Strangers in the Night

Sgt. Johnny Meadows is wounded in the South Pacific and must recuperate. He reads a book donated by Rosemary Blake, who has written her name and address inside it. Through their letters, the two soldiers become pen pals and fall in love without meeting in person.

Back in the States after discharge, Johnny boards a train to Rosemary's town. On the train, he meets Dr. Leslie Ross, who is reading the same book. They discover they share the same book and begin to imagine a future together.

A derailment occurs just ahead of their cars. Johnny helps Dr. Ross tend to the injured and save lives. The incident deepens their bond amid uncertainty.

The next day, Johnny drives up the hill to Rosemary's house and meets Mrs. Blake and Ivy Miller. They claim Rosemary is away but invite him to stay at the mansion. The atmosphere is uneasy, and Johnny senses there is more going on than he is told.

Mrs. Blake shows Johnny a portrait of Rosemary. From the painting's style, Johnny thinks he recognizes the artist but can't recall the name. The portrait serves as a spark for the mystery surrounding Rosemary.

Days pass with no word from Rosemary; Mrs. Blake and Miller refuse to provide clear answers. Johnny leaves for San Francisco after recalling the artist's name and learning about the artist's work there. Meanwhile Miller tries to tell Dr. Ross what is happening, but her nervousness stalls her.

Mrs. Blake, furious at Miller's attempts to reveal the truth, administers an overdose intended to kill her. Dr. Ross arrives to tend to Miller, but it becomes clear that something sinister has occurred.

Johnny and Dr. Ross discover that Rosemary is not a real daughter but a fantasy orchestrated by Mrs. Blake. She admits to the ruse and explains why she created the fictitious family. The couple announce that they will marry, moving past the deception.

Mrs. Blake suggests a celebratory drink, and Johnny fetches Miller to join them. He finds Miller unconscious, and Dr. Ross cannot revive her. The discovery intensifies the battle over who is responsible for the danger in Rosemary's house.

Mrs. Blake accuses Dr. Ross of malpractice, while Ross maintains that the medicine given to Miller could not have killed her. Mrs. Blake claims Miller left a note and goes to fetch it, but instead goes to the car and sets a booby-trap. Johnny and Dr. Ross are forced to improvise as they narrowly escape danger.

Johnny and Dr. Ross feign their deaths by screaming to mislead Mrs. Blake, who then calls for an ambulance. They re-enter the room and confront the danger they face. The tension peaks as Mrs. Blake confronts the truth.

When Mrs. Blake pleads with the portrait to help her, the painting suddenly falls from the wall and kills her. The dramatic ending serves as the final justice for her deceit. Johnny and Dr. Ross survive and the mystery surrounding Rosemary is laid to rest.

In the aftermath, Johnny and Dr. Ross contemplate a future together and begin to look past the mansion's dark deception. The couple decides to marry, choosing honesty and resilience over secrecy and danger.