Play Misty for Me
Year: 1971
Runtime: 102 min
Language: English
Radio host Dave Garver finds his life revitalized by a brief affair with a mysterious woman. Their passionate encounter soon reveals a disturbing obsession, as Garver realizes he's the target of a relentless stalker. He must now confront the dark implications of his public persona and fight to protect himself from this increasingly dangerous situation.
Play Misty for Me (1971) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview
Get a spoiler-free look at Play Misty for Me (1971) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the breezy coastal town of Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, the night air vibrates with a mix of music, poetry, and the soft crackle of a radio microphone. The local station becomes a sanctuary for listeners who tune in to escape the ordinary, and its charismatic disc jockey weaves a world where every song feels like a personal confession. The atmosphere is tinged with romance and a hint of danger, as the waves outside the studio mirror the undercurrents of the lives it touches.
Dave Garver is the magnetic voice that guides the evening, a man whose easy charm and love of classic standards make him a beloved figure both on‑air and off. A chance encounter with a mysterious woman—Evelyn Draper—after a late‑night drink ignites a spark that seems to breathe new vitality into his routine. Their brief, passionate liaison hints at something deeper, suggesting that the line between admiration and obsession can blur when intimacy meets fame.
As their connection unfolds, Dave begins to sense that his public persona may have drawn an unwanted, relentless attention. The alluring allure of his broadcast world collides with a growing unease, as whispers of a stalker’s fixation linger just beyond the reach of his smooth, soothing voice. The film balances sultry romance with an unsettling tension, inviting the audience to wonder how far a charismatic radio host can protect himself when the very platform that revitalizes his life also casts a shadow he cannot ignore.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:17
Explore Movie Threads
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Thrillers about obsession destroying ordinary lives like Play Misty for Me
Stories where a single obsession shatters a seemingly normal existence.If you liked the relentless tension of Play Misty for Me, this list features similar movies where a character's normal life is invaded by a dangerous obsession. Explore other psychological thrillers about stalking and the terrifying collapse of personal security.
Narrative Summary
The narrative pattern begins with a state of normalcy that is disrupted by an initial, often deceptively mild, encounter. This triggers an escalating series of intrusions, where the antagonist's obsession becomes increasingly volatile, forcing the protagonist into a desperate fight for survival that tests their mental and physical limits.
Why These Movies?
Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the theme of obsession as a destructive force. They create a similar viewing experience of high anxiety and claustrophobia, driven by the relentless pursuit of an unpredictable antagonist and the protagonist's struggle to reclaim their life.
Slow burn psychological thrillers with steady tension like Play Misty for Me
A steady, deliberate build of tension that creeps under your skin.For viewers who appreciated the methodical buildup of suspense in Play Misty for Me, this section highlights similar films with a steady pace and high psychological tension. Discover more movies that favor a slow, creeping sense of dread over fast-paced action.
Narrative Summary
Stories in this thread unfold with a controlled, steady pace. The initial premise establishes a latent threat that grows progressively more tangible and dangerous. The focus is on psychological manipulation and the gradual erosion of the protagonist's sense of reality and safety, leading to a climactic confrontation.
Why These Movies?
These movies are united by their specific approach to pacing and tone. They share a commitment to building suspense methodically, prioritizing psychological unease and a pervasive feeling of impending doom over sudden jumps or rapid plot twists.
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Play Misty for Me Summary
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Play Misty for Me Timeline
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