Freelance photographer L.B. Jeffries, played by Jimmy
Steward, has a couple of problems. Having broken his leg, he is cooped up in
his apartment, bored out of his mind. His only distraction is looking out the
rear window, across the courtyard of his building, through the rear windows of
the other tenants, observing their lives. There’s the newlywed couple, the dancer,
the middle aged spinster, and the bickering couple. More about them later.
This bit of voyeurism earns Jeffries the disapproval of his
visiting, wise cracking occupational nurse, played by Thelma Ritter. But
Jeffries bigger problem is that he is in love with New
York model and socialite Lisa, played with heart
breaking elegance by Grace Kelly. Most people would not understand why this is
a problem, especially since Lisa loves him back. However, Jeffries likes
nothing better than to tramp through some of the worst third world hell holes
on the planet, in search of that perfect photograph. Would Lisa, used to a life
of cocktail parties, dinners, and fashion shows, suited for that kind of life?
Jeffries thinks not. Of course, that all may just be an excuse for his fear of
commitment.
Then one half of the bickering couple, the wife as it
happens, disappears. There are midnight trips out of the building by the
husband, played by Raymond Burr, and brief glances at knives and saws through
the window. Has the husband done away with his shrewish wife? Jeffries has go
to know. And, with the aid of Lisa and his nurse, he sets out to fins out.
Along the way of solving the mystery, Jeffries discovers, to his surprise, that
he girlfriend has a courage and resourcefulness not born in the fashion
industry.