Cavalcade

Cavalcade

Year: 1933

Runtime: 112 min

Director: Frank Lloyd

DramaRomanceWar

As war rages and societal norms shift, two English families - the affluent Marryots and the struggling Bridgeses - navigate love, loss, and resilience across a tumultuous quarter century, from Victorian elegance to interwar disillusionment.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Cavalcade (1933)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Cavalcade (1933). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1899 - 1933

The narrative spans over three decades, beginning on New Year's Eve in 1899 and concluding on New Year's Day in 1933. This period witnesses significant events such as the Second Boer War, the rise of the social order during the Edwardian era, and the horrors of World War I, which all impact the lives of the characters profoundly.

Location

London, Trafalgar Square, RMS Titanic, Seaside

The movie primarily takes place in London, where the affluent Marryot family resides in their townhouse. Trafalgar Square serves as a backdrop for the poignant scenes of grief during the armistice celebrations. The story also briefly touches on a seaside location and a fateful journey aboard the RMS Titanic, symbolizing both the grandeur and tragedy of the era.

🏙️ City 🌊 Seaside 🚢 Ship

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:17

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

Jane Marryot (Diana Wynyard)

Jane is portrayed as a loving yet anxious wife, deeply affected by the upheavals of her husband's war service and the losses they face. Her character embodies strength and vulnerability, as she navigates her family's emotional turmoil while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Love 😢 Grief

Robert Marryot (Clive Brook)

Robert represents the archetypal gentleman of the era, proud to serve in the military yet often oblivious to the emotional toll of his commitments. His character arc reveals a tension between duty and personal relationships as he grapples with the consequences of war.

🎖️ Military 💔 Duty

Alfred Bridges (Herbert Mundin)

Alfred is a loyal butler whose optimism is deeply challenged by the realities of war and alcoholism. His character serves as a poignant example of how personal struggles can impact family dynamics, ultimately leading to tragedy.

🍺 Alcoholism 💔 Loyalty

Ellen (Una O'Connor)

Ellen is the devoted wife of Alfred, caught in a cycle of worry and hope as she navigates her husband's struggles. Her resilience and strength become apparent as she attempts to maintain her family's stability amidst chaos.

👩‍👧 Family 💪 Resilience

Fanny (Ursula Jeans)

Fanny is a budding talent, showcasing her singing and dancing skills while grappling with love and societal expectations. Her character arc reflects the changing roles of women during the time, highlighting both ambition and constraint.

🎤 Talent ❤️ Love

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:17

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

💔 Love & Loss

The film explores the profound impacts of love and the inevitable loss that accompanies it. Characters navigate their relationships amid war and social change, resulting in heart-wrenching moments, such as Jane’s mourning for Joe and the toll of Alfred's alcoholism on his family.

⚔️ War

War serves as a crucial theme, shaping the characters' destinies and reflecting the societal changes of the time. From the Second Boer War to WWI, the film highlights both the heroism and the devastating effects of conflict on families and personal relationships.

🍷 Struggle

The struggle with personal demons is poignantly portrayed through Alfred's battle with alcoholism. His descent impacts not only his life but also those of his family, illuminating themes of resilience and the quest for dignity in the face of hardship.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:17

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