Harriet Craig

Harriet Craig

Year: 1950

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Vincent Sherman

DramaMoving relationship storiesEnduring stories of family and marital dramaShow All…

What Was Harriet Craig’s Lie? A perfectionist woman’s devotion to her home drives away friends and family.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Harriet Craig 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 – Harriet Craig (1950)

Trace every key event in Harriet Craig (1950) 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

Harriet's obsession with perfection

The film opens by establishing Harriet's neurotic pursuit of perfection in her home, social life, and self-image. She treats people as tools to maintain a flawless facade, and her goal of total control makes life miserable for those around her.

Opening Harriet Craig's home
2

The household takes shape

Harriet shares her home with her husband Walter, her cousin Clare, and two maids. She exerts constant control over routines and behavior, positioning herself as the 'lady' who sets every standard.

Early in marriage Walter's family home
3

Harriet's past roots her distrust

A backstory shows Harriet's difficult childhood with a philandering father. This history fuels her distrust of men and her insistence on manipulating others to fit her ideal life.

Flashback
4

Maid abuse and firings

Harriet scolds the maids and bullies the nervous one until she is fired. The other longtime maid witnesses the hostility and quits under pressure, signaling Harriet's growing domination of the household.

Early on House staff areas
5

Isolating Walter's social circle

To keep control, Harriet keeps Walter's friends away and replaces them with stodgy, older couples who flatter her ambitions and align with her image.

Ongoing Parlor / home social events
6

Clare falls for Wes Miller

Clare becomes involved with Wes Miller, Walter's coworker, which Harriet sees as a threat to her control. She begins to undermine the romance with deceit and lies.

Mid-movie Clare's relationship with Wes; Wes's workplace
7

The looming work assignment

Walter earns a coveted assignment that would require him to travel abroad. Harriet fears losing control over the household if he leaves and plots to prevent the trip.

Soon Walter's workplace
8

Harriet sabotages the plan

Harriet tells treacherous lies to Walter's boss in an effort to cancel the assignment. The scheme reveals the depth of her manipulation to maintain their life together.

Before departure Walter's office/ boss
9

The truth begins to surface

Clare overhears Harriet admit to Walter that she lied to sabotage Clare's relationship. The hidden web of deceit starts unraveling, exposing Harriet's dominion.

Climax Home
10

Clare decides to leave

Clare packs her belongings and leaves, choosing independence over living under Harriet's manipulative rule. The household's fragile balance collapses.

Shortly after confession House
11

Walter confronts Harriet's control

Walter deduces that Harriet manipulated both him and his boss, and he begins to reject her control. He makes a deliberate move toward emotional and physical distance.

Evening House
12

The Ming vase as symbol

In a dramatic act, Walter drinks, settles on the pristine sofa, and smashes Harriet's cherished Ming vase. The destruction mirrors the breakdown of her control over the home.

Climax Living room
13

Harriet's confession and outcome

Harriet finally confesses to lying about the long-term maid and about the deception in their marriage. Walter recognizes the depth of her manipulation and decides to walk away.

Final confrontation Living room
14

Walter walks out

Walter leaves Harriet, choosing life beyond the house and her schemes. Harriet is left alone with the house—the one thing she can truly claim.

Ending Front door / foyer

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:32

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Harriet Craig Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Harriet Craig

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