Christopher Strong

Christopher Strong

Year: 1933

Runtime: 78 mins

Language: English

Director: Dorothy Arzner

DramaRelationship comedyEnduring stories of family and marital dramaPassion and romanceShow All…

Obsessed with the thrill of speed, a daring young aviatrix throws herself into daring flights, seeking to outrun the inner fires that haunt her. Meanwhile, an unlikely romance blossoms between a happily married, middle‑aged British politician and the adventurous pilot, complicating both their lives.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Christopher Strong (1933)

Trace every key event in Christopher Strong (1933) 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

Scavenger-hunt challenge announced

At a London scavenger-hunt party hosted by Carrie Valentine, the host announces a tie-breaking rule that pits women against men. Women must find a married man who has been faithful for more than five years, while men must find a woman over 20 who has never had a love affair. The bold stipulations set the stage for the romantic complications to follow.

Party night London (Carrie Valentine party)
2

Search for Sir Christopher and Harry's crash

After the party, Monica and Harry pursue the search for Sir Christopher Strong. On the road, Harry crashes his motorbike and is rescued with the help of Lady Cynthia Darrington, a famed aviator who offers to accompany them. The incident deepens Cynthia's connection to the Strong family and introduces danger to her involvement.

immediately after the scavenger hunt London road
3

Cynthia meets Christopher and flies him

Cynthia meets Sir Christopher Strong, a friend of her late father, at the party and invites him to fly. He accepts, and they take to the skies for an exhilarating aerial ride. The flight forges a close, complicated bond between them.

that night London airfield
4

Cynthia and Monica become friends; Elaine fearful

Cynthia and Monica become close friends, prompting concern from Elaine, who fears that Cynthia and Christopher are growing too close. Elaine worries that the friendship could destabilize the family.

shortly after the flight London
5

Harry's warning and the night of revelation

Monica returns home drunk after spending the night with Harry, prompting Elaine to tell him that if he is truly honorable he should not see Monica again. Harry agrees, but the tension remains unresolved.

that night Monica's London home
6

Cannes plan and aerial show

Christopher asks Cynthia to persuade Monica to join the family on a Cannes trip, and Monica agrees only if Christopher takes her to see Cynthia in an aerial show. This condition binds Monica into the triangle and escalates the conflict.

soon after the previous events Monica's villa, London
7

Telegram; Elaine's heartbreak

Elaine hopes for a quiet month with her husband, but a telegram arrives saying Cynthia has been persuaded to join them, leaving Elaine crushed. The telegram marks a new shift in the triangle.

two weeks later London villa
8

The party reveal: looks of love

At Carrie Valentine’s party, Christopher and Cynthia exchange longing glances as Elaine returns home with a headache. Monica allows Carlo, a stranger, to kiss her, and Christopher lets Carlo drive his daughter home to keep the arrangement quiet.

two weeks after the telegram Carrie Valentine party, London
9

Lovers confess and vow secrecy

Christopher and Cynthia confess they are deeply in love but vow never to meet again. Elaine witnesses their farewell and misreads it as a secret lovers departure, deepening the family tension.

that night private moment
10

Around-the-world race begins

Cynthia begins a race around the world, starting in New York City. A distraught Monica visits to tell Cynthia that Harry has divorced and will not marry her, but Cynthia convinces Monica that Harry will forgive. Christopher reads Monica’s letter and rushes to meet her, arriving just before she leaves for New York.

start of the race New York City
11

Race progression and reunion

During the race, Cynthia lands in San Francisco, while Christopher calls from New York saying he is waiting for her. She wins the around-the-world race and reunites passionately with Christopher, who asks her to give up altitude flying for him; she agrees after a heartfelt moment.

during the race San Francisco / New York
12

Reconciliation and engagement

Harry and Monica reconcile, and Christopher returns from the United States and agrees to marry Monica. Elaine refuses to attend the wedding registry, signaling continuing tensions within the family.

after the race London
13

Six months later: lunch and confession

Six months later, Christopher and Cynthia meet for lunch in an out-of-the-way inn; she misses flying. Monica and Harry drop by, overhear their confession of love, and depart, leaving the couple to their own decisions.

six months later out-of-the-way inn
14

Pregnancy, risk, and the final tragedy

Monica and Harry announce that they are expecting a child. Cynthia learns that she is pregnant and is told not to fly by her doctor. She writes to Christopher about possibly breaking the world altitude record and remembers the motto that courage conquers even love. In the final flight, flashbacks accompany the ascent; at 34,000 feet she loses consciousness and the plane crashes. London later honors her with a winged statue.

after pregnancy news in flight; London statue dedication

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:09

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Christopher Strong Summary

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Christopher Strong Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Christopher Strong

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