Woman of Straw 1964
Directed by
Basil Dearden
Made by
United Artists
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Woman of Straw (1964). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Playboy Anthony Richmond, portrayed by Sean Connery, concocts a cunning plan to seize his uncle Charles Richmond’s vast fortune of £50 million. Charles, a domineering and arrogant tycoon confined to a wheelchair, becomes the unsuspecting target of Anthony’s devious scheme. To carry out his plot, Anthony hires the naive yet sincere Maria Marcello, played by Gina Lollobrigida, convincing her to marry the old man in exchange for an enticing sum of one million pounds.
As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses Maria bravely endure the relentless emotional and verbal abuse inflicted by Charles, both at his lavish estate and during a turbulent yacht trip in the picturesque backdrop of Mallorca, Spain. It is during this trip that they tie the knot, and in a unexpected turn of events, a humbled Charles alters his will, leaving his entire fortune to Maria, while his greedy nephew, Anthony, is only granted a measly £40,000.
However, tragedy strikes when Charles passes away on the yacht under mysterious circumstances. In an audacious twist, both Anthony and Maria devise a plan to maintain the illusion that Charles is still alive as they return to the estate. As tensions rise, Maria finds herself under suspicion for murder after she confesses their elaborate ruse to the detectives. It is then she learns about Anthony’s dark reality: he had poisoned his own uncle with barbiturate poison and cunningly deceived Maria about Charles’s last will, intending to frame her for the crime and secure the fortune for himself once she is convicted.
The plot thickens as detectives Lomer and the loyal servant Thomas, played by the enigmatic Johnny Sekka, uncover a shocking tape recording left by Charles on his deathbed. This recording unveils Anthony’s treachery and his role in the murder. In a frantic attempt to escape his impending fate, Anthony finds himself face-to-face with consequence. As the wheelchair containing Charles is pushed towards him, he meets his demise by tumbling down the grand staircase, all while a ghostly apparition of Charles looms ominously above.
In the conclusion of this thrilling tale, justice prevails as Maria proves her innocence in court, emerging victorious and inheriting Charles’s estate and fortune. The film closes on a triumphant note, with Maria finally free from the shackles of Anthony’s treachery. This captivating story ultimately reflects the duality of trust and betrayal, showcasing how the unsuspecting can navigate the treacherous waters of deception, leading to a satisfying yet somber resolution.
Timeline
Track the key events of Woman of Straw (1964) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Anthony's Scheme
Playboy Anthony Richmond devises a cunning plan to inherit his uncle Charles Richmond's £50 million fortune. He enlists the help of Maria Marcello, a new Italian nurse, convincing her to marry the tyrannical tycoon for a promise of one million pounds.
Charles's Abuse
Once Maria becomes Charles's nurse, she faces his verbal and emotional abuse both at his estate and during a yacht trip. Despite the harsh treatment, Maria remains sincere and committed to her role.
The Wedding
In a significant turn of events, Maria marries Charles during the yacht trip in Mallorca, hoping to fulfill Anthony's plan. As the ceremony concludes, a humbled Charles decides to change his will, promising Maria his entire fortune.
Will Changes
After their marriage, Charles undergoes a transformation and officially alters his will to leave most of his fortune to Maria. This act leaves his nephew, Anthony, with a mere £40,000, igniting Anthony's desperation.
Uncle's Death
Tragedy strikes when Charles dies early one morning on the yacht, leaving both Anthony and Maria in shock. Anthony, seeing an opportunity, proposes they pretend Charles is still alive to protect their interests.
Concealing the Truth
Following Charles's death, Anthony and Maria hatch a plan to deceive others into believing Charles is still alive. They return to the estate and craft a facade to mislead relatives and potential investigators.
Maria's Confession
Maria gets entangled in a web of deceit when she confesses their scheme to detectives who are investigating the case. This admission casts suspicion on her, placing her under the spotlight as a potential murder suspect.
Discovery of Murder
Amid the investigation, Maria uncovers the shocking truth: Anthony had poisoned Charles with Barbiturate to secure his inheritance. The betrayal cuts deep as she realizes she has been used in his wicked game.
Detectives on the Case
Detective Lomer and the servant, Thomas, unveil a tape recording in which Charles reveals Anthony's heinous act of murder right before he died. This evidence becomes crucial in unraveling Anthony's manipulation.
Anthony's Downfall
In a desperate attempt to flee after being exposed, Anthony makes a rash move. He plummets down the grand staircase, meeting his demise as he falls under the haunting gaze of Charles' ghostly wheelchair.
Maria's Innocence
After the truth of Anthony's betrayal and the evidence against him emerges, Maria is exonerated in court. The judgment restores her reputation and allows her to reclaim Charles's estate and fortune.
Final Justice
Maria inherits the vast fortune once controlled by Charles, symbolizing her triumph over the cruel events that transpired. The film concludes with her newfound power and the recognition of her innocence.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Woman of Straw (1964) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Maria Marcello
Maria is portrayed as a sincere and nurturing character, caught in a web of deceit orchestrated by Anthony. Despite enduring emotional and verbal abuse, she remains resilient and morally grounded. Maria's journey from a manipulated nurse to a figure of justice emphasizes her strength and redemptive arc throughout the film.
Anthony Richmond
Anthony is depicted as a cunning and unscrupulous playboy, driven by greed and ambition. His manipulation of both Maria and his uncle reveals his dark, deceitful nature. Anthony's ultimate downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of avarice and betrayal.
Charles Richmond
Charles is a tyrannical tycoon whose domineering presence influences the events of the story. Confined to a wheelchair, his character embodies both wealth and cruelty, challenging Maria as she navigates her complex relationship with him. His eventual demise and the revelation of his will set the stage for the unfolding drama.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Woman of Straw (1964), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The timeline of the movie appears to be set in contemporary times, as indicated by the characters' lifestyle and social structures. This period reflects the clash between wealth and morality, revealing a society where greed leads to treachery. The film explores themes of deception and justice that resonate with modern audiences.
Location
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is known for its beautiful beaches and luxurious estates, attracting visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history. The affluent estate of Charles Richmond serves as a central location in the story, where crucial events unfold. The yacht trip also highlights the island's maritime allure, making it a significant backdrop for the characters' interactions.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Woman of Straw (1964). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
💰
Greed
Greed is a central theme in 'Woman of Straw,' as Anthony's desire for wealth drives him to manipulate and betray those around him. The corrupting influence of money creates a moral vacuum, leading to deceit, crime, and ultimately, downfall. The movie illustrates how the pursuit of monetary gain can overshadow human relationships and ethics.
⚖️
Justice
Justice plays a crucial role in the narrative, with Maria fighting to clear her name after being falsely implicated in her husband's murder. The story portrays a turnaround where truth prevails, and justice is restored, highlighting the resilience of the innocent. Maria's ultimate triumph underscores the importance of integrity and the notion that justice will be served.
💔
Betrayal
Betrayal is woven throughout the plot, particularly in the relationship between Anthony and Maria. Anthony's deception leads to tragic consequences, showcasing how trust can be manipulated for selfish ends. This theme serves to illustrate the dangers of misplaced trust and the devastating fallout that can occur from betrayal.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.