Seance on a Wet Afternoon Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Where to Watch and More
by Kavitha
Updated Dec 29, 2023
Seance on a Wet Afternoon
"Séance on a Wet Afternoon" is a gripping 1964 British thriller directed by Bryan Forbes. The film, based on Mark McShane's 1961 novel, features a stellar cast including Kim Stanley, Richard Attenborough, Nanette Newman, Mark Eden, and Patrick Magee. The plot follows a mentally unstable medium, played by Kim Stanley, who persuades her husband (Richard Attenborough) to kidnap a child. Her motive is to assist the police in solving the crime, ultimately seeking fame for her alleged psychic abilities.
Kim Stanley's compelling performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film explores themes of deception, blurred realities, and the consequences of actions fueled by distorted motivations. The cinematography by Gerry Turpin, editing by Derek York, and a haunting musical score by John Barry contribute to the film's atmospheric intensity.
Released on June 20, 1964, in the UK and later on November 5, 1964, in the US, the movie received critical acclaim for its psychological depth and the cast's strong performances. With a budget of £139,000, it achieved box office success, reaching £195,688 by 1971. "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" remains a noteworthy entry in the thriller genre, offering a captivating exploration of human psychology and the repercussions of obsessive behavior.
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Seance on a Wet Afternoon Ending Explained
In the conclusion of "Séance on a Wet Afternoon," the intricate plan devised by Myra Savage, portrayed by Kim Stanley, takes a dark turn as her mental stability unravels. Initially believing in her ability to communicate with the spirit world, Myra orchestrates the kidnapping of Amanda Clayton, with the intention of gaining fame as a psychic medium. However, as her mental health deteriorates, the plan veers towards harming Amanda.
During a critical séance attended by Mrs. Clayton, Myra's facade crumbles, exposing the kidnapping plot. Amanda manages to escape her confinement, intensifying the crisis. When the police seek Myra's help, she breaks down during the séance, confessing the truth in a trance-like state.
The film's climax reveals the tragic stillbirth of Myra's son, Arthur, deepening the understanding of her fragile mental state. Myra's confession and symbolic cradling of a cloth reflect the culmination of her long-standing grief and emotional turmoil.
In a poignant ending, "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" explores the repercussions of Myra's misguided actions, shedding light on the intricate psychological complexities of the characters. The film concludes on a somber note, underscoring the profound impact of grief and the consequences of a distorted sense of reality.
Seance on a Wet Afternoon Cast
This tabular column lists the main cast of "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" along with the characters they portrayed in the film.
Kim Stanley
Myra Savage
Richard Attenborough
Billy Savage
Nanette Newman
Mrs. Clayton
Mark Eden
Charles Clayton
Patrick Magee
Superintendent Walsh
Gerald Sim
Detective Sergeant Beedle
Judith Donner
Amanda Clayton
Margaret Lacey
Woman at first Séance
Marie Burke
Woman at first Séance
Maria Kazan
Woman at first Séance
Margaret McGrath
Woman at Second Séance
Lionel Gamlin
Man at Seances
Godfrey James
Mrs. Clayton's Chauffeur
Ronald Hines
Policeman outside Clayton's
Hajni Biro
Maid at Clayton's
Diana Lambert
Mr. Clayton's Secretary
Frank Singuineau
Bus Conductor
Stanley Morgan
Man in Trilby
Cast
Character
Seance on a Wet Afternoon Plot
"Myra Savage, a psychic medium played by Kim Stanley, is the central character in the 1964 film 'Séance on a Wet Afternoon.' Living with her husband Billy, portrayed by Richard Attenborough, Myra holds séances in their home. The couple's life revolves around the spirit of their deceased son, Arthur.
Driven by a desire for fame, Myra convinces Billy to kidnap Amanda, the daughter of a wealthy couple. They plan to return her after Myra demonstrates her psychic abilities to the police, asking for a ransom of £25,000. Myra visits Amanda's parents, claiming to have had a dream about their daughter, hoping to gain their trust.
As the plan unfolds, Myra's mental health deteriorates. She believes her son wants Amanda to join him in the afterlife and instructs Billy to kill her. Billy, recognizing Myra's unstable state, struggles but eventually takes Amanda into the woods, leaving her fate uncertain.
When the police approach Myra for help in finding the missing girl, she breaks down during a séance, revealing the kidnapping. In a trance, she discloses that Amanda is alive. Billy, cooperating with the police, divulges the ransom's location and ensures Amanda's safety, concluding the suspenseful and psychological plot of the film."
Where to Watch Seance on a Wet Afternoon?
You can watch "Seance on a Wet Afternoon" on streaming platforms like Max Amazon Channel, Max, and Criterion Channel. These services offer the movie for online viewing. Simply check the availability on these platforms, and if you have a subscription to Max Amazon Channel, Max, or Criterion Channel, you should be able to stream the film. Enjoy the suspenseful thriller at your convenience on these streaming channels.
Seance on a Wet Afternoon Ending Explained - FAQ
The film follows Myra Savage, a psychic medium played by Kim Stanley, who orchestrates a kidnapping to gain fame for her alleged abilities.
The cast includes Kim Stanley as Myra Savage, Richard Attenborough as Billy Savage, and Nanette Newman as Mrs. Clayton, among others.
Myra kidnaps Amanda to demonstrate her psychic abilities to the police and seek fame, but as her mental health declines, the plan takes a darker turn.
The ending reveals Myra's unraveling mental state, the tragic stillbirth of her son Arthur, and the consequences of her misguided actions, concluding on a somber note.
The film is available for streaming on Max Amazon Channel, Max, and Criterion Channel. Check these platforms if you have a subscription to watch the movie.