Vanished

Vanished

Year: 1995

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: George Kaczender

DramaRomance

Vanished is the story of the mysterious abduction of the son of a man and woman - an almost unthinkable tragedy.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Vanished 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!

Vanished (1995) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Vanished (1995), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Marielle Delauney, Lisa Rinna is happily married to Charles Delauney, Maurice Godin, and they share a four-year-old son named Andre. After a visit from Marielle’s parents, who warn her about Charles, the family embarks on a Swiss holiday. While Marielle is greeted by a neighbor, Andre dashes into a lake to fetch a ball and tragically drowns. Charles blames Marielle for the accident, and the terrible event triggers a nervous breakdown in her.

Two years later, Charles visits her in a hospital and confesses that he still loves her. Although she admits she loves him too, she says they cannot rebuild the past. They divorce, and Marielle starts a new life in New York. There, she is taken on by Malcolm Patterson, George Hamilton the only person to offer her work. He showers her with gifts and romantic meals, and after considerable persuasion she agrees to marry him.

Soon after, Malcolm and Marielle begin trying for a baby; when she cannot conceive, Malcolm’s temper grows evident. She attempts to tell him about her past, but he does not listen, insisting she forget it. Three months later, she is introduced to Malcolm’s new secretary, Birgit Saunders, Daniela Akerblom, who announces she is pregnant. Malcolm hires a nanny for Marielle, much to her annoyance. When their son Theodore Alex D. Linz is born, the nanny stresses the importance of consistency in Teddy’s life. Malcolm begins preparing a train set for Christmas, while Marielle tries to tell him about the anniversary of her first son’s death, but he cuts her off. The next day, Marielle goes to church and lights a candle for Andre; there, she runs into her ex-husband Charles, and they share a hug that is witnessed by her chauffeur. The following day, Marielle takes Theodore to the park and encounters Charles again. He is furious that she never mentioned having another son and laments that it’s not fair she has a husband, a new life, and a son while he has nothing. He asks if she would go to the ends of the earth to find someone she loves, and she hurries away.

That night, she is on the phone with Malcolm and hears something upstairs. He urges her not to worry, but after the call she goes upstairs and finds the nanny gagged and tied up, and Teddy is missing. Detective John Taylor, Robert Hays, questions the servants while the chauffeur recalls seeing Marielle with Charles. Marielle explains her past, and Malcolm listens in stunned silence. The police search Charles’s house and find Teddy’s blue pyjamas, and Charles is arrested on suspicion of kidnapping. In the courtroom, all the evidence seems to point to Charles, but outside, John Taylor reveals to Marielle that Malcolm knew about her past. It is ultimately revealed that Malcolm kidnapped his own son, having been involved with Birgit Saunders and planning to start a new life with her and Teddy. He had only married Marielle to obtain a baby, since Birgit was infertile. Marielle and Malcolm divorce, and John Taylor reveals his love for Marielle as she prepares to begin a new life with Teddy in Vermont.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:12

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Unlock the Full Story of Vanished

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

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Vanished Timeline

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