The 4th Man

Gerard Reve, a morbid Catholic writer who is bisexual, an alcoholic, and frequently experiences visions of death, is invited to give a lecture at the Vlissingen literature club. While at the Amsterdam railway station, he is drawn to a handsome man who boards another train. Gerard meets Christine Halsslag, the club's treasurer and a beautician, and they engage in a one-night stand. The next morning, Gerard sees a picture of Christine's boyfriend, Herman, and recognizes him as the man from the train station. He urges Christine to bring Herman to her house for a few days, with the intention of seducing him. During a night alone, Gerard discovers and watches film reels, learning that Christine had married each of the men, all of whom died in tragic accidents. Believing Christine to be a Black Widow, Gerard begins to wonder whether Herman or himself will be her doomed fourth husband.