Strangers When We Meet Ending Explained: A suburban architect loves his wife but is bored with his marriage and with his work, so he takes up with the neglected, married beauty who lives down the street. Directed by Richard Quine, this 1960 romance film stars Kirk Douglas (Larry Coe), alongside Kim Novak as Margaret 'Maggie' Gault, Barbara Rush as Eve Coe, Ernie Kovacs as Roger Altar. With a 6.4/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of Strangers When We Meet?

A suburban architect loves his wife but is bored with his marriage and with his work, so he takes up with the neglected, married beauty who lives down the street.

How Does Kirk Douglas (Larry Coe)'s Story End?

  • Kirk Douglas: Kirk Douglas's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Kim Novak (Margaret 'Maggie' Gault): Kim Novak's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Barbara Rush (Eve Coe): Barbara Rush's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Strangers When We Meet Mean?

Strangers When We Meet's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Kirk Douglas may feel rushed. Richard Quine's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.