Calendar Girls

Calendar Girls

Year: 2003

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Nigel Cole

DramaComedy

A group of close-knit women in a Yorkshire village decide to raise money for charity by creating a nude calendar. Challenging societal norms and embracing their bodies, they find camaraderie and unexpected fame as their calendar becomes a national sensation. Through their experience, they discover strength, humor, and a profound sense of purpose, touching the lives of many along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Calendar Girls yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Calendar Girls (2003)

Trace every key event in Calendar Girls (2003) 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

John's Diagnosis

Annie Clarke's life is turned upside down when her husband, John, is diagnosed with terminal leukaemia. This devastating news casts a shadow over their everyday routine and forces Annie to confront the challenges of caregiving and impending loss.

Knapely
2

Support During Hard Times

As Annie navigates this difficult period, Chris Harper steps in as a compassionate support system. She accompanies Annie on visits to the hospital, helping to ease the burden of anxiety and sorrow during these trying moments.

Hospital
3

Inspiration Sparks

While waiting in the hospital, Chris notices a risqué calendar in a local garage that inspires her to think creatively. This moment of amusement ignites the idea to produce a unique calendar that showcases the women of the Knapely Women’s Institute in a lighthearted yet bold way.

Knapely
4

The Calendar Project Begins

Motivated by her newfound inspiration, Chris proposes the ambitious idea of a tasteful calendar featuring women engaged in everyday crafts while posing nude. Though some women are skeptical, nine join Annie and Chris in this unconventional fundraising effort for a new sofa.

Knapely Women's Institute
5

Recruiting a Photographer

To capture their creative vision, the women recruit Lawrence, a dynamic hospital staff member and enthusiastic photographer. His professional eye helps bring their imaginative concept to life as they begin the process of creating the calendar.

Hospital
6

Facing Disapproval

Despite their excitement, the local Women's Institute expresses its disapproval of the calendar project, refusing to lend any support. This reaction poses a challenge for Annie and Chris, yet they remain determined to see their idea through.

Knapely Women's Institute
7

Presenting at National Congress

Annie and Chris take their case to the national congress in London, hoping to gain official endorsement. They encounter mixed reactions, but after a tense debate, the national leader reluctantly agrees to allow the sale of the calendar.

London
8

Unexpected Success

To their great surprise, the initial batch of 500 calendars sells out almost immediately. This unexpected success soon garners international attention and raises funds that far exceed their initial goal.

9

Media Spotlight

The women receive an invitation to appear on *The Tonight Show* with Jay Leno in Los Angeles, which causes a mix of excitement and anxiety. The opportunity to share their journey on a national stage is both exhilarating and daunting for them.

Los Angeles
10

Scandal and Fame

Amidst the growing media frenzy, Chris finds herself at the center of a scandal that hits the tabloids. Her desire for fame strips her of hesitation and propels her toward the spotlight, illustrating the impact of celebrity on personal relationships.

Los Angeles
11

Conflict Between Friends

Tensions rise between Annie and Chris during a photo shoot, leading to a heated confrontation. The beautiful grounds of Knapely serve as the backdrop to their argument, where they address feelings of neglect and misplaced priorities in their friendship.

Knapely
12

Mending Relationships

Following their confrontation, Annie and Chris take the time to reconcile, ultimately choosing to focus on their friendship rather than fame. Their ability to mend their bond showcases the importance of mutual support and understanding.

13

Raising Funds for a Cause

The calendar venture proves to be significantly lucrative, raising over half a million pounds. The proceeds are thoughtfully allocated to establish a dedicated leukaemia wing at the local hospital, turning their project into a powerful symbol of community strength.

Local Hospital
14

Celebration of Community

The sense of accomplishment and solidarity among the women culminates in a celebration of their community's heart and resilience. They harness their success to not only support each other but also to contribute meaningfully to the local healthcare system.

Knapely

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 13:46

Unlock the Full Story of Calendar Girls

Don't stop at just watching — explore Calendar Girls in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Calendar Girls is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Calendar Girls Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Calendar Girls, 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.

Calendar Girls Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Calendar Girls

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Calendar Girls. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Calendar Girls

More About Calendar Girls

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Calendar Girls: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Calendar Girls

Similar Movies to Calendar Girls

Discover movies like Calendar Girls that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.