The Woman in Red

The Woman in Red

Year: 1935

Runtime: 68 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Florey

Drama

IT’S THE STORY YOU THINK IT IS! A professional jockey struggles to fit in with her new husband’s upper-crust Long Island family in this horsy-set drama.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Woman in Red 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!

Timeline – The Woman in Red (1935)

Trace every key event in The Woman in Red (1935) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Shelby and Johnny meet and sparks fly

Shelby Barret is a stable hand who tends show horses for the wealthy widow Mrs. Nicholas, nicknamed Nicko. She meets Johnny Wyatt, the destitute son of a Long Island family who polo's for Nicko, and a quiet attraction begins to form between them. The chapter hints at the class and money tensions that will shape their romance.

early 20th century Nicko's polo grounds
2

A love triangle and rising jealousy

Nouveau-riche Gene Fairchild, who rides his own entries, falls for Shelby, while Nicko remains in love with Johnny. Johnny becomes torn between love and pride as the social dynamics of Wyattville press in. The rival affections set the stage for conflict.

early-mid Wyattville
3

Shelby is fired; Johnny's loyalty tested

Nicko fires Shelby from her position, fueling rumors of scandal and putting a strain on Johnny and Shelby's relationship. Johnny, proud and protective, begins to doubt their ability to sustain a life together. The couple's future hangs in the balance.

mid Nicko's estate
4

Shelby and Johnny marry in secret

Despite the mounting pressure, Shelby and Johnny elope and marry, seeking a fresh start away from Nicko's courthouse gossip. Johnny brings Shelby back to Wyattville, hoping for acceptance from his family. The new marriage marks a turning point in both their ambitions and their loyalties.

mid-late Wyattville
5

Wyatt family disapproval and a new venture

Johnny's snobbish family treats Shelby with cold reserve and refuses to fully welcome the match. The couple nevertheless starts a business handling the horses of wealthy neighbors, attempting to prove themselves. Shelby's dream depends on securing a loan she hoped her Kentucky grandfather would provide.

late Wyattville
6

Shelby borrows from Fairchild

To fund the new venture, Shelby quietly borrows money from Fairchild without telling Johnny. She keeps the loan a secret to preserve their pride and the illusion of independence. The decision plants seeds of moral risk that threaten their marriage.

late Wyattville
7

Gossip and misfortune brew

Nicko appears to spread gossip about Shelby, stirring scandal and pressuring Johnny and his family. The town's judgemental eyes threaten to tear the couple apart. The situation worsens as the business grows under scrutiny.

late Wyattville
8

Fairchild's yacht night and Olga's death

When Johnny is away, Fairchild invites Shelby aboard his yacht to entertain a wealthy client. Olga, a chorus girl, accompanies them and ends up drowning after falling overboard. Fairchild becomes a suspect as the investigation unfolds.

evening Fairchild's yacht
9

Witness and confession: the woman in red

An officer claims he saw Fairchild leaving the ship with a mysterious woman in red. Shelby, fearing scandal, eventually confesses that she is the woman in red and prepares to testify. The confession reframes the case around her loyalty to Johnny. The case becomes a test of love and loyalty.

during investigation on the yacht and court
10

Wyatt family defends Shelby in court

The Wyatt family arrives to support Shelby and protect the family name as the trial approaches. Shelby must decide whether to reveal her truth in front of the court. Her willingness to testify marks a turning point in her marriage.

trial day courtroom
11

Shelby testifies and saves Fairchild

Shelby gives testimony proving she was the 'woman in red' and reveals it was her. By owning up to the role, she saves Fairchild from a harsher verdict, though she acknowledges the risk to her marriage. The courtroom drama intensifies as Johnny's future with Shelby hangs in the balance.

trial conclusion courtroom
12

Eugene's divorce proposal

Eugene proposes that Shelby divorce Johnny and marry him, hoping to claim the wealth and status that eluded him. Shelby answers that her love for Johnny endures and she remains loyal to him. The offer underscores the personal stakes of the case.

post-trial court
13

Reunion and a final embrace

Johnny waits for Shelby outside the courthouse and reminds her of their vow that they are a closed corporation. He produces his own handkerchief to help her blow her nose, and they share a tender embrace. The couple's bond is sealed as they move forward together.

end courthouse steps

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:23

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The Woman in Red Summary

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The Woman in Red Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Woman in Red

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