Pacific Heights

Pacific Heights

Year: 1990

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: John Schlesinger

Thriller

In San Francisco’s affluent Pacific Heights, Patty and Drake, an unmarried couple, find their dream life threatened when they fall victim to a deceptive con artist named Carter Hayes. Hayes manipulates his way into their new home, and as his elaborate schemes unfold, the couple finds themselves increasingly desperate to expose him and reclaim their property. A tense battle of wits ensues as they try to outsmart Hayes before he ruins everything they’ve worked for.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Pacific Heights (1990)

Trace every key event in Pacific Heights (1990) 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

Carter's Night Out

Carter Hayes enjoys a passionate evening with his lover Ann at a luxurious Palm Springs resort. Their intimate moment suddenly turns violent when two men break in and brutally attack Carter, leaving him battered and Ann shaken but only mildly injured.

Palm Springs Resort
2

House Hunting in San Francisco

Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Drake Goodman and his girlfriend Patty Palmer are searching for a house in the upscale Pacific Heights neighborhood. They find a rundown Victorian home with three apartments that they plan to renovate and rent out.

Pacific Heights, San Francisco
3

First Tenants Arrive

As renovations begin, the couple is approached by Toshio and Mira Watanabe, a Japanese couple eager to rent the one-bedroom unit. The couple enthusiastically agrees, marking the first step towards their new investment.

Victorian Home, Pacific Heights
4

Lou Baker's Hesitation

Another potential tenant, Lou Baker, who is dealing with the aftermath of a divorce, shows interest but hesitates to fill out a credit application. His reluctance ultimately proves consequential as his application gets lost after the Watanabes move in.

Victorian Home, Pacific Heights
5

Carter's Interest

Carter approaches Drake about renting the studio apartment, flashing cash and promising upfront payments. His reluctance to fill out a credit application raises suspicion, but Drake, swayed by Carter's charm, reluctantly agrees to let him move in.

Victorian Home, Pacific Heights
6

Growing Suspicion

As time passes, Drake becomes increasingly uneasy about Carter's presence. Strange noises and stacks of out-of-town phone books raise red flags, prompting Drake to take drastic measures, including cutting off utilities to get rid of Carter.

Victorian Home, Pacific Heights
7

Patty's News

Tension peaks when Patty reveals she is pregnant, but the joy quickly turns to sorrow as she suffers a devastating miscarriage. The emotional fallout exacerbates the already troubled relationship between Drake and Carter.

Victorian Home, Pacific Heights
8

Confrontation Escalates

In a fit of rage, Drake confronts Carter, leading to a chaotic altercation. The confrontation results in Drake ending up behind bars, manipulated by Carter who takes advantage of the situation, leaving Drake feeling helpless.

Police Station
9

Unraveling the Truth

Patty discovers Carter's real identity as James Danforth while conducting her own investigation into his background. She uncovers a web of deceit involving identity theft and numerous victims, igniting her determination to expose him.

Various Locations
10

Setting the Trap

In a bold move, Patty sets a trap for Carter by charging luxurious amenities to his room, posing as his partner. This leads to heightened confrontations between them, ultimately culminating in the dramatic confrontation with Drake.

Carter's Hotel Room
11

Climactic Showdown

The tension culminates in a life-or-death struggle between Drake, Patty, and Carter. After an intense confrontation fueled by desperation and betrayal, Carter meets a fatal end, bringing relief and closure to Drake and Patty.

Victorian Home, Pacific Heights
12

Moving Forward

Several months later, Drake and Patty decide to sell the troublesome house, trying to put their harrowing ordeal behind them. However, the experience lingers in their minds as they navigate this transition with lingering distrust.

Victorian Home, Pacific Heights
13

Final Reflection

When asked about their decision to sell the house, Patty's response, 'it was just an investment,' underscores how deeply their traumatic experience impacted them. This chilling remark serves as a reminder of the dark chapter they endured.

Victorian Home, Pacific Heights

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 12:01

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Pacific Heights Summary

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Pacific Heights Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Pacific Heights

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Pacific Heights

More About Pacific Heights

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