Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

Year: 1948

Runtime: 139 mins

Language: English

Director: Julien Duvivier

RomanceDramaMoving relationship storiesPassion and romanceCaptivating relationships and charming romance

Vivien Leigh stars in this sweeping romance. After a quarrel between Stefan and Dolly Oblonsky, Stefan summons his sister Anna Karenina to Moscow to smooth things over. Anna journeys from St. Petersburg with Countess Vronsky, and at the Moscow station she meets the dashing Colonel Vronsky, igniting an instant, passionate attraction.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Anna Karenina (1948)

Trace every key event in Anna Karenina (1948) 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

Anna's loveless marriage begins

Anna Karenina is married to Alexei Karenin, a cold government official who values his career over her happiness. The emotional distance between them grows as he focuses on state duties rather than their relationship. This loveless marriage sets the stage for Anna's restlessness and longing for connection.

early in their marriage St. Petersburg
2

Called to Moscow and a foreshadowing encounter

Anna is summoned to Moscow by her brother Stepan Oblonsky. On the night train to Moscow, she meets Countess Vronsky, who shows Anna a picture of her son, Count Vronsky, hinting at the young officer who will soon enter her life.

on the night train to Moscow Moscow
3

Vronsky arrives and is immediately drawn to Anna

Count Vronsky arrives at the train to meet his mother and is instantly infatuated with Anna. He makes his interest known, while Anna remains cool but unsettled by his attention.

on arrival Moscow train station
4

The grand ball, pursuit, and romantic upheaval

At a grand ball, Vronsky openly pursues the married Anna, delighting gossiping spectators. Kitty Shcherbatsky is humiliated by his attentions, while Levin's feelings for Kitty are tested before she ultimately marries him.

at the ball Moscow ball
5

Publicly declaring the affair

Vronsky boldly follows Anna back to St. Petersburg and makes it public that he is her companion. Society whispers about the affair as Anna tries to navigate its consequences.

shortly after the ball St. Petersburg
6

Karenin discovers and pressures Anna

Karenin learns of the affair and prioritizes his social standing over his wife's happiness. He orders Anna to end the relationship or risk losing access to their son, applying pressure to break away.

upon discovery St. Petersburg
7

Pregnancy, childbirth, and forgiveness

Anna becomes pregnant with Vronsky's child, and she nearly dies in childbirth as the baby is stillborn. Karenin coldly grants forgiveness, even allowing Vronsky to visit if Anna calls for him.

during pregnancy and childbirth St. Petersburg
8

Vronsky's suicide attempt

Embarrassed by the scandal, Vronsky tries to shoot himself but fails. The attempt leaves him alive but emotionally shaken as the affair continues to complicate their lives.

after the scandal St. Petersburg
9

A broken reconciliation and a move to Italy

Anna tries to live with Karenin again but cannot forget Vronsky. She ultimately leaves him for good and travels to Italy to live with Vronsky, seeking happiness together.

after the failed reconciliation Italy
10

Doubts and emotional estrangement

In Italy, Anna's doubts about Vronsky's commitment grow, and she pushes him away. She realizes she has lost everything she valued and sinks deeper into despair.

after moving to Italy Italy
11

Anna's final act of despair

Unable to bear her sense of ruin, Anna walks onto the railway tracks and is killed by a passing train. Her suicide completes the ruinous arc of pursuing forbidden love.

final moment Railway tracks

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:46

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Anna Karenina Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Anna Karenina

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Anna Karenina (1948) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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