I Wake Up Screaming

Frankie Christopher is interrogated at a police station about the murder of young actress Vicky Lynn. He begins recounting the events that led to the investigation, setting the stage for the flashbacks that follow. Detective Ed Cornell pursues the case with relentless suspicion.

In a flashback, Frankie meets Vicky Lynn in a New York restaurant where she works as a waitress, accompanied by his friends Robin Ray and Larry Evans. They hatch a plan to make Vicky a star with their help, seizing the opportunity to shape her career. The meeting sows the seeds of a complicated and dangerous relationship.

Following a dare from his friends, Frankie takes on the project of turning Vicky into a celebrity with their combined influence. They push her into the spotlight, hoping to ride the wave of her rising fame.

Vicky betrays Frankie by signing with a Hollywood producer, cutting ties with the plan Frankie had helped create. The move shifts the balance of power and seals the rift between them.

At the apartment shared by Vicky and her sister Jill, Vicky tells Frankie she is leaving him while she packs. The confrontation signals the collapse of their relationship, setting off a chain of deadly consequences.

The next morning Jill returns to the apartment to find Vicky dead, with Frankie standing by the body. The sight shocks Jill and prompts immediate police scrutiny of Frankie as a suspect.

Detective Ed Cornell harasses Frankie, but there isn't enough evidence to hold him, so Frankie is released while Cornell vows to bring him to justice. Cornell abuses his power by entering Frankie’s home and other residences without warrants as he presses the case.

As Jill and Frankie begin to fall in love, they decide to follow Vicky's past movements to uncover the killer. Their growing bond helps them pursue clues that others overlook.

They identify Harry Williams, the front desk manager of the apartment building, as the killer. Williams confesses to the crime, confirming their deduction.

Williams' confession reveals that Cornell already knew of his guilt, suggesting a problematic link between the detective and the case. This revelation casts doubt on the integrity of the investigation.

Christopher, with the police close behind, goes to Cornell's apartment, which is plastered with posters of Vicky, leading to a climactic confrontation. The scene highlights the obsession and the stakes involved in the case.

Cornell admits to trying to frame Christopher due to jealousy over Vicky, exposing the motive behind the frame-up. The revelation reframes the case and forces accountability.