The Ware Case (1938) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Eustace Ede is found dead in the lake near the house. While the film strongly implies Hubert murdered him, Hubert confesses at the end that he 'got away with murder', the exact circumstances are never shown on screen. The prosecution argues Hubert killed Eustace to eliminate the debt guarantor and inherit the family money. A ring found in the lake matches a bruise on Eustace's forehead, providing key evidence linking Hubert to the crime.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Meg jokes about throttling Eustace, and Michael warns that Hubert's wealth gives him a dangerous sense of impunity.

• eustace ede
• death
• murder
• lake
• hubert ware

Hubert kills himself immediately after returning home as a free man. Though legally acquitted, he is overwhelmed by guilt over Eustace's murder and the moral bankruptcy of his life. On the balcony, he publicly admits to the crowd that he has 'got away with murder,' then wishes Meg and Michael 'Good luck' before leaping to his death. The weight of his crimes, combined with seeing Meg's obvious connection with Michael, becomes unbearable.

Foreshadowing: Hubert has spent his life avoiding consequences, but the final scene shows he cannot escape the psychological toll of his actions.

• hubert ware
• suicide
• death
• acquitted
• confession

During the trial, a ring is recovered from the lake and matches a bruise on Eustace's forehead, becoming crucial evidence. Hubert claims he wore the ring the day after Eustace's death to discuss weight loss with a doctor, but this explanation strains credibility. The ring suggests Hubert was present at the lake the night Eustace died, contradicting his alibi and strengthening the prosecution's case that he committed the murder.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Hubert cashed bounced cheques in Cannes, showing a pattern of deception that extends to the murder investigation.

• ring
• evidence
• trial
• murder
• eustace

The film leaves this question somewhat ambiguous but heavily implies Hubert's guilt. While the jury acquits him due to reasonable doubt, Hubert's own confession on the balcony, 'I have got away with murder', confirms he killed Eustace. The ring evidence links him to the scene, and his financial motive was strong: with Eustace dead, Meg would inherit the family wealth and pay off Hubert's debts.

Foreshadowing: Michael warned Meg that Hubert's wealth creates a dangerous sense of impunity, foreshadowing his willingness to commit such an act.

• hubert ware
• eustace murder
• guilt
• killing

Michael Adye, a barrister and family friend, is deeply in love with Meg throughout the film. He has long known about Hubert's affairs but refrained from pursuing Meg out of loyalty. Meg eventually confesses her love for Michael, acknowledging their mutual feelings. By the end, with Hubert dead, they are free to pursue a life together, though their chance at happiness is overshadowed by the tragic circumstances.

Foreshadowing: Michael consistently urges Meg to consider independence from Hubert, suggesting his feelings were long-standing.

• meg ware
• michael adye
• love
• relationship
• affair

Upon Eustace Ede's death, Meg inherits the family money. She then uses this wealth to settle Hubert's mounting debts, resolving the financial crisis that had plagued the household. This inheritance effectively buys Hubert's freedom from bankruptcy, though it comes at the cost of Eustace's life.

Foreshadowing: Eustace pressures Meg to sell the house below market value, hinting at his control over the family finances.

• meg ware
• inheritance
• wealth
• eustace
• debts

A warrant is issued for Hubert's arrest based on circumstantial evidence connecting him to Eustace's death. The prosecution argues Hubert had strong financial motive, he owed massive debts and Eustace was his guarantor, and the timing of the murder aligns with Hubert's presence at the house that evening. The ring found at the scene further links him to the crime.

Foreshadowing: The tension between Hubert and Eustace over the debt arrangement and house sale builds throughout the narrative.

• arrest
• warrant
• murder
• eustace
• hubert

The debts are ultimately resolved when Meg inherits Eustace's wealth after his death. She uses the money to pay off Hubert's creditors, eliminating the bankruptcy threat. However, this resolution comes only after Eustace is murdered and Hubert is tried for the crime.

Foreshadowing: Eustace refuses to act as guarantor any longer, pushing for a quick sale of the house to protect the family fortune.

• debts
• financial crisis
• inheritance
• hubert
• meg

Hubert is served with papers from his former mistress's divorce proceedings. Initially, he feels relief at avoiding arrest for the financial crimes. However, he then realizes Meg will now learn about his infidelity and ongoing deception, threatening the marriage further. This moment accelerates the breakdown of the relationship between Hubert and Meg.

Foreshadowing: Hubert has been conducting affairs throughout, including during his Cannes trip, and the papers expose his pattern of dishonesty.

• divorce
• papers
• affairs
• hubert
• meg

Michael, despite being in love with Meg and knowing Hubert's many faults, agrees to defend him at the murder trial. His motivation appears to be protecting Meg, had Hubert been convicted, Meg would have lost both her husband and the financial security his acquittal provides. Michael's legal skill successfully creates enough doubt to secure the acquittal, though it leads to tragic consequences.

Foreshadowing: Michael has consistently put Meg's wellbeing above his own interests throughout the film.

• michael adye
• trial
• defense
• lawyer
• hubert