The House of the Seven Gables

In the late 17th century, Colonel Jaffrey Pyncheon falsely accuses the poor carpenter Matthew Maule of witchcraft. Maule is hanged, and Pyncheon seizes Maule's land to build the grand Pyncheon house. Maule's curse haunts the family for generations, and the household fears the hidden fate that shadows them.

In the mid-19th century, Jaffrey Pyncheon, now a young lawyer, learns that the family fortune may lie within the house. He pries at night under floorboards and searches the walls for the long-lost treasure. His obsession drives him to manipulate events to seize control of the property.

A violent argument over the sale of the house leads to Gerald Pyncheon's heart attack and death. Jaffrey, convinced of Clifford's guilt, accuses him of murder and Clifford is imprisoned. Before being led away, Clifford renews Maule's curse upon Jaffrey.

Gerald's will leaves the house to Hepzibah while providing the others with income. Jaffrey excludes himself and seals the doors and windows, exiling Hepzibah from the home. For the next two decades, Hepzibah rarely leaves and the property sits behind impenetrable walls.

In 1841 Clifford is given a new cellmate who identifies himself as Matthew Maule. They become close friends, with Maule later taking the name Holgrave. He is an abolitionist who will later rent a room from Hepzibah.

Maule is released and adopts the name Holgrave, an abolitionist who rents a room from Hepzibah Pyncheon. He settles into the house's more public spaces, while Phoebe Pyncheon, a cousin's daughter, moves in with Hepzibah.

Hepzibah welcomes Phoebe and opens a small shop in a room of the house to earn money. Phoebe's charm helps the shop become a success, bringing life and funds back into the household.

The governor releases Clifford, who returns to the Pyncheon house. Holgrave begins spreading rumors that Clifford is seeking old documents and a secret stairway, contesting the house and its treasure.

Jaffrey, entangled in risky slave-trade investments, seizes on the rumors to accuse Clifford of insanity and tries to have him committed. He visits the house and hears banging, which he believes is Clifford searching for gold, then leaves triumphant.

Hepzibah discovers that Holgrave is actually Matthew Maule and warns Clifford. Clifford admits that he knew Holgrave's true identity and that the plan was to clear his name.

Jaffrey refuses to sign a document clearing Clifford until Deacon Foster arrives to demand his loan repayment, which drives Foster to suicide. Later, Jaffrey signs the document, offering Clifford the treasure if he stays quiet.

Clifford reveals there is no treasure; it was all a ruse by him and Maule to clear his name. Jaffrey collapses dead upon hearing the name Maule, ending his schemes once and for all.

With the truth revealed and the names cleared, Clifford marries Hepzibah and Maule marries Phoebe. They restore the house and put it up for sale, signaling a fresh start for the family and the end of the curse's grip.