Dressed to Kill

Dressed to Kill

Year: 1980

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Brian De Palma

MysteryThriller

In a deadly game of cat and mouse, prostitute Liz Blake becomes entangled in a murder mystery when she witnesses homemaker Kate Miller's gruesome demise. As suspicion falls on Liz, she joins forces with Kate's inventor son Peter to unravel the truth behind the killing, only to uncover a sinister plot involving a mastermind with a surprising secret identity and motive.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dressed to Kill yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Dressed to Kill (1980)
Trace every key event in Dressed to Kill (1980) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Intimate Shower Scene

The movie begins with an evocative scene where a couple shares a sensual moment in the shower. This tranquility is abruptly disrupted when Robbie L. McDermott suddenly turns aggressive towards the woman, establishing an undercurrent of tension.

Shower
2

Reflections in Bed

Following their encounter in the shower, the woman lies in bed reflecting on the earlier incident. Despite the romantic ambiance created by the radio, she feels a sense of unfulfillment, hinting at deeper issues in her relationship.

Bedroom
3

Kate Confronts Pete

Kate Miller, portrayed by Angie Dickinson, confronts her son Peter 'Pete' Miller about his refusal to join her at the museum. Their conversation reveals the strained dynamics within their family, particularly regarding his disinterest in her partner Mike.

Home
4

Therapy Session

Kate attends a session with her therapist, Doctor Robert Elliott, who amusingly takes on receptionist duties due to an absent colleague. During their conversation, she shares her frustrations about her mother’s impending visit and Mike’s lack of intimacy.

Therapist's Office
5

Flirtation with Doctor Elliott

The discussion takes a surprising turn as Kate flirts with Elliott, seeking validation about her attractiveness. Elliott acknowledges her beauty but maintains his commitment to his marriage, adding another layer to their relationship.

Therapist's Office
6

Encounter at the Museum

While at the museum, Kate's attention is captivated by a mysterious man, sparking a game of flirtation. She leaves him a glove, leading to a thrilling chase throughout the museum, showcasing her desire for excitement.

Museum
7

Taxi Adventure

Kate's encounter escalates as she and the mysterious man engage in an exhilarating escapade in a taxi. Their chemistry ignites a passionate union, which is humorously watched by a bemused taxi driver.

Taxi
8

Discovery of Alarming Documents

Just as the romantic tension builds, Kate discovers documents revealing the man’s sexually transmitted disease status. This shocking revelation shatters her moment of bliss, prompting her to flee the scene in distress.

Mystery Man's Apartment
9

Stabbing Incident

In her haste to escape, Kate inadvertently leaves behind her wedding ring, necessitating a return. Unfortunately, her visit turns deadly as she is ambushed and stabbed by a mysterious woman, leaving her life hanging by a thread.

Mystery Man's Apartment
10

Desperate Plea for Help

As Kate fights for her life, she finds herself trapped in an elevator, desperately reaching out for assistance. Oblivious to her plight, a couple discusses mundane business matters, unaware of the chaos unfolding around them.

Elevator
11

Investigation Unfolds

Detective Marino becomes involved in the investigation following Kate's stabbing. As he interrogates Elliott, his skepticism leads him to uncover layers of deceit surrounding the events threatening Kate’s life.

Police Station
12

Liz's Troubling Life

Interwoven into the narrative is Liz, a woman navigating life as a prostitute while evading a dangerous stalker. Her precarious situation intensifies as Pete realizes he must come to her rescue using his inventive anti-rape spray.

Unknown Location
13

The Dual Identity Revelation

A shocking twist reveals that Doctor Elliott has a hidden identity, living as Bobbi, a patient desiring a sex change. His darker tendencies surface when he feels attraction towards women, leading to violent outcomes.

Therapist's Office
14

The Climax of Terror

As tension escalates, Liz and Pete delve deeper into Elliott’s complex psyche, facing chilling confrontations with the blonde assailant. Their struggles reflect the intricate web of identities and survival amidst the looming threat.

Various Locations
15

Final Awakening

In a haunting resolution, Liz wakes from a nightmare, met by Pete’s attempts to soothe her. Their encounter signifies the struggle against the chaos surrounding them, leaving a profound contemplation of sanity versus madness.

Dream Sequence

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 06:32

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