The Arnelo Affair

The Arnelo Affair

Year: 1947

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: Arch Oboler

CrimeDrama

A neglected wife gets mixed up with an hypnotic charmer and murder.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Arnelo Affair (1947)

Trace every key event in The Arnelo Affair (1947) 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

Anne's Boredom and Neglect

Anne Parkson, a wealthy Chicago lawyer's wife, feels bored and neglected in her marriage, seeking attention and excitement outside her home. She interacts with her husband's new client, Tony Arnelo, a nightclub owner, under the pretense of helping him with interior design. Her desire for passion and connection prompts her to meet with Tony regularly, despite the risks.

2

Anne's Forbidden Rendezvous

One afternoon, Anne arrives at Tony’s for their usual meeting, but their encounter is interrupted when Tony’s girlfriend Claire shows up, upset about being replaced. A confrontation ensues, with Tony slapping Claire, which prompts Anne to leave in haste, leaving her belongings behind. The scene highlights her inner conflict and the tension in the affair.

Afternoon Tony's apartment
3

Claire's Murder and Crime Scene

That same night, Claire is found murdered. Near her body, police discover Anne's unique compact, a treasured anniversary gift from Ted, which had fallen from her purse during her hurried departure. Tony had planted the compact to implicate Anne falsely, intending to blackmail her into an affair and further his own interests.

Night Crime scene
4

Anne's Psychological State

Following the murder, Anne is overwhelmed with guilt and distress. She faints during a gathering at Tony’s nightclub, which her husband Ted organized as a surprise. She is diagnosed and placed under a doctor's care, revealing her fragile mental state amid the turmoil.

Later that night Nightclub and doctor's office
5

Ted Confronts Tony

Ted discovers that Anne had a key to Tony’s apartment and finds a compact along with a partially written farewell note from Anne, falsely implicating her in the murder and suggesting an unfulfilled affair. Convinced of her guilt, Ted confronts Tony at his apartment, although he is unaware of her innocence.

Following day Tony’s apartment
6

Anne's Attempted Suicide

Feeling hopeless, Anne takes a bottle of sleeping pills, intending to end her life as she grapples with the chaos surrounding her. This act underscores her deep despair and sense of being trapped in the web of lies and accusations.

Night
7

Detective Leonard's Warning

Homicide detective Sam Leonard informs Tony that he has enough evidence to indict him, hinting at an impending trial. Meanwhile, Leonard also tells Tony he’s going to prison, adding pressure to Tony’s desperate situation. Tony counters, confident he can avoid conviction and manipulates the outcome.

Soon after Police station
8

Tony’s Final Attempt to Escape

Knowing he’s cornered and facing trial, Tony decides to flee. Detective Leonard pursues him, ordering him to halt. In a final confrontation, Leonard shoots Tony twice, killing him. Before dying, Tony confesses to Ted that he lied about the murder, clearing Anne’s name.

Night Alley or street
9

Anne's Recovery and Reconciliation

Ted rushes home to find Anne cared for by a doctor. She recovers from her overdose, both physically and emotionally, and they embrace, reaffirming their bond. The climax reveals her innocence and the destructive power of deceit, leading to a hopeful resolution.

Next morning

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:13

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The Arnelo Affair Summary

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The Arnelo Affair Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Arnelo Affair

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Arnelo Affair

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More About The Arnelo Affair

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