Embraceable You

The film opens with a sweeping montage of New York City's skyline, establishing the urban backdrop. An announcer's voiceover cues the start of the story with Warner Brothers' introduction. The visuals set a tone of ambition and danger that threads through the characters' fates.

Gambler Sig Kelch shoots a crooked poker player, igniting a tense pursuit through city streets. Eddie Novoc drives the getaway car and, in the confusion, hits Marie Willens. Kelch stubbornly orders them to keep driving, showing his ruthless disregard for life.

Eddie visits Marie at the hospital, posing as a friend of her brother. Marie reveals she has no brother, drawing the attention of detective Ferris. The encounter plants the seeds of Eddie's later scrutiny by the authorities.

Dr. Wirth determines that Marie has an inoperable, fatal aneurysm caused by the accident. He resolves not to tell her she is dying, opting to withhold the grim prognosis. The hospital atmosphere grows tenser as the truth remains hidden.

Marie is released from the hospital, lamenting that she has lost her job and is locked out of her apartment. Eddie visits again, trying to be supportive while navigating the looming tragedy. The immediate future looks unstable as they search for a new place to live.

Outside the hospital, Ferris informs Eddie that, though he cannot prove it, he suspects Eddie was driving the car that hit Marie. He orders Eddie to take care of her until she dies, leveraging legal authority to enforce a fragile obligation. The unwelcome surveillance marks the start of Eddie's concealed duty.

To support Marie, Eddie pawns his watch and takes steps to raise money, including leveraging Kelch’s leverage to secure funds. He hopes to rent Marie a proper home and keep her comfortable. Kelch's men, unsettled by Eddie's moves, begin to close in.

With some money secured, Eddie and Marie move to the countryside, seeking a quieter life away from danger. They share an idyllic, hopeful period, imagining happiness beyond the city’s pressures. Marie’s health, however, continues to deteriorate even in this peaceful setting.

Marie’s attacks worsen, leaving her bedridden and unable to walk. Eddie summons Dr. Wirth, who finally tells Marie the truth about her condition. The revelation solidifies the gravity of their remaining time together and redefines their relationship.

Now aware she is dying, Marie asks Eddie to marry her. He initially refuses, burdened by guilt over causing the accident, but she forgives him, and they decide to marry. The moment marks a rekindled commitment born from shared tragedy.

News of the planned wedding reaches Kelch's and Ferris's men, who monitor Sammy's shop and the wedding cake bearing the couple’s names. They trail Eddie to the country hideout, while Ferris's men watch from the city, raising the tension. The countdown to a decisive confrontation begins.

Kelch tries to shoot Eddie, but Ferris's men shoot first, killing Kelch and ending the casino gangster's hold over the case. The immediate danger to Eddie is removed, shifting focus to Eddie's fate and the legal consequences he faces. The balance of power tilts toward the authorities.

With Kelch dead, Ferris contemplates arresting Eddie for the hit-and-run. Eddie pleads to be allowed to marry Marie and give her happiness in her remaining days. Ferris, moved by Eddie's devotion, hesitates and agrees to a compassionate course of action.

The couple finally marries in the countryside, with Ferris allowing the union as a tempered act of mercy. The ceremony offers a fragile respite from the surrounding tragedy. The mood remains bittersweet as they seize their last chances at joy.

During the wedding night, Marie asks Eddie to pretend the marriage is forever. He kisses her and vows, 'It is forever,' sealing a commitment born from love, guilt, and the looming end. The vow encapsulates the film's themes of forgiveness and enduring devotion.