Stage Fright

Stage Fright

Year: 1950

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

MysteryThrillerFilm-Noir

A struggling actress finds herself embroiled in a dangerous situation when a friend is accused of murder. Determined to prove his innocence, she delves into the ruthless and deceptive world of show business. Her investigation reveals a complex web of corruption and deceit, forcing her to confront powerful enemies and navigate a perilous game where trust is a luxury she cannot afford.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Stage Fright (1950)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Stage Fright (1950). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Mid-20th Century

The movie is set in the mid-20th century, a time characterized by post-war societal changes and a burgeoning interest in theater and performance arts. This era saw the rise of cinematic storytelling and a shift in cultural norms, reflected in the personal struggles of the characters.

Location

London, Coastal House

The story primarily takes place in London, a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and the West End theatre district. It also features a coastal house owned by Eve's father, which provides a secluded backdrop for the unfolding drama and serves as a hiding place for Jonathan.

🏙️ City 🏖️ Coastal

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Main Characters – Stage Fright (1950)

Meet the key characters of Stage Fright (1950), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eve Gill (Jane Wyman)

Eve is an aspiring actress who finds herself entangled in a web of deception and danger. Torn between her feelings for Jonathan and her growing attraction to Detective Smith, Eve showcases determination and resourcefulness as she investigates the truth behind the murder allegations.

🎭 Aspiration 💔 Love 🕵️‍♀️ Resourceful

Jonathan Cooper (Richard Todd)

Jonathan is a troubled actor who becomes the suspect in a murder case. His charming yet unstable personality belies a darker past, making him both a victim and a perpetrator. His relationship with Eve complicates his motivations and actions throughout the film.

😨 Troubled 🎭 Ambiguous 🔪 Threatening

Charlotte Inwood (Marlene Dietrich)

Charlotte is a glamorous and flamboyant stage actress whose tumultuous relationship with Jonathan leads to deadly consequences. Her character embodies the complexity of fame, love, and betrayal, caught up in a scandalous underbelly that threatens to destroy her career.

🎤 Fame 💔 Betrayal 🌹 Glamorous

Detective Inspector Wilfred Smith (Michael Wilding)

Smith is a dedicated detective caught in the mystery of the murder case. His growing attraction to Eve creates tension as he tries to maintain his professional integrity while becoming involved in her personal life.

🕵️‍♂️ Dedication ❤️ Conflict 🚓 Investigative

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Major Themes – Stage Fright (1950)

Explore the central themes of Stage Fright (1950), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Deception

Deception plays a central role in the movie, with Eve disguising her identity to gather information on Charlotte and Jonathan. This theme highlights the lengths individuals will go to protect loved ones or seek the truth, posing questions about morality and loyalty.

❤️ Unrequited Love

Eve's unrequited love for Jonathan complicates her interactions with Detective Inspector Smith, creating a tension-filled love triangle. This theme showcases the emotional turmoil that arises when affection is not reciprocated and the desperation that can ensue.

💔 Murder and Guilt

The movie revolves around the themes of murder and guilt, with Jonathan's violent past haunting him. As investigations unfold, characters grapple with the psychological impacts of crime and the moral dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of justice.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:35

Unlock the Full Story of Stage Fright

Don't stop at just watching — explore Stage Fright in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Stage Fright is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Stage Fright Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Stage Fright, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Stage Fright Summary

Stage Fright Timeline

Track the full timeline of Stage Fright with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Stage Fright Timeline

More About Stage Fright

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Stage Fright: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Stage Fright

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