The Wrong Man

The Wrong Man

Year: 1957

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

dramafilm-noir

A grieving woman returns to her childhood home and discovers her grandfather’s caretaker is surprisingly charming, yet something about him feels off. As she investigates, she uncovers a carefully constructed facade and a complex web of secrets. The closer she gets to the truth, the more blurred the lines become between what is real and what is a calculated deception, leading her into a suspenseful and unsettling mystery.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Wrong Man (1957)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Wrong Man (1957). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in a contemporary time reflecting the anxieties of the post-war era, where financial struggles and societal pressures weigh heavily on families. The events unfold in a period when the justice system and police procedures were under scrutiny, highlighting themes of justice and morality.

Location

New York City, Jackson Heights, Cornwall, Ossining

The movie is primarily set in New York City, showcasing its bustling environment and iconic landmarks. Jackson Heights serves as a suburban backdrop where the Balestrero family struggles financially. Cornwall adds a touch of serenity, contrasting with the tension of the city, while Ossining is notable for the sanitarium where Rose receives treatment.

🏙️ City 🌳 Nature

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 at 13:20

Main Characters – The Wrong Man (1957)

Meet the key characters of The Wrong Man (1957), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Christopher Emanuel "Manny" Balestrero

Manny is a dedicated family man and a string bass player at a nightclub, whose life gets turned upside down by a wrongful accusation. He embodies resilience, trying to support his family while caught in a harrowing legal battle. His love for his wife and children motivates his actions as he seeks justice.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family Man 🎶 Musician

Rose Balestrero

Rose is Manny's supportive yet vulnerable wife, whose struggles with anxiety and depression intensify as the plot unfolds. Her emotional state reflects the weight of their financial difficulties and the strain of Manny's legal troubles. She symbolizes the silent sufferings of many spouses under duress.

💔 Anxiety 🏠 Supportive Wife

Frank D. O'Connor

Frank is Manny's lawyer, who despite his lack of experience with criminal cases, attempts to advocate for him. His character represents the flaws within the legal system and the inadequacies of those unwilling to fight hard enough for justice. While well-meaning, his efforts yield little success.

⚖️ Lawyer 🙇‍♂️ Inexperienced

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 at 13:20

Major Themes – The Wrong Man (1957)

Explore the central themes of The Wrong Man (1957), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is central to the film, illustrating the fragility of the legal system and the dire consequences of wrongful accusations. Manny's plight emphasizes the struggles of maintaining innocence amid overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The film critiques the biases within law enforcement and society that can adversely affect those who are most vulnerable.

💔 Family Struggles

At the heart of the story is the Balestrero family, grappling with financial hardships and the stress it puts on their relationships. As Manny faces wrongful charges, the emotional toll on Rose leads to her mental breakdown. Their story encapsulates the impact of external pressures on familial bonds and stability.

🌧️ Despair

Despair looms heavily over the characters as they navigate their crises, particularly for Rose, who finds herself spiraling into paranoia. The overwhelming sense of hopelessness is a driving force in the narrative, illustrating how quickly life can change and the emotional struggles that accompany such turmoil.

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 at 13:20

Unlock the Full Story of The Wrong Man

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

The Wrong Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Wrong Man, 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 Wrong Man Summary

The Wrong Man Timeline

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

The Wrong Man Timeline

The Wrong Man Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Wrong Man that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Wrong Man Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Wrong Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Wrong Man: 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 Wrong Man

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