Midnight Lace Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, and Trailer
by Janani
Updated Jun 27, 2023
Midnight Lace
Midnight Lace, a psychological thriller film released in 1960, was directed by David Miller and features a star-studded cast including Doris Day, Rex Harrison, John Gavin, Myrna Loy, and Roddy McDowall. The gripping storyline revolves around a woman who becomes the target of an anonymous stalker, struggling to convince others of the imminent danger she faces.
Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts adapted the screenplay from Janet Green's play "Matilda Shouted Fire." The film's title, Midnight Lace, alludes to a delicate lacy dress that Day's character purchases early on and wears during the climactic moments.
The film premiered in cinemas during the autumn of 1960, captivating audiences with its suspenseful narrative. Doris Day's remarkable performance earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, while the costume designer Irene Lentz received an Academy Award nomination for Best Color Costume Design.
Nearly two decades later, a television film remake of Midnight Lace emerged, debuting on NBC on February 9, 1981. The remake starred Mary Crosby and Gary Frank in the lead roles, aiming to captivate a new generation of viewers with its thrilling storyline.
Midnight Lace Ending Explained
In the 1960 film "Midnight Lace," the ending unravels the mysteries that unfolded throughout the story, shedding light on the truth behind the events. As the film reaches its climax, it is revealed that the protagonist, Kit Preston, portrayed by Doris Day, has been experiencing psychological distress rather than being pursued by an actual stalker.
The mastermind behind this elaborate scheme is her husband, played by Rex Harrison. His motive becomes clear: he devised the plan to manipulate Kit into believing she was under threat in order to have her declared mentally unstable, ultimately gaining control of her inheritance.
Throughout the narrative, suspense, and tension mount as Kit becomes increasingly convinced of the stalker's existence. She seeks assistance from the police and confides in her friends, desperate for support. However, no tangible evidence is found, leading those around her to doubt her claims and question her sanity, believing she may be fabricating the entire ordeal.
The turning point occurs when Kit uncovers her husband's involvement in the plot. Armed with this newfound knowledge, she confronts him, exposing her awareness of his deceit. In a powerful act of resilience and determination, Kit outwits her husband and reveals his malicious intentions to others.
The film concludes with Kit triumphing over her husband's scheme, emerging as a strong and independent individual who reclaims her autonomy. This unexpected twist challenges the viewers' perception of the events, adding a layer of complexity to the story. The ending provides a satisfying resolution as Kit prevails over adversity, unmasking her husband's true nature and finding justice.
Cast Of Midnight Lace 1960
Cast
Character
Doris Day
Kit Preston
Rex Harrison
Anthony "Tony" Preston
John Gavin
Brian Younger
Myrna Loy
Aunt Bea Vorman
Roddy McDowall
Malcolm Stanley
Herbert Marshall
Charles Manning
Natasha Parry
Peggy Thompson
Hermione Baddeley
Dora Hammer
John Williams
Inspector Byrnes
Richard Ney
Daniel Graham
Anthony Dawson
Roy Ash
Rhys Williams
Victor Elliott
Richard Lupino
Foster
Hayden Rorke
Doctor Garver
Doris Lloyd
Nora Stanley, the housekeeper
Elspeth March
woman
Peter Adams
a man at American Consulate
Rex Evans
Basil Stafford
Midnight Lace Plot
American heiress Kit Preston and her British husband Tony live in a luxurious London neighborhood undergoing renovations. One evening, Kit is startled by a threatening voice promising her demise.
The next day, Tony's assistant discovers embezzlement within their company. Kit experiences more alarming incidents, including encounters with a gaunt man and distressing phone calls. She confides in her aunt and seeks help from the police, but her claims are dismissed.
As Kit's paranoia grows, she becomes trapped in an elevator, only to be rescued by Brian, a contractor working on the renovation. Kit attends a ballet with Tony, where Malcolm, Nora's son, makes unsettling demands for money.
Kit's anxiety intensifies, leading to a confrontation with the gaunt man in her apartment. Brian responds to her screams but finds no intruder. Kit is then pushed in front of a bus, narrowly escaping death.
Desperate for support, Kit asks Peggy to lie about hearing the stalker's voice on the phone. However, Tony reveals the phone has been disconnected all day, causing Kit's credibility to falter.
Tony and Bea, Kit's aunt, send her to a psychiatrist, convinced of her delusions. Meanwhile, the caller persists, prompting Tony to stage a plan with the police. In a shocking twist, it is revealed that Tony and Peggy conspired against Kit, planning to kill her and make it appear as suicide to inherit her wealth.
As Tony attempts to harm Kit, the gaunt man reveals himself as Peggy's estranged husband, seeking revenge for her affair with Tony. Kit manages to escape along the construction outside her apartment, and with the arrival of the police, Tony's guilt is exposed.
It is revealed that Tony had orchestrated the threats, and Kit's resilience leads to her ultimate triumph over the scheme. The film "Midnight Lace" explores Kit's ordeal, building suspense and challenging perceptions as the plot unfolds.
Midnight Lace Where to Watch
Experience the intrigue of "Midnight Lace," a captivating mystery film featuring renowned actors Doris Day, Rex Harrison, and John Gavin. Immerse yourself in this cinematic masterpiece as you delve into a world of suspense and mystery.
To enjoy this thrilling movie, simply stream it now on Movieland TV or Cinema Box using your Roku device. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the gripping storyline unfold before your eyes. Grab your popcorn and prepare for a riveting cinematic experience.
Midnight Lace Trailer
Midnight Lace Ending Explained - FAQ
In the 1960 film "Midnight Lace," the ending unravels the mysteries that unfolded throughout the story, shedding light on the truth behind the events
"Midnight Lace" was directed by David Miller.
The film stars Doris Day, Rex Harrison, John Gavin, Myrna Loy, and Roddy McDowall.
The plot revolves around a woman who is being threatened by an anonymous stalker but struggles to convince others of the danger she is facing.
The screenplay, written by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts, is based on the play "Matilda Shouted Fire" by Janet Green.