The Honeymoon Killers

The film opens in a hospital in Mobile, Alabama, where Martha Beck, the supervising nurse, confronts two of her subordinates caught in a romantic moment. This incident reflects Martha's own bitterness and frustration, as she unleashes her pent-up emotions on them, revealing her emotional isolation.

At home, Martha takes care of her elderly mother, Dortha, who affectionately refers to her as her 'little girl.' This nurturing role contrasts sharply with Martha's cold behavior at work, highlighting her loneliness and the burdens she carries.

Martha's friend Bunny believes that finding a man will solve Martha's troubles and unexpectedly submits an application for her to a lonely hearts club. Initially irritated by Bunny's meddling, Martha eventually becomes intrigued by the attention, starting a correspondence with a charming man named Raymond.

After several weeks of exchanging romantic letters, Raymond visits Martha, sparking an immediate and intense sexual relationship. In a shocking move, Martha gives her mother a sleeping pill to gain privacy for her and Raymond, showcasing her desperation for intimacy.

After returning to New York, Raymond requests a small loan from Martha and suggests abandoning their correspondence. This request devastates Martha, leading her to drastic measures to regain his attention and affection.

In a bid to win back Raymond's love, Martha conspires with Bunny to stage a suicide attempt. This act profoundly moves Raymond, convincing him of her devotion, which ultimately leads to an invitation for Martha to join him in New York.

Upon arriving in New York, Martha learns the shocking truth about Raymond's life as a conman preying on lonely women. Despite this revelation, her loyalty and willingness to forgive enrapture Raymond, who hints at a future together.

Martha's supervisor discovers a letter detailing her relationship with Raymond, prompting her to resign in a fit of rage. She deceitfully tells people she is marrying Raymond, creating an elaborate facade that masks her true circumstances.

Under pressure from Raymond, who insists her mother cannot join them in New York, Martha makes the heart-wrenching decision to commit her mother to a rest home. This act signifies the depths of Martha's emotional turmoil and isolation from her family.

Martha and Raymond conspire together to swindle women, beginning with a schoolteacher before targeting Myrtle Young. However, as Myrtle begins to develop feelings for Raymond, Martha's jealousy ignites, culminating in a deadly confrontation.

Myrtle hires Raymond to help her with an unplanned pregnancy, but Martha's jealousy escalates dangerously. In a fit of rage, Martha ultimately kills Myrtle, marking the beginning of their violent path of deceit.

The arrival of Evelyn, a wealthy older woman, intensifies the tension between Martha and Raymond. Fueled by jealousy, Martha attempts suicide, yet Raymond saves her, showcasing the toxic dynamics of their relationship.

As their finances dwindle, Martha and Raymond set their sights on Janet Fay, a wealthy widow. They manipulate her into believing she is marrying Raymond while planning to exploit her financially, further immersing themselves in deceit.

In a climactic moment of rage, fueled by her frustrations, Martha kills Janet with a hammer under Raymond's eerie encouragement. This act solidifies Martha's descent into violence and betrayal.

As the film nears its end, Martha sits in jail awaiting her trial, with her only connection to Raymond being a twisted letter of devotion. The story closes on their fate, hinting at their execution, encapsulating a chilling tale of love intertwined with manipulation and murder.