A Place for Annie

A Place for Annie

Year: 1994

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: John Gray

DramaTV Movie

An HIV‑positive baby, Annie, is left at a clinic by her drug‑addicted mother. Nurse Susan takes her home to keep her from a hospice where she would likely die. Two years later Susan plans to adopt Annie, but the mother suddenly returns and demands custody. Legally, Susan, as a foster‑parent, has no claim to the child.

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Timeline – A Place for Annie (1994)

Trace every key event in A Place for Annie (1994) 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

Susan decides to adopt Annie

Nurse Susan, who has been caring for six-week-old Annie, decides she cannot let the baby be left at Treemont Centre to die. She discusses the plan with her son David, who is understandably concerned, and they proceed to file and sign adoption papers. Annie becomes legally Susan's foster daughter, and Susan arranges for a babysitter to help.

early in Annie's life Treemont Centre
2

Custody motion filed after rehab

One year later, on Annie's first birthday, Linda's attorney Alice informs Susan that Annie's mother Linda has finished rehab and has filed a motion with a court. Alice represents Linda in the legal proceeding. Susan fights for custody but loses the case, with Linda granted supervised visits while the court reviews the matter.

Annie's first birthday Courtroom
3

Suspicious apathy during a visit

During one of Linda's supervised visits, Susan notices Linda's surprisingly apathetic demeanor toward her own daughter, confirming her concerns about Linda's care. The interaction deepens Susan's resolve to protect Annie. This moment strains the ongoing custody battle.

during supervised visits Linda's visits to Susan's home
4

Annie temporarily removed from Linda's care

Linda refuses to phone or keep Susan updated on Annie's progress, and Susan and David discover Linda's slovenly apartment. They remove Annie from the premises to safeguard her health, which leads to a judge awarding custody to Linda the very next day.

the same day Linda's apartment
5

Custody awarded to Linda

The judge rules in favor of Linda the next day, keeping Annie in Linda's care despite concerns raised by Susan. The decision forces Susan to reassess her options and her role in Annie's life. The legal battle continues even as living arrangements change.

the very next day Courtroom
6

Susan shelters Linda to care for Annie

Seeing no alternative, Susan invites Linda to live in her own home to ensure Annie has decent accommodations. Many heated confrontations follow as they navigate cohabitation, but Linda opens up about her troubled childhood while Susan shares her own experience of being disowned by her parents.

Days later Susan's home
7

Linda's realization about motherhood

The conversations with Susan lead Linda to realize that she wanted Annie mainly to be a mother and to redeem her life by doing something right. This insight reframes her motivation and deepens her commitment to Annie's wellbeing. The moment marks a turning point in her perspective on family.

Days later Susan's home
8

Call to Linda's mother

Days later, Susan calls Linda's mother to inform her of Linda's progress, but the response is distant and unhelpful. The lack of support underscores the fractured family dynamics surrounding Annie. Susan is left to navigate the situation with limited backup from the maternal side.

Days later Linda's mother's home
9

Search for forgiveness and acceptance

Linda laments the difficulty of seeking forgiveness for her past choices and recognizes Susan's generosity and unconditional care. She comes to terms with her life choices and the impact on Annie. The emotional struggle highlights the fragile path toward reconciliation.

Days later Susan's home
10

Linda collapses; emergency hospitalization

On the way to having a smoke, Linda collapses in the hallway and is rushed to the hospital. In the ambulance, she tells the doctors that she may not survive and asks to be allowed to go when her time comes. The moment intensifies the urgency of the family situation.

on the way to the hospital Hallway of Susan's home building
11

Annie's HIV status clarified

The next day, a doctor informs Susan that Annie is no longer testing positive for HIV antibodies. It is explained that Annie contracted the antibodies at birth, not the virus itself, meaning she can live a long, normal life. The diagnosis changes the future prospects for Annie's health and family life.

the following day Susan's home
12

Linda returns home and reconnects

Linda recovers enough to return to Susan's home and checks on Annie, expressing hope that Annie will have a great life. The reunion is tentative but hopeful, as both women reassess their roles. Annie's future seems brighter as health issues recede.

Sometime later Susan's home
13

Linda plans hospice and a final message

Sometime later, Linda decides to enter hospice so Annie won’t have to witness her decline. Susan reluctantly agrees that this is the right choice. Linda gives Annie a letter to deliver to Susan, outlining her final wishes and asking for understanding.

Sometime later Susan's home
14

Goodbye and the custody letter

Linda departs for hospice, and Susan and Annie wave goodbye. Susan reads Linda's letter, which is the maternity document relinquishing all legal custody of Annie to Susan. The letter cements the new family arrangement and marks the end of Linda's direct parental role.

Final moment Susan's home
15

A new life for Annie

With the formal custody settled, Annie begins a new, healthier chapter under Susan's care. Linda's presence fades, but the bond between Susan and Annie reinforces a stable home. The story closes on the hope of a long, normal life for Annie.

Post-hospice Susan's home

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:44

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A Place for Annie Summary

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A Place for Annie Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Place for Annie

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