A Slightly Pregnant Man (1973) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Marco and Irène Attend Mireille Mathieu Concert

Marco, a driving instructor, and Irène, a hairdresser and single mother, attend a Mireille Mathieu concert in Paris. During the performance, Marco experiences a dizzy spell which prompts them to leave early. Irène becomes concerned about Marco's health after the concert, suspecting he may be unwell.

Where

Paris

Marco Declines Medical Help Initially

Irène urges Marco to see a doctor following his dizziness, but he declines, attributing his symptoms to an upset stomach caused by eating chicken. He dismisses the seriousness of his condition, hoping it will pass, and they return home together. However, Irène remains worried about his health.

Where

Paris

Marco Consults a Doctor

The next morning, Marco visits Dr. Delavigne, who conducts examinations and finds that his physical symptoms are related to pregnancy. She explains that his condition may be caused by hormonal imbalances, leading her to advise further testing with a gynecologist. Marco begins to realize something unusual is happening to him.

Where

Paris

Marco Purchases Strawberries and Anatomy Book

On his way home, Marco buys strawberries and a textbook on female anatomy. Irène questions his choice of strawberries because it is winter, but she recalls her own pregnancy craving for them. This detail heightens the suspicion that Marco’s symptoms relate to pregnancy, not an illness.

Marco Confesses to Irène

Driving to Dr. Chaumont's office, Marco confesses to Irène that he believes he is pregnant. Irène faints from shock, overwhelmed by the revelation. Their conversation marks a pivotal moment, shifting the understanding of Marco’s mysterious health issues to pregnancy.

Where

en route to doctor's office

Doctor Confirms Marco's Pregnancy

At Dr. Chaumont's clinic, the doctor confirms that Marco is pregnant. He explains that hormones in the chicken might have caused an imbalance, making Marco sufficiently feminine to carry a child. Chaumont advises a low-sodium diet and rest for the next seven months.

Where

Paris, medical clinic

Marco Shares the Truth at Work

Marco returns to his driving school and confides in his co-worker Lucien about his pregnancy. This revelation sparks a mix of shock and curiosity among colleagues. Irène also discusses Marco's condition with friends and clients at her salon, spreading the news.

Where

Driving school, salon

Couple Tells Lucas

Marco and Irène sit down to tell their young son, Lucas, about Marco's pregnancy, explaining the unusual circumstances. The revelation challenges their usual routine and highlights the extraordinary situation they are facing as a family.

Marco Becomes a Model and Celebrities Around the World

Marco is approached by Scipion Lemeu, who hires him as the model for a new line of paternity clothing. The campaign promises a monthly payment until the child turns ten. Media coverage elevates Marco’s profile, and newspapers proclaim his pregnancy as a historic event.

Public and Medical Attention Increase

Marco's pregnancy garners international attention, with the New York Times calling it a major event. At an international congress, Chaumont presents Marco to an audience of medical professionals, discussing the phenomenon and broader implications for gender and reproduction.

Where

International Medical Congress

Media Debates and Society Reacts

During a panel discussion, doctors and journalists debate the implications of men becoming pregnant. The media explores topics like women's liberation, contraception, and the societal impact of male pregnancies, reflecting widespread curiosity and concern.

Where

Conference hall

Reports of Pregnant Men Spread Across France

News reports emerge of multiple cases of men experiencing pregnancy symptoms throughout France. Authorities and experts warn about overpopulation risks, highlighting the social and political ripple effects of this unusual phenomenon.

Where

France

Original French Ending - Diagnosis

In the French version, Marco is diagnosed with hysterical pregnancy, bringing sadness to both him and Irène. They marry, but Irène faints, revealing she is pregnant, which adds a joyful twist to the story’s conclusion.

Italian Ending - Going into Labor

In the Italian version, Marco realizes he has been misdiagnosed and unexpectedly goes into labor during his wedding. Although the baby isn't shown, the event signifies the surreal and chaotic progression of the pregnancy phenomenon.

Global Men Experience Pregnancy Symptoms

Following the events in the film, men worldwide start experiencing pregnancy symptoms, indicating a global spread of the phenomenon. This raises questions about biological boundaries and societal adaptations to this new reality.

Where

Worldwide