Alma Duval (played by Shirley Booth) is a protagonist in Hot Spell.
A Louisiana housewife who plans her husband's birthday while denying his infidelity. After slapping him, she endures his departure and death. Returning to New Paris for the funeral, she realizes the past holds no happiness. The film concludes with her clinging to routine and denial, acknowledging that her former life is merely a memory. Fan (played by Eileen Heckart) appears in Hot Spell.
A neighbor who shares cake with Alma and attempts to influence her by encouraging smoking and casual drinking to help her regain her husband's attention. Wyatt (played by Warren Stevens) appears in Hot Spell.
A medical student and Virginia's boyfriend who abruptly ends their relationship. He cites the need for a partner with greater social standing and financial wealth as his reason. Ruby (played by Valerie Allen) appears in Hot Spell.
A nineteen-year-old mistress of Jack. She accompanies him as he attempts to flee his marriage, and her insistence on speeding directly causes the fatal car crash that kills them both.
Hot Spell (1958) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Alma Duval
(played by Shirley Booth) — protagonist
A Louisiana housewife who plans her husband's birthday while denying his infidelity. After slapping him, she endures his departure and death. Returning to New Paris for the funeral, she realizes the p...
Fan
(played by Eileen Heckart) — supporting
A neighbor who shares cake with Alma and attempts to influence her by encouraging smoking and casual drinking to help her regain her husband's attention.
Wyatt
(played by Warren Stevens) — supporting
A medical student and Virginia's boyfriend who abruptly ends their relationship. He cites the need for a partner with greater social standing and financial wealth as his reason.
Ruby
(played by Valerie Allen) — supporting
A nineteen-year-old mistress of Jack. She accompanies him as he attempts to flee his marriage, and her insistence on speeding directly causes the fatal car crash that kills them both.
Key Relationships
Fan → Wyatt
(Social Circle)
Wyatt → Ruby
(Conflict Indirect Rivals)
Fan → Ruby
(Unknown Social Contrast)
Alma Duval → Wyatt
(Family Associate)
Alma Duval → Ruby
(Conflict Adulterous Rival)
Alma Duval → Fan
(Social Neighbor)
Story Analysis
A housewife's journey from denial to painful acceptance of marital betrayal and lost illusions.
