The Fortune

The Fortune

Year: 1975

Runtime: 88 min

Director: Mike Nichols

ComedyRomanceCrime

During the roaring twenties, two charming con artists set out to manipulate a wealthy heiress and steal her inheritance. Their elaborate scheme unfolds with increasing risk and audacious maneuvers, pushing them to the edge of legality as they pursue their ambitious goal. As the stakes rise, they find themselves entangled in a dangerous game where nothing is off-limits in their pursuit of fortune.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Fortune 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!

The Fortune (1975) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Fortune (1975), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the vibrant backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, two inept swindlers, Nicky Wilson and Oscar Sullivan, unexpectedly discovered a golden opportunity in the shape of the mysterious heiress, Fredericka Quintessa “Freddie” Bigard. Freddie, who held the key to a lucrative sanitary napkin empire, found her heart ensnared by the already married Nicky, creating a web of forbidden desire complicated by the Mann Act, which forbade crossing state lines with any immoral intent.

To navigate this moral quagmire, Nicky devised a dubious scheme: he suggested that Freddie marry Oscar. This cunning plan would allow them to indulge in their secret affair while maintaining a hold on their ill-gotten gains. Oscar, desperate to escape the looming threat of embezzlement charges, seized the opportunity, envisioning ways to profit from the upcoming marriage. However, Freddie’s naive nature made the plan seem foolproof—at least initially.

As Nicky and Oscar carried on their misadventures in Los Angeles, they soon found themselves outsmarted by Freddie’s sharp instincts, necessitating most creative, albeit questionable, tactics for separating her from her fortune. Frantic and cornered, they resorted to the most unforgivable act: murder. Their plot faced an unexpected twist when Freddie declared her intentions to donate her immense wealth to charity. This revelation forced Nicky and Oscar to pivot, prompting the duo into a chaotic unraveling of their carefully laid plans.

As their situation spiraled, they ultimately fell into the hands of the Los Angeles Police Department, leading to astonishing confessions about their criminal endeavors. In a twist laden with absurdity, Detective X stumbled upon a very much alive Freddie, who had merely fainted, oblivious to the turmoil surrounding her. The detective’s dumbfounded expression spoke volumes as he listened, wide-eyed, to the outrageous narrative spun by Nicky and Oscar, showcasing the chaotic comedy of errors that had unfolded.

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 21:16

Unlock the Full Story of The Fortune

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

The Fortune Timeline

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

The Fortune Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Fortune

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Fortune

More About The Fortune

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Fortune: 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 Fortune

Similar Movies to The Fortune

Discover movies like The Fortune 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.