Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

A Tale of Two Cities (1935) movie poster

Characters & Themes

A Tale of Two Cities (1935) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1935 · 128 min · English
Directed by
Jack Conway, Robert Z. Leonard
Starring
Walter Catlett, Basil Rathbone, Edna May Oliver, Elizabeth Allan, Donald Woods, Reginald Owen

During the 18th century in France, a dedicated lawyer becomes entangled in a complex situation involving a young woman and her family. As the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror unfold, he finds himself drawn into a web of loyalty, love, and danger. His devotion is tested as he navigates a turbulent era marked by social upheaval and political unrest, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking decision and a profound act of sacrifice.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like A Tale of Two Cities
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch A Tale of Two Cities (1935)

Where can you watch A Tale of Two Cities? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

4 main characters · contains spoilers

A Tale of Two Cities Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of A Tale of Two Cities (1935), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Juliet Burke

    Juliet is a resilient and complex character who hides her true motivations behind a gentle façade. While appearing kind and supportive towards Jack, her loyalty to Ben complicates her role, making her a pivotal figure in the unfolding drama. Her determination to navigate the intricate dynamics at play reveals a multifaceted personality that struggles with her loyalties.

    • ✨ Strong-willed
    • 🗣️ Compassionate
    • 🤝 Manipulative
  • Jack

    played by Ronald Colman

    Jack is portrayed as a troubled protagonist dealing with the aftermath of his marriage's collapse. He is characterized by his desperation to uncover the truth, leading him into moral ambiguities and conflicts. His emotional turmoil and confrontational nature highlight his struggle with personal demons, driving the narrative forward.

    • 🏃‍♂️ Determined
    • 😠 Angry
    • 🤔 Inquisitive
  • Ben Linus

    played by Basil Rathbone

    Ben is a master manipulator and the film's antagonist, known for his calm demeanor that belies his sinister intentions. His strategic approach to deception and power plays establishes him as a formidable force in the narrative, as he exercises control over situations and people with chilling efficiency.

    • 👿 Manipulative
    • 🧠 Intelligent
    • 🌐 Cunning
  • Kate Austen

    Kate is a strong and resourceful character, initially portrayed as a victim of circumstance. Her resilience is tested as she navigates her precarious situation, showcasing her adaptability and will to survive in a world that seems increasingly hostile. Her interactions with Tom and Ben reveal her struggle against manipulation.

    • 🦸‍♀️ Resourceful
    • 💪 Resilient
    • 😔 Vulnerable

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:18

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does A Tale of Two Cities Take Place?

The setting of A Tale of Two Cities (1935): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

contemporary

The events are set in a contemporary timeframe, where modern-day issues such as relationships and personal struggles are depicted against a backdrop of surreal and catastrophic events. This juxtaposition emphasizes the fragility of normal life amidst an impending crisis, echoing themes of personal and collective turmoil.

Location

suburban environment, survivors' camp, Hydra Station, jungle

The movie unfolds primarily in a tranquil suburban environment where Juliet Burke prepares for a book club meeting. As chaos ensues, the narrative shifts to a survivors' camp where the aftermath of a plane disintegration takes center stage, depicting the struggles of those who survived. The Hydra Station serves as a stark and ominous facility where characters face their darkest fears, adding a layer of tension to the suburban tranquility.

  • 🏡 Suburban
  • 🌴 Jungle
  • 🏕️ Camp

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:18

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

A Tale of Two Cities Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is A Tale of Two Cities (1935) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Heartbreak

    Heartbreak is a central theme, particularly manifest in Jack's character, who grapples with the emotional upheaval of his recent divorce. His journey reflects the raw pain of loss and betrayal, driving him to desperate measures to seek truth in a world filled with deception and personal conflict.

  • Chaos

    The theme of chaos pervades the film, from the panic of a suburban book club interrupted by disaster to the disorienting experiences of characters trapped in dire situations. This chaos not only serves as a catalyst for character development but also highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the fragility of human existence.

  • Deception

    Deception runs deep in the interactions between characters, especially as hidden motives and secrets surface throughout the storyline. Jack's investigations and the contrasting manipulations by Ben and Juliet showcase how trust is shattered, leading to a complex web of lies that challenge the characters' morals and relationships.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:18

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

A Tale of Two Cities Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about A Tale of Two Cities (1935): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

The movie is set in France during the 18th century, against the backdrop of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. The story unfolds in various locations throughout France, including Paris and the French countryside.

  • france
  • paris
  • french revolution
  • setting
  • 18th century
Q2

When does the story take place?

The story takes place during the late 18th century, specifically during the French Revolution (1789-1799) and the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), a period of extreme political upheaval and social change in France.

  • french revolution
  • reign of terror
  • 18th century
  • historical era
Q3

What are the main themes of the movie?

The movie explores themes of loyalty, love, and sacrifice set against the turmoil of the French Revolution. It delves into the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught between personal devotion and the violent demands of revolutionary France.

  • loyalty
  • love
  • sacrifice
  • revolution
  • themes
Q4

Who is the main character?

The main character is a dedicated lawyer of English origin who becomes entangled in a complex situation involving a young woman and her family. His loyalty is tested as he navigates the dangerous political landscape of revolutionary France.

  • lawyer
  • protagonist
  • charles darnay
  • english
Q5

How does the French Revolution shape the story?

The French Revolution serves as the central force that drives the narrative, creating an atmosphere of danger, political unrest, and social upheaval. The Reign of Terror forces characters to make impossible choices between loyalty to their country, their families, and their personal beliefs.

  • french revolution
  • reign of terror
  • politics
  • social change
Q6

What is the significance of sacrifice in the story?

Sacrifice plays a central role in the story, culminating in a heartbreaking decision and a profound act of devotion. The protagonist's journey leads him to make ultimate sacrifices that reflect the depth of his commitment to love and loyalty during one of history's most turbulent periods.

  • sacrifice
  • ending
  • devotion
  • love
Q7

Who is the young woman in the story?

The young woman is Lucie Manette, who becomes central to the tangled web of loyalty, love, and danger. She represents the personal stakes that the lawyer protagonist must protect amid the chaos of revolutionary France.

  • lucie manette
  • love interest
  • young woman
Q8

What type of movie is this?

A Tale of Two Cities is a historical drama with strong romance elements. It blends the personal emotional journey of its characters with the sweeping political events of the French Revolution, creating a tale of love and sacrifice amid historical turmoil.

  • historical drama
  • romance
  • genre
  • classic

Movie threads

More Movies Like A Tale of Two Cities, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes A Tale of Two Cities tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Revolutionary Epics Like A Tale of Two Cities

Epic tales where personal fates are caught in the wheels of history. Explore movies like A Tale of Two Cities, featuring powerful historical dramas set during times of revolution. If you liked the blend of grand politics and personal sacrifice, you'll find similar stories of courage and turmoil in this thread.

  • tense
  • grim
  • melancholic
  • epic
  • dramatic
  • anxious
  • Tone: dark, tense, melancholic
  • Pacing: steady, epic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread often follow characters—from aristocrats to commoners—whose lives are irrevocably changed by a sweeping political or social revolution. The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, balancing the epic scope of historical events with the deep emotional journeys of individuals forced to make impossible choices for love, ideals, or survival.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a core focus on how massive historical forces impact individual lives, creating a heavy emotional weight. They blend a dark, tense tone with a steady, character-driven pacing, resulting in a consistently intense viewing experience centered on sacrifice and moral conflict.

Psychological Manipulation Thrillers Like A Tale of Two Cities

Stories where characters are psychologically trapped and deceived. Discover movies similar to A Tale of Two Cities that feature themes of imprisonment and psychological manipulation. If you enjoyed the claustrophobic tension and the grim struggle for survival, this thread offers more stories of characters pushed to their limits.

  • claustrophobic
  • suspenseful
  • tense
  • anxious
  • grim
  • psychological
  • Tone: dark, suspenseful, grim
  • Pacing: steady, methodical
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a protagonist thrust into a situation where their freedom or sanity is systematically undermined. The plot methodically tightens its grip, creating a web of deception and control. The journey is one of survival against overwhelming odds, often culminating in a profound personal crisis or a devastating revelation.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are unified by a shared mood of suspenseful claustrophobia and a dark tone focused on psychological torment. They feature a steady pacing that builds relentless tension, a high intensity driven by constant threat, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from themes of betrayal and identity crisis.

If you liked this

Movies Like A Tale of Two Cities

Similar movies to A Tale of Two Cities: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

A Tale of Two Cities (1935) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about A Tale of Two Cities in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app