A Glass of Water

A Glass of Water

Year: 1960

Runtime: 81 mins

Language: German

Director: Helmut Käutner

ComedyMusic

Set amid the intrigues of Queen Anne’s English court, the film follows the rivalry between the liberal politician Lord Bolingbroke and the formidable Lady Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, as they weave schemes and power plays. Presented as a German comedy, it adapts Eugène Scribe’s stage play.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Glass of Water (1960)

Trace every key event in A Glass of Water (1960) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Anne's weakness and Sarah's influence at the royal court

Sarah's intrigues dominate the queen's decisions as Anne is young and inexperienced. Henry St. John, a noble journalist and leader of the opposition, seeks to end the war with France, challenging the queen's circle. The stage is set for a clash between personal ambition and national policy.

Whitehall, London
2

Masham joins the queen's guards

Sarah uses her influence to promote Masham, making him an ensign in the queen's guards. This patronage binds Masham closer to the court and expands his access to the queen, setting him up as a rising figure at Whitehall.

Whitehall
3

Masham engaged to Abigail

Masham becomes engaged to Abigail, a jealous jewellery-store clerk, complicating courtly plans. Henry St. John vows to win Abigail for himself, seeing her as a lever to influence the queen.

London, jewellery store
4

Masham kills Henry's cousin in a duel

Masham duels Henry's wealthy cousin and kills him, shaking political alliances. The duel eliminates a rival and sets Masham on the path of power and danger.

London duel grounds
5

Henry inherits fortune and the title Lord Bolingbroke

With his cousin dead, Henry inherits a huge fortune and the title Lord Bolingbroke. This sudden rise makes him a formidable player at court and sharpens his ambitions.

London
6

Henry seeds Abigail into the queen's court

Henry arranges for Abigail to gain a position in the queen's court, giving her inside access to the palace. Through her, he hopes to influence the queen and Masham's standing.

The queen's court, Whitehall
7

Abigail reveals the queen's interest in Masham

Via Abigail, Henry learns that the queen has her eye on Masham, though he remains unaware of the rival's identity. This knowledge lets him anticipate shifts in favor at court.

Court
8

The water-sign rendezvous plan

During a ball, the queen plans to pass Masham a glass of water as a signal for a rendezvous. Henry explains to Sarah that she has a rival at court, though he refuses to name who it is.

Ball at the court
9

The ball confrontation and resignations

At the next ball, Sarah openly vies with the queen for Masham's favour and panic ensues. As a consequence, both Sarah and Masham resign their roles as the queen's confidants.

Royal ball
10

Night-time intervention and a white lie

Later, Sarah and a few ladies surprise the queen during a night-time meeting with Masham. Henry arrives at the crucial moment and saves the queen with a white lie, turning the tables in his favor.

Royal residence
11

Henry's rise and Sarah's banishment

Henry is established as the queen's sole advisor, marking a turning point in power. Sarah is banished from court and Marlborough is dismissed, leaving Henry at the head of a new cabinet whose first task is to resume peace negotiations with France.

Whitehall

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 11:32

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Courtly Intrigue Movies like A Glass of Water

Stories of high-stakes political strategy where personal desires shape national destinies.Explore movies like A Glass of Water that delve into sophisticated political scheming. If you enjoyed the tense power plays within Queen Anne’s court, this collection features similar stories of ambition, rivalry, and subtle manipulation in high-stakes settings.

politicaldeceptivecalculatingstrategicshifting alliancesunspoken tensionhigh society

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically revolve around a central power vacuum or conflict, often involving a monarch or leader whose favor is the ultimate prize. Characters operate in a web of loyalty and betrayal, where a single misstep can lead to ruin. The plot is driven by strategic conversations, unspoken tensions, and carefully orchestrated moves rather than overt action.

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Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on intellectual, high-society power struggles. They create a similar vibe of anxious calculation, where the primary conflict is a battle of wits set against a backdrop of opulent but dangerous environments.

Strategic Maneuvering Stories Similar to A Glass of Water

Tense stories where victory is achieved through cunning plans and psychological warfare.Find movies similar to A Glass of Water that center on intelligent, tactical conflicts. If you liked the nuanced power plays between Bolingbroke and Lady Churchill, these films feature characters who win battles with their minds, not their muscles, in a tense and steady narrative.

anxiouscalculatingstrategictensionpsychologicalrivalrymind games

Narrative Summary

The plot structure is defined by a series of strategic moves and countermoves between rivals of relatively equal intellect. Each side gains and loses temporary advantage, creating a steady rhythm of tension and release. The resolution is often mixed, with a pyrrhic victory or a new status quo achieved through morally ambiguous means.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific narrative pattern of cerebral conflict and a tense, steady pacing that prioritizes intellectual engagement over action. The mood is consistently anxious and calculating, appealing to viewers who enjoy watching complex plans unfold.

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Don't stop at just watching — explore A Glass of Water in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Glass of Water is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Glass of Water Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Glass of Water, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Glass of Water Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Glass of Water

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Glass of Water

A Glass of Water Spoiler-Free Summary

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A Glass of Water Spoiler-Free Summary

More About A Glass of Water

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