Nicholas Van Ryn, a wealthy Dutch immigrant in 1840s New York, becomes infatuated with a visiting distant relative, and poisons his hated wife so that the two can marry. However, the early death of his only son proves too much for Nicholas, and he is driven over the edge, putting his new spouse in danger. Gothic drama, starring Vincent Price, Gene Tierney, Vivienne Osborne, Walter Huston and Glenn Langan