The Woman in the Window

The Woman in the Window

Year: 1944

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: Fritz Lang

CrimeDramaThrillerThrillers and murder mysteriesNoir and dark crime dramas

It was the look in her eyes that made him think of murder. A seductive woman gets an innocent professor mixed up in murder.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Woman in the Window (1944)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Woman in the Window (1944). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

New York City area, Private club, Reed's storefront painting scene, Countryside

The film unfolds across a sophisticated urban setting centered on Wanley's private club and a storefront where a striking painting draws him in. Key action moves from the club to Reed's upscale home and then to a rural countryside as the murder and cover-up unfold. The atmosphere blends nocturnal city life with tense, intimate spaces typical of film noir.

🏙️ Urban 🎭 Noir 🏞️ Countryside

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:58

Main Characters – The Woman in the Window (1944)

Meet the key characters of The Woman in the Window (1944), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Professor Richard Wanley (Edward G. Robinson)

A cultured, prudent professor who becomes entangled in a fatal confrontation and a spiraling cover-up. He is intelligent and self-controlled, yet increasingly swallowed by fear and rationalizations as the crime deepens. His inner conflict centers on guilt, responsibility, and the temptation to justify wrongful acts.

🗝️ Dilemma 🧠 Intellect 🕰️ Pressure

Alice Reed (Joan Bennett)

A striking, enigmatic woman who lures Wanley into a dangerous scheme. She exudes sophistication but hides a colder, calculating side as the murder plot unfolds. Her actions reveal a capacity for manipulation that fuels the noir tension.

💃 Allure 🕶️ Mystery 🗺️ Manipulation

Claude Mazard / Frank Howard / Charlie the Hatcheck Man (Arthur Loft)

A wealthy clandestine lover whose ambiguous identity triggers the fatal confrontation and intensifies the cover-up. His shifting roles add complexity to the web of deception surrounding the crime. He embodies duplicity and the peril of living between identities.

🏷️ Deception 🕳️ Trap 🧩 Identity

Heidt / Tim, the Doorman (Dan Duryea)

A crooked ex-cop hired to shadow the lovers; his blackmail schemes propel noir tension. He represents corrupt influence close to the case and becomes a volatile variable in Wanley and Reed's precarious plan. His eventual fate underscores the high stakes of crime and exposure.

🕵️‍♂️ Corruption 💰 Blackmail 🗡️ Danger

Frank Lalor, District Attorney (Raymond Massey)

Wanley’s club friend and a sharp-eyed prosecutor who plays a pivotal role as the investigation unfolds. His awareness of the case adds a disciplined, legal lens to the suspense. He embodies the ever-present possibility of justice catching up with the characters.

⚖️ Law 🧭 Investigation 🕰️ Authority

Mrs. Wanley (Dorothy Peterson)

Wanley’s wife, whose departure and domestic concerns compound the emotional stakes. Her presence foregrounds the personal cost of the crime and the strain on family ties. Her role highlights the tension between public appearances and private truth.

🏠 Family 💔 Betrayal 🧭 Motive

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:58

Major Themes – The Woman in the Window (1944)

Explore the central themes of The Woman in the Window (1944), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Reality vs Illusion

The story constantly challenges what is real versus what is imagined, especially with the dreamlike twist at the end. Wanley grapples with culpability while the events feel simultaneously concrete and spectral. Viewers are left questioning the reliability of perception and the consequences of hidden actions.

🕵️‍♂️ Crime & Consequences

A murder sets off a web of cover-ups, blackmail, and calculated moves to avoid exposure. The narrative tightens as witnesses and clues accumulate, threatening to unravel Wanley and Reed’s plan. The presence of legal authority adds a menacing undercurrent that justice is never far away.

🎭 Dual Identities

Characters inhabit multiple roles, often blurring lines between truth and performance within the club world and personal lives. The plot hinges on how people present themselves to others and to themselves under pressure. This duplicity drives the tension and propels the moral ambiguity of the story.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:58

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Unlock the Full Story of The Woman in the Window

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

The Woman in the Window Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Woman in the Window, 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 Woman in the Window Summary

The Woman in the Window Timeline

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

The Woman in the Window Timeline

More About The Woman in the Window

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Woman in the Window: 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 Woman in the Window