The Depraved

The Depraved

Year: 1957

Runtime: 71 mins

Language: English

Director: Paul Dickson

ThrillerCrimeDrama

After a chance encounter, Laura Wilton, a young English housewife married to the abusive wealthy Tom (Basil Dignam), teams with her lover, Army captain Dave Dillon (Robert Arden), to stage his “accidental” death. A nosy policeman (Denis Shaw) suspects foul play, and the plot collapses into fear, mistrust and betrayal. Directed by Paul Dickson.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Depraved 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 Depraved (1957)

Trace every key event in The Depraved (1957) 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

Jeep breaks down at Croft House

During a night journey, US Army captain Dave Dillon's jeep breaks down near Croft House. He is admitted inside by Laura Wilton, and the uneasy atmosphere begins to build. He considers calling his base for help but becomes entangled in the household's tension instead.

Night Croft House
2

Fuse incident and Tom's unconsciousness

Tom inadvertently fuses the house lights, and Dave fixes the fusebox to restore power. The shock leaves Tom unconscious, prompting Laura to note the odd turn of events. Dave then helps Tom to bed as tensions between husband and wife rise.

Night Croft House
3

Laura offers car and letter posting

Laura offers Dave the use of her car and asks him to post a letter for her the following day. The exchange hints at a growing reliance on Dave and adds a layer of dependency to the mounting tension. Dave agrees, unsure of what the next days will bring.

Next day Croft House
4

Letter hints at Tonio Rossi

Before posting the letter at base camp, Dave glances at the address: Tonio Rossi Esq, care of an employment agency. The glimpse hints at Tonio's possible connection to the household and foreshadows a hidden strand in the plot. The moment tightens the mystery surrounding the Wiltons and their servants.

Next day Croft House
5

Tom's gun confrontation

The next evening, Tom confronts Dave, suggesting that Dave's wartime experiences have turned him into a murderous animal. He pulls a gun to demonstrate his theory, heightening the danger in Croft House. Dave leaves the scene angry but begins to consider a dangerous plan.

Evening Croft House
6

Dave plans to attend the party with a scheme

Dave returns with a party invitation, continuing to plot and weighing a way to use the social event to his advantage. Laura's presence becomes central as their alliance tightens in secret. The mood is calculating and tense.

Day Croft House
7

The villagers' party at the officers club

A party is organized at the officers club for local villagers, providing a social veneer that masks the underlying deceit. Guests mingle while the couple's plans simmer beneath the surface. The social event acts as a catalyst for the impending crime.

Night Officers Club
8

Dave and Laura begin an affair

In the secrecy surrounding the household, Dave and Laura begin an affair, mixing desire with danger. Their relationship fuels jealousy, risk, and a shared sense of desperation. The affair becomes a driving force behind the looming crime.

After party Croft House
9

Murder-for-money plan is discussed

Laura suggests that Dave could murder Tom and that they could become rich, testing the boundaries of loyalty and greed. Dave leaves in anger but soon returns with a concrete plan to kill Tom during the party night and stage it as a drunk-driving incident. The idea marks a clear turn toward irreversible action.

After affair begins Croft House
10

Tom is murdered; body found

On the night of the party, Tom is murdered and his car is dumped in the river. A passing local discovers the body the next morning, triggering a formal police investigation. The evidence begins to mount against those connected to the Wiltons.

Night to morning Croft House / river
11

Investigation and growing suspicion

Inspector Flynn leads the inquiry as the case narrows around the two leads. Laura's car is spotted by an AWOL soldier, complicating their alibis. Dave's gambling debts and prior denials about Tom become focal points in the investigation.

Following murder Countryside near Croft House
12

Kellaway confronts Laura; Dave becomes suspect

Major Kellaway visits Croft House and finds Laura with Tonio, reintroducing Tonio into the mystery. Laura accuses Dave of knowing Tom and of gambling debts, turning Dave into the prime suspect. Tensions rise as personal betrayals intersect with legal scrutiny.

After initial investigations Croft House
13

Dave assaults Kellaway and steals a jeep

In a fit of defiance, Dave attacks Kellaway and steals a jeep in a bid to reach Croft House. He returns with resolve to face Laura and the unraveling plot. The break from lawful conduct marks a peak in the characters' descent.

Night Nearby roads / Croft House
14

Laura plans to flee the country

Dave finally confronts Laura and discovers she intends to leave the country to escape accountability. He races to stop her, bringing the story to a tense confrontation about loyalty, justice, and escape. The ending hinges on whether fate will pull them back or push them apart.

Final Croft House

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:55

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Depraved

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

The Depraved Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Depraved, 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 Depraved Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Depraved

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Depraved. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Depraved

More About The Depraved

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

Similar Movies to The Depraved

Discover movies like The Depraved that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.