After an eight-year prison term for rape and assault, Max Cady (Robert Mitchum) is set free. Immediately making a beeline to Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck), the former prosecutor responsible for Cady's conviction, Cady laconically informs Sam that he intends to pay back the attorney for his years behind bars.
In America, less than 10 percent of couples delay the exchanging of wedding vows longer than two years once the decision to tie the knot has been made. According to various sources, the average engagement last year spanned 13 to 16 months.
A nearly deadlocked opinion in the Wedding channel's poll on the ideal length for engagements is roughly split at 20 percent for three to eight months, nine to 12 months and two or more years. Capturing 27 percent of the votes, the sweet spot seems to be one to two years.