The Set Up (1963) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A former prisoner is drawn into a robbery and framed for murder until an investigator questions evidence that appears too perfect.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

A Prisoner Meets His Opportunity

Arthur Payne has recently left prison when he meets Theo Gaunt. Theo persuades him to steal jewellery from Gaunt's wife's house.

Key Events

• Payne Leaves Prison — Arthur Payne has recently come out of prison. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: Prison
• Payne Meets Gaunt — After leaving prison, Arthur Payne meets Theo Gaunt. Characters: Arthur Payne, Theo Gaunt Location: Unspecified meeting place
• The Robbery Proposal — Theo persuades Arthur to steal his wife's jewellery. Characters: Theo Gaunt, Arthur Payne Location: Unspecified meeting place
• A Dangerous Plan — The proposed theft connects Theo's plan with Arthur's criminal past. Characters: Theo Gaunt, Arthur Payne Location: Unspecified meeting place

The Empty Safe

Arthur carries out the robbery but finds no jewellery in the safe. Instead, he discovers documents and a gun before Gaunt's wife surprises him.

Key Events

• Payne Approaches the House — Arthur carries out the robbery at the house. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: The house
• The Safe Is Opened — Arthur searches the house safe during the robbery. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: The house
• No Jewellery Found — The safe contains no jewellery. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: The house
• Documents in the Safe — Arthur finds documents in the safe instead of the expected jewellery. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: The house
• A Gun Appears — A gun is also present in the safe. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: The house
• The Wife Returns — Gaunt's wife surprises Arthur inside the house. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: The house
• Payne Flees — Arthur flees after being surprised by Gaunt's wife. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: The house

A Perfect Accusation

Arthur flees, and Gaunt's wife is later found dead. Widespread fingerprint evidence appears to identify Arthur as the murderer.

Key Events

• Payne Flees — Arthur flees after being surprised by Gaunt's wife. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: The house
• The Wife Is Found Dead — Gaunt's wife is later found dead. Location: The house
• Fingerprint Evidence Appears — Widespread fingerprint evidence is discovered at the house. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: The house
• Payne Becomes Suspect — The fingerprints point to Arthur as the murderer. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: The house

Doubt Behind the Evidence

The investigating officer examines the apparently decisive evidence and finds it too neat. Sympathy for Arthur's denial leads the investigation toward the real culprit.

Key Events

• Payne Denies Murder — Arthur denies murdering Gaunt's wife. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: Unspecified investigation setting
• The Investigation Continues — The investigating officer examines the evidence surrounding the death. Location: Unspecified investigation setting
• Evidence Looks Too Neat — The investigating officer finds that everything is too neatly arranged. Location: Unspecified investigation setting
• Doubt Enters the Case — The officer becomes sympathetic to Arthur's denial of murder. Characters: Arthur Payne Location: Unspecified investigation setting
• The Real Culprit Identified — The investigating officer eventually identifies the real culprit. Location: Unspecified investigation setting
• The False Case Unravels — The investigation moves beyond the apparently conclusive case against Arthur. Characters: Arthur Payne, Theo Gaunt Location: Unspecified investigation setting

Story Breakdown

• Payne's Release — Arthur Payne leaves prison and enters a vulnerable new phase of his life.
  • Leaving Prison — Arthur has recently come out of prison.
  • Meeting Theo — Arthur meets Theo Gaunt after his release.
• The Robbery Proposal — Theo uses persuasion to involve Arthur in stealing jewellery from the house.
  • Jewellery Target — Theo proposes stealing his wife's jewellery.
  • Persuading Payne — Arthur is persuaded to carry out the robbery.
• The Empty Safe — The planned theft changes when the expected jewellery is absent from the safe.
  • Missing Jewellery — Arthur finds no jewellery in the safe.
  • Documents And Gun — The safe contains documents and a gun instead.
• The Fatal Interruption — Arthur's presence in the house becomes dangerous when the wife surprises him.
  • Unexpected Discovery — Gaunt's wife surprises Arthur during the robbery.
  • Payne Flees — Arthur escapes from the house.
• The Murder Frame — The wife's death and fingerprint evidence make Arthur appear to be the murderer.
  • Death Discovered — Gaunt's wife is later found dead.
  • Fingerprints Point — Widespread fingerprint evidence points to Arthur.
• The Evidence Unravels — The investigation challenges the apparently conclusive case and identifies the real culprit.
  • Payne Denies Murder — Arthur denies killing the wife.
  • Too Neat To Trust — The investigating officer finds the evidence too neatly arranged.
  • Real Culprit Identified — The investigation eventually identifies the actual culprit.

Directed by

Gerard Glaister

Key Cast

• Maurice Denham — Theo Gaunt
• John Carson — Insp. Jackson
• Maria Corvin — Nicole Romain
• Brian Peck — Arthur Payne
• Anthony Bate — Ray Underwood