Turn the Key Softly

Three women—Monica Marsden, Stella Jarvis, and Mrs Quilliam—are released from Holloway Prison in London, starting new lives far from their pasts. They each step back into the city with different hopes and fears, setting the stage for intertwined fates. The moment marks the beginning of a day that will test their resolve and bring them together in unexpected ways.

Monica goes to stay at a friend's flat and spends the morning job-hunting. She lands an office job despite her criminal record and returns to the apartment to find David waiting, who still wants things to move forward between them. He frames their potential fresh start and invites her to the theatre that night.

David insists that they can rebuild their lives together now that he has work as a car salesman. He presses Monica to join him in a night out at the theatre, trying to seal their new arrangement. Monica remains wary, but she agrees to consider his plan.

Stella is released and resolves to reform for Bob, hoping to marry soon. He tells her they can marry the following week and provides three pounds to rent a room and buy food. She looks to meet him that evening after his shift ends.

On her way to rent a room, Stella passes through Leicester Square and visits her prostitute friends. She squanders the three pounds on a pair of earrings, undermining her plan to change her life. She nonetheless carries on toward the rendezvous with Bob.

Mrs Quilliam returns to her former room in Shepherd's Bush and visits her daughter Lila, who now lives in a suburban home with her husband and child. Lila, embarrassed by her mother's poverty and criminal record, is cold and distant, sending her away. The encounter underscores the social stigma they face.

The three women, along with Monica's dog Johnny, dine at Monte Christi, an elegant restaurant. They share a rare moment of companionship and reflect on their futures. The scene highlights their solidarity despite their different lives.

After dinner, Stella allows a businessman, George Jenkins, to pick her up on the street. He offers money to buy a 'decent' pair of earrings, prompting Stella to accept. She takes three pounds, returns George's wallet, and slips her earrings into his pocket before hurrying to meet Bob.

Mrs Quilliam stops at a pub, where Johnny slips away into an unfamiliar area. She frantically hunts for him, then rushes into the street without looking. A car hits her, killing her instantly and shattering the hopes she clings to.

Monica goes to the theatre with David, only to learn that he plans to rob a safe in a nearby building. She refuses to participate, but he forces her onto a roof and climbs down to carry out the crime. Monica privately uses a found key to unlock the door and slips back into the theatre, leaving David to be apprehended by security.

As Monica walks home she sees the dead Mrs Quilliam being stretchered away and learns what happened. She finds Johnny whimpering nearby and decides to take him home, beginning a new life with her loyal companion. The day closes on a note of cautious hope for their futures.