FALLEN ANGELS: MURDER, OBLIQUELY (TV)

Summary

One in this anthology series of noir-themed dramas. In this episode, based on the short story by Cornell Woolrich, young Annie Ainsley explains that she met her "last love" through her friends Jean and Paul Medill when she tagged along to visit their old friend Dwight Billings at his palatial new home. Annie immediately falls for Dwight, who cryptically explains that he acquired the house through the generosity of a deceased aunt, though a bottle of cheap perfume suggests that Dwight is already involved with someone. The glamorous Bernette soon arrives, much to Annie's displeasure, and Dwight seems upset when she blithely introduces her new and very young husband Harry, towards whom Dwight drops subtle hints about his romantic past with Bernette. At the end of the evening, Dwight abruptly gives Bernette the number for a divorce attorney, and she angrily hurls her jewelry and gown at him before storming out in front of a stunned Jean, Paul and Annie.

Annie's obsession with Dwight grows over the next two weeks, and when she returns to his home in the hopes of becoming his "rebound," the scent of perfume tells her that Bernette is still in his life. Bernette then arrives, claiming to have been at a concert, though everyone present seems to know that she is lying and she quickly grows nervous and departs. Annie returns to Dwight's home later that night, claiming to have misplaced her house key, and he somewhat reluctantly invites her inside, stating that he is home alone. Annie makes her intentions plain and suggests that they marry, but an agitated Dwight tells her that they are not a good match and asks her to leave. On her way out, Annie spots Bernette's coat and her pearls scattered on the floor by the bedroom, but she opts not to enter, afraid of what she may find. Some time later, Annie learns that Bernette has been missing since that fateful night, with Paul jokingly suggesting that Dwight killed her. Dwight then arrives at Annie's door and begins to explain about "that night," though she stops him. He then declares that he wishes to marry her after all and asks to come inside, and the story ends on an ambiguous note as Annie admits that she has her doubts about Bernette, but ultimately decides that "people you know" never commit such atrocities.

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