Woman of Straw

Woman of Straw

Year: 1964

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Basil Dearden

DramaThrillerCrime

A wealthy and powerful man shocks everyone by leaving his immense fortune to charity. His ambitious nephew, Tony, then devises a scheme to secure the inheritance, manipulating events to force Charles into marriage with a beautiful nurse named Maria. However, Tony's calculated plan is complicated when Maria develops real feelings for Charles, throwing his scheme into disarray and leading to unforeseen consequences.

Woman of Straw (1964) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Woman of Straw (1964) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a world of glittering wealth and towering expectations, a reclusive magnate astonishes his circle by announcing that his vast fortune will be redirected to charitable causes. The revelation sends ripples through his family estate, where power has always been measured in silver spoons and quiet manoeuvring. Beneath the polished façade, lingering questions about loyalty, ambition, and the true cost of generosity begin to surface.

Enter Anthony Richmond, the nephew whose sharp mind and restless drive make him both a contender and a challenger within the family’s intricate hierarchy. He perceives the new will not as a final act of benevolence but as an invitation to reshape his own destiny. To that end, he orchestrates a delicate plan that hinges on an unlikely partnership. Maria Marcello, a compassionate nurse whose beauty is matched only by her earnest nature, becomes the focal point of his scheme, as marriage appears to be the most promising avenue toward reclaiming the fortune that now lies beyond reach.

The film unfurls amid the opulent corridors of a sprawling estate and the sun‑drenched decks of a Mediterranean yacht, blending luxurious aesthetics with an undercurrent of tension. The atmosphere is thick with a blend of elegance and unease, where whispered conversations echo off marble walls and the sea’s gentle roll provides a deceptive calm. Each setting reflects the characters’ inner conflicts: the grandeur of the manor mirrors Charles Richmond’s formidable presence, while the open waters hint at the uncertain horizons ahead.

Against this backdrop, the narrative invites viewers to watch a careful dance of manipulation and affection, where trust is a fragile commodity and every smile may conceal a hidden agenda. As the characters navigate their intertwined motives, the story promises a compelling mix of intrigue, emotional stakes, and the timeless question of whether love can truly triumph over ambition.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:19

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Deception Plots and Moral Dilemmas like in Woman of Straw

Stories where elaborate plots of greed are complicated by unexpected humanity.If you enjoyed the intricate scheme and moral conflict in Woman of Straw, you'll appreciate these movies. This collection features thrillers and dramas where greedy characters execute elaborate plans, only for their deception to unravel due to unexpected emotional connections and weighty moral choices.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a master manipulator who enlists a pawn in a high-stakes plot, typically for financial gain. The central tension comes from the pawn's developing conscience or feelings, which clashes with the orchestrator's ruthless ambition, turning allies into adversaries and leading to a final confrontation.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared focus on the psychological unraveling of a perfect crime. They combine a tense, oppressive mood with a steady, methodical pacing that builds towards a climax where greed and humanity violently collide.

Claustrophobic Thrillers of Psychological Pressure like in Woman of Straw

Films that trap characters in a tightening web of suspense and manipulation.Fans of the tense, claustrophobic suspense in Woman of Straw will find similar vibes here. These films are mood-driven thrillers that focus on characters under extreme psychological pressure, creating an anxious and paranoid viewing experience where the real threat is often mental manipulation.

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Narrative Summary

These stories often unfold within a limited physical or social environment, like a single household or a tight-knit group. A vulnerable protagonist becomes ensnared in a situation controlled by a dominant, cunning figure. The narrative builds steadily as the pressure mounts, focusing on the psychological battle and the protagonist's struggle to break free.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific atmospheric quality defined by a tense tone, a steady pacing that methodically increases dread, and a high intensity derived from psychological warfare rather than physical violence. The experience is defined by feelings of suffocation and suspense.

Unlock the Full Story of Woman of Straw

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Woman of Straw Summary

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Woman of Straw Summary

Woman of Straw Timeline

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Woman of Straw Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Woman of Straw

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Woman of Straw

More About Woman of Straw

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