gun from Roy's hand with a wrench. The quick intervention prevents a fatal ending. The scene highlights the crucial teamwork of hospital staff.

Roy is sentenced to the penitentiary for his crimes. The legal outcome closes the immediate danger he posed to others. The outcome marks the end of the spree depicted in the film.

Gillespie visits Marcia and discovers she has a new beau, a soldier. The ending hints at resilience and a closing of that romantic chapter for Marcia. It underscores that life goes on beyond Roy's destruction.