Fallen Angel

Eric Stanton is dropped off in the hamlet of Walton because he cannot afford to continue to San Francisco. He drifts into town and soon discovers Pop's Eats, a low-budget diner. The uneasy town mood is set as he begins to scheme his next moves.

Pop worries about Stella's absence from work, while Stanton quietly evaluates the local scene. Ex-New York cop Mark Judd tells Pop not to fret, hinting that Stella will return. Stella does reappear, and Stanton's interest in her is evident, though she is unimpressed by his smooth talk.

Stanton ingratiates himself with Professor Madley and lands a job as part of the traveling fortune-teller act. He accompanies Madley to the grand house of Clara Mills to stage the spook show. There he begins to use his wiles to manipulate those around him.

During the séance, Madley channels the deceased Abraham Mills, using secrets secretly gathered by his assistant Joe Ellis. The performance lays bare the sisters' financial troubles and unsettles Clara and June. Unable to handle the disclosure, the sisters leave the event.

Stanton shifts his attention to June, marrying her to secure funds for his schemes. He plans to divorce her as soon as it suits him, while Stella continues to push for a life that includes marriage and a home. Clara's past wounds also influence how the other relationships unfold.

Despite the marriage, Stanton cannot stay away from Stella and visits her on his wedding night. He explains his odd scheme to her, but Stella rejects him. He returns home late to find June asleep on the couch, watched by Clara.

The next day Stella is found murdered, and Judd is brought in to investigate. He targets Stella's latest boyfriend, Dave Atkins, who has an airtight alibi, while Stanton himself remains a prime suspect after being seen quarreling with Stella. Judd warns Stanton not to leave town.

Stanton escapes to a seedy hotel in San Francisco with June, laying bare his drifter's life of failed schemes. June confesses that she loves him, complicating his plans. The next morning, she is taken into custody for questioning.

Stanton returns to Pop's Eats, where Judd awaits. He uncovers Judd's relationship with Stella and learns how Judd left the NY police over violence. The confrontation reveals Stella's own choices, including her decision to marry Atkins instead of waiting for Judd.

Judd pulls a gun, but Pop wrestles it away. Stanton stops him from firing, a shot is fired into the ceiling, and a police officer arrives to arrest Judd. Outside, June arrives in a car and asks where they are going, to which Stanton simply says, 'Home'.