Rear Window

L.B. 'Jeff' Jeffries, a successful photographer, suffers a broken leg while capturing a photo of an out-of-control race car. This accident results in him being confined to a wheelchair during a sweltering New York summer, forcing him to spend his time observing his neighbors from his apartment.

Confined to his apartment, Jeffries begins to watch the daily lives of his neighbors through the rear window. He observes a variety of people and their routines, including a couple arguing and a struggling songwriter, which gives him a unique perspective on life outside his own predicament.

Jeffries' therapist Stella visits him to provide advice and chastise him for spying on his neighbors. She suggests that he should focus on his relationship with his girlfriend, Lisa, who is deeply in love with him and eager to marry.

Lisa Carol Fremont, Jeffries' girlfriend, arrives for dinner, dressed elegantly. The conversation turns heated as they argue about their different lifestyles and future plans, leading to Lisa leaving with a sense of disappointment.

During the night, Jeffries observes unusual activities from a salesman named Lars Thorwald. The salesman carries a heavy case out at 1:55 AM, returning at 2:35 AM lighter, which intrigues Jeffries and raises his suspicions about foul play.

Jeffries discusses his concerns about Thorwald with Stella and Lisa, and they notice that Mrs. Thorwald is missing. With a growing suspicion, they begin to believe that the salesman may have harmed her.

Jeffries calls in his old Army buddy, Detective Thomas J. Doyle, to investigate his claims. Doyle is skeptical at first, eventually discovering that Mrs. Thorwald is alive and has sent her husband a postcard from the country.

The tension escalates when a neighbor's dog is found dead after digging in Thorwald's garden, prompting Jeffries to connect the dots regarding his suspicions. This incident turns every neighbor's focus towards Thorwald, who remains eerily calm.

Determined to uncover the truth, Jeffries and Lisa leave an anonymous note under Thorwald's door asking, 'What have you done with her?' They watch for his reaction, hoping he reveals his guilt.

Lisa takes a bold step by sneaking into Thorwald’s apartment through the fire escape to gather evidence. She finds crucial items belonging to Mrs. Thorwald, but her safety is soon compromised as Thorwald comes back unexpectedly.

Jeffries and Stella watch helplessly as Thorwald confronts Lisa, who is now trapped in his apartment. They frantically call the police while listening to Lisa's screams, adding to the emotional tension of the situation.

The police arrive just in time to intervene as Thorwald begins to assault Lisa. They break into the apartment, saving her and confirming Thorwald’s dark involvement with his wife's disappearance.

Thorwald becomes aware of Jeffries' snooping when he sees him looking through the window. A tense confrontation ensues that leads to Jeffries' wheelchair being pushed toward the open window.

In a gripping climax, Jeffries is pushed out of the window by Thorwald but narrowly escapes serious injury as the police break his fall. He is saved by Lisa, but both their lives are forever changed.

In the aftermath, life returns to a semblance of normalcy as Jeffries recovers from his injuries. Lisa, now embracing a more adventurous side, spends time with him, suggesting that their relationship may finally find common ground.