Mirage

Mirage is a 1965 American neo noir thriller film starring Gregory Peck and Diane Baker, and released by Universal Pictures.. Directed by Edward Dmytryk from a screenplay by Peter Stone, it is based on the 1952 novel Fallen Angel, written by Howard Fast under the pseudonym Walter Ericson; the novel is not credited by title onscreen. Walter Matthau, George Kennedy, Leif Erickson, and Kevin McCarthy appear in support. Plot During a power outage in the New York City skyscraper where he works, corporate suit David Stillwell (Gregory Peck) decides to exit using the darkened stairs. While descending, he encounters an attractive young woman (Diane Baker), who seems to know him, but he has no recollection of her. Alarmed, she flees to the sub-basement. Outside is the body of the noted philanthropist and leading world peace activist Charles Calvin (Walter Abel), who apparently jumped from his 27th floor office. At a nearby bar, Stillwell feels ill-at-ease and flashes back to his encounter with the woman. He returns to look for her, but now there is no sub-basement. A large pugnacious man, Willard (George Kennedy), is working in the machine room and orders Stillwell to leave. At Stillwell's apartment building, a stranger, Lester (Jack Weston), pulls a gun and forces him into the apartment. He demands Stillwell get his briefcase and go meet "the Major". Stillwell, not knowing what he is referring to, knocks out Lester and hides him in a hallway service closet. Stillwell then checks his briefcase and finds it completely empty.