Scarlet Street (1945)

A middle-aged cashier who has been trying to make it as an artist for most of his life, yearns for recognition and love. On a fateful encounter, he rescues a beautiful young woman from her violent boyfriend. Mistaken for a wealthy artist, he is quickly ensnared in a deceitful scheme orchestrated by the woman and her partner, where they exploit his wish of being accepted and his benevolence for their own gain.