Dr. Wilma Tuttle (played by Loretta Young) is a protagonist in The Accused.
A college professor who unintentionally attracts her student Bill Perry. After he attempts to assault her at a seaside cliff, she strikes him with a metal object, causing his death. Fearing disbelief, she hides her involvement but later develops severe guilt. She builds a romantic relationship with attorney Warren Ford, who passionately defends her at trial. Ultimately, she is acquitted after Warren explains her fear and motives to the jury. Warren Ford (played by Robert Cummings) is a protagonist in The Accused.
A San Francisco attorney who previously served as Bill Perry's guardian. He meets Wilma Tuttle, and they develop a romantic relationship. He proposes marriage and takes her to a boxing match. At the trial, he delivers an impassioned defense explaining her actions and fear, which effectively persuades the jury and secures her acquittal. Lieut. Ted Dorgan (played by Wendell Corey) appears in The Accused.
A detective who suspects Wilma Tuttle's claim of an accident and initiates a formal investigation. He gathers evidence, learns of Bill's obsession with Wilma, and, aided by Dr. Romley's forensic findings, concludes she is the murderer. He confronts Wilma and Warren with his accusation, though Warren's courtroom speech ultimately leads to her acquittal. Dr. Romley (played by Sam Jaffe) appears in The Accused.
A crime-lab scientist who provides crucial physical evidence that supports Lieutenant Dorgan's investigation. His forensic analysis is instrumental in helping Dorgan determine that Bill Perry was murdered rather than dying accidentally, directly leading to the accusation against Wilma. Bill Perry (played by Douglas Dick) appears in The Accused.
An impetuous, irresponsible college student and inveterate woman chaser who previously had Warren Ford as his guardian. He becomes obsessed with Professor Wilma Tuttle. At a seaside cliff, he attempts to force himself upon her, resulting in her striking him with a metal object and causing his fatal fall.
The Accused (1949) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Dr. Wilma Tuttle
(played by Loretta Young) — protagonist
A college professor who unintentionally attracts her student Bill Perry. After he attempts to assault her at a seaside cliff, she strikes him with a metal object, causing his death. Fearing disbelief,...
Warren Ford
(played by Robert Cummings) — protagonist
A San Francisco attorney who previously served as Bill Perry's guardian. He meets Wilma Tuttle, and they develop a romantic relationship. He proposes marriage and takes her to a boxing match. At the t...
Lieut. Ted Dorgan
(played by Wendell Corey) — supporting
A detective who suspects Wilma Tuttle's claim of an accident and initiates a formal investigation. He gathers evidence, learns of Bill's obsession with Wilma, and, aided by Dr. Romley's forensic findi...
Dr. Romley
(played by Sam Jaffe) — supporting
A crime-lab scientist who provides crucial physical evidence that supports Lieutenant Dorgan's investigation. His forensic analysis is instrumental in helping Dorgan determine that Bill Perry was murd...
Bill Perry
(played by Douglas Dick) — supporting
An impetuous, irresponsible college student and inveterate woman chaser who previously had Warren Ford as his guardian. He becomes obsessed with Professor Wilma Tuttle. At a seaside cliff, he attempts...
Canonical Relationships
Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.
Warren Ford → Bill Perry
(Family Former Guardian)
Warren Ford... had acted as Bill's guardian, as Bill was an impetuous, irresponsible man.
Lieut. Ted Dorgan → Bill Perry
(Professional Investigator Of Victim)
Detective Ted Dorgan suspects that it was murder and gathers evidence that suggests that Bill was killed before falling down to the ocean below.
Warren Ford → Dr. Wilma Tuttle
(Romantic Lover)
Wilma and Warren build a romantic relationship; Warren proposes marriage and wants to bring her to live with him in San Francisco.
Warren Ford → Dr. Romley
(Professional Rival)
Dr. Romley provides physical evidence supporting Dorgan's investigation that leads to accusing Wilma, while Warren defends her at trial.
Story Dynamics
Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.
Dr. Wilma Tuttle → Bill Perry
(Conflict Victim Of Assault)
Perry takes Wilma to a seaside cliff, he tries to force himself upon her. In Wilma's desperate attempt to repel Bill, she strikes him repeatedly...
Lieut. Ted Dorgan → Dr. Wilma Tuttle
(Conflict Accuser)
Dorgan confronts Wilma and a defiant Warren with his accusation and produces a note that Wilma had written after Bill's death.
Lieut. Ted Dorgan → Dr. Romley
(Alliance Collaborator)
Supported by physical evidence presented by crime-lab scientist Dr. Romley, Dorgan concludes that Wilma is the murderer.
Story Analysis
A professor hides a self-defense killing and faces prosecution from a determined detective.
