Six Degrees of Separation 1993

Fifth Avenue socialite Ouisa Kittredge and her art dealer husband Flan are the proud parents of “two at Harvard and a girl at Groton.” Their lives, however, are about to take an unexpected turn. The Kittredges, immersed in their elite social circle and keen interest in the arts, become unsuspecting targets for Paul, a cunning con artist. One fateful night, he shows up at their door, injured and bleeding, claiming to be a close college friend of their Ivy League offspring and the son of the renowned Sidney Poitier.

Impressed by Paul’s refined taste, sharp wit, articulate discussions on literature, and surprising culinary skills, Ouisa and Flan welcome him into their home. They find joy in his seemingly flattering words about their luxurious lifestyle, even lending him money as his charm wraps around them. However, this façade soon crumbles as Paul’s true nature is unveiled. After he brings home a hustler, the Kittredges discover they are merely the latest victims of his deception, forced to confront the reality of his impoverished existence.

Stunned and betrayed, they expel him from their lives, but not without being heavily influenced by his presence. Whispers of Paul’s escapades become the highlight of their cocktail parties, surrounding him with an air of enchantment and intrigue. Ultimately, Paul leaves an indelible mark on everyone he encounters, intertwining their lives through the shared experience of his captivating but treacherous charm.

“I won’t be a statistic. I won’t be a statistic.”