One of the 20th century’s most influential crime novelists, Patricia Highsmith's (1921–1995) books have inspired numerous screen adaptations – including her first novel, Strangers on a Train (which was famously filmed by Alfred Hitchcock), and her series of Ripley stories about the charming and occasionally murderous thief, as well as the recent release The Two Faces of January.

Examining the significance of Highsmith’s work, Wootton plays clips from some of the best film versions of her books (such as Purple Noon, American Friend and The Talented Mr Ripley) as well as footage of a rarely seen documentary about her; he also recounts his own encounter with the legendary writer.