The Failing of Raymond

The Failing of Raymond

Year: 1971

Runtime: 73 mins

Language: English

Director: Boris Sagal

TV MovieThrillerDrama

On the day before she retires, a teacher discovers that a student she had flunked ten years previously is out to kill her.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Failing of Raymond yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Failing of Raymond (1971)

Trace every key event in The Failing of Raymond (1971) 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

Escape from the psychiatric hospital

Raymond escapes from the psychiatric hospital and reveals a plan to retaliate against his former teacher, Miss Mary Bloomquist, whom he blames for his failed high school exam. He presents a calm, courteous front while nursing a vendetta that has haunted him for a decade. The escape sets the revenge plot in motion.

Evening, on the eve of retirement Hospital
2

Mistaken identity in the classroom

Back in town, Raymond is mistaken for a helper answering Miss Bloomquist's want ad when she sees him at her classroom. He ends up tidying and packing her belongings, drifting through her routine with unsettling composure. This false introduction delays his plan while he maintains his calm demeanor.

Later same day Miss Bloomquist's classroom
3

Surprise retirement party interruption

Raymond's chance to act is sidetracked by Miss Bloomquist's coworkers bursting in to take her to a surprise retirement party. He watches the moment pass, unable to secure his leverage. The interruption pushes him to search for other opportunities to carry out his plan.

Same day, later Miss Bloomquist's classroom
4

Return to Miss Bloomquist's home

Raymond reports to Miss Bloomquist's home and attempts to break in, but his advance is interrupted by children playing hide-and-seek nearby. He retreats for the moment, leaving the assault incomplete. The encounter deepens the tension as he continues to pursue his goal.

Evening Miss Bloomquist's home
5

Overnight and the last day of school

Raymond spends the night in a boarding house and returns the next day for the last day of the school year. The countdown heightens the stakes as the opportunity to confront Mary intensifies. He waits, watching for the school to empty.

Night before, then following day Boarding house
6

The last day of school: discovery in the building

On the last day, Raymond waits for the school to empty and hides in a classroom. He discovers that Mary is accompanied by a man—her former lover who has returned as the new English department head. This encounter adds a layer of emotional complexity to the tense pursuit.

Last day of the school year School
7

The former lover's return and Mary's explanation

The former lover confronts Mary, believing her retirement is imminent because of his return. Mary clarifies that her decision is born from disillusionment with her abilities as a teacher and that she is moving to England. The confrontation dissipates his immediate threat but leaves emotional undertones in the air.

During the last day School
8

Detective uncovers a clue back at the hospital

Meanwhile, the detective reopens the search for Raymond and, with help from Raymond's doctor, uncovers a crucial clue by studying a newspaper Raymond tore out. The clue points to Raymond's likely whereabouts and escalates the pursuit. The hospital becomes a tactical hub for the investigation.

During the investigation Hospital library
9

Raymond reappears and takes Mary hostage

Raymond bursts back into Mary's life, taking her hostage until dark. He forces her to administer the same test he took ten years earlier, pushing for a ritualistic completion of his revenge. The captivity raises the stakes as the dynamics of control flip.

Evening, darkness School
10

The failed retake and near-fatal attack

Raymond completes the last two questions but still fails, triggering a murderous impulse. He advances toward Mary with a garrote made from twine, but trips over a box in the aisle and his attack is momentarily thwarted by Mary’s escape. The tense pursuit spirals through the darkened building.

Night School corridor and classroom
11

Mary's 'teacher voice' and the switch to safety

As Raymond searches for Mary in the dark, she uses a commanding 'teacher voice' to command him to sit and behave. When Raymond finds the light switch, the auditorium is illuminated, and Mary guides him back toward the classroom with calm authority. This pivot marks a shift from threat to an attempt at reform through education.

Darkness to light moment Auditorium to classroom
12

The reconciliation through teaching and police intervention

Back in the classroom, Raymond's resolve falters as Mary offers a path to redemption: she apologizes for failing him as a teacher and proposes to teach him the material he missed. She drops the garrote, and two local police officers arrive, summoned by the detective, but Mary sends them outside to avoid disruption. The scene pivots from violence to an unsettling educational bond.

After hostage incident Classroom
13

Promise to continue teaching

Mary reveals her plan to continue teaching Raymond at his place every day, and then only on weekends after September. She explains this decision while sharing a reference to Samuel Taylor Coleridge, illustrating a belief in growth and second chances. The plan closes the film with a fragile but hopeful 'teacher-student' dynamic.

Post-conflict Classroom

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:04

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Failing of Raymond

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Failing of Raymond 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 The Failing of Raymond is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Failing of Raymond Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Failing of Raymond, 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.

The Failing of Raymond Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Failing of Raymond

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Failing of Raymond. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Failing of Raymond

More About The Failing of Raymond

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Failing of Raymond: 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 The Failing of Raymond

Similar Movies to The Failing of Raymond

Discover movies like The Failing of Raymond that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.