Broken Dreams

Broken Dreams

Year: 1933

Runtime: 68 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert G. Vignola

Drama

Medical intern Robert Morley is devastated when his wife dies in childbirth. Resentful of his newborn son, he leaves the baby with his aunt and uncle and goes to Europe to study. Six years later he returns a successful doctor, engaged to a socialite, and his feelings shift. He now seeks custody of the boy, confronting his relatives.

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Timeline & Setting – Broken Dreams (1933)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Broken Dreams (1933). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Europe, United States

The story travels from Europe, where Robert pursues his medical career, to the United States where he raises Billy with his extended family. Key locations include the aunt and uncle's home, a courtroom during the custody dispute, a city zoo for family outings, and a hospital where Billy is treated. These settings frame a family drama about duty, healing, and belonging.

🌍 Europe 🏛️ Courtroom 🦁 Zoo 🏥 Hospital

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:36

Main Characters – Broken Dreams (1933)

Meet the key characters of Broken Dreams (1933), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Robert Morley (Randolph Scott)

A medical intern who grapples with guilt after his wife dies in childbirth. He returns from Europe with his aunt and their son, seeking to form a new family, but must confront his resentment before he can truly love Billy and Martha.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor 💔 Grief 👪 Father

Martha Morley (Martha Sleeper)

Robert's wife-to-be turned mother figure who ultimately gives herself to Billy's well-being. She saves Billy with a blood donation and decides to stay with the family, choosing love and responsibility over leaving.

❤️ Love 💉 Sacrifice 👩 Mother

Billy Morley (Buster Phelps)

A young boy torn between his late mother's memory and his new life with Robert and Martha. He forms attachments to his aunt and uncle, but his world is disrupted by custody battles and the actions of Paul, culminating in a medical emergency.

🧒 Child 🐶 Pet Lover 🧠 Curious

Mom (Aunt) (Beryl Mercer)

The caring aunt who raised Billy and provided a link to his past. She stands as a supportive, protective figure through the custody dispute and the boy's adjustment to a new family dynamic.

👵 Grandparent 💬 Wise 🧭 Guiding

Paul (Martin Burton)

A man who attempts to pressure Martha, prompting Billy to intervene. His actions threaten the family as he tries to distance Martha from Robert.

💔 Jealousy 🗡️ Antagonist 💬 Manipulator

Judge Harvey E. Blake (Edward LeSaint)

The judge who oversees the custody case and ultimately grants full custody to Robert, marking a turning point in the family’s story.

⚖️ Judge 🏛️ Legal 🗂️ Custody

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:36

Major Themes – Broken Dreams (1933)

Explore the central themes of Broken Dreams (1933), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family

The film centers on the ties between a father, his son, and the extended family. It traces how love and duty tug in different directions—from custody battles to reconciliation after tragedy. The family unit is tested by grief, separation, and new commitments, then rebuilt around Billy.

🕊️ Sacrifice

Martha's blood donation to save Billy presents a tangible act of selflessness. The narrative places Billy's welfare above romantic convenience, pushing the couple to confront what they owe one another. Sacrifices extend to the father, who must balance career demands with his son's needs.

🔄 Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Past missteps yield to forgiveness as Robert and Martha navigate crisis and choose to build a life together. The custody ruling and near-tragedy propel them toward a second chance, highlighting healing through commitment and honesty.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:36

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Broken Dreams Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Broken Dreams, 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.

Broken Dreams Summary

Broken Dreams Timeline

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Broken Dreams Timeline

More About Broken Dreams

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Broken Dreams (1933) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Broken Dreams (1933) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Broken Dreams (1933) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow