Cynthia

Cynthia

Year: 1947

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Z. Leonard

ComedyDrama

You’ll fall in love with Cynthia Sheltered by her conservative parents, a small-town teenager finally goes out on a date.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Cynthia 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 – Cynthia (1947)

Trace every key event in Cynthia (1947) 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

Courting and dreams of Vienna

In school, Larry Bishop impresses Louise and they fall in love. They share a hopeful dream of traveling to Vienna to pursue education, with Larry aiming for medicine and Louise for music.

In school School
2

Marriage during college and move to Napoleon

Louise and Larry marry during college, Louise becomes pregnant, and they move to Larry's hometown in Illinois, Napoleon. They begin building a life in a small town while trying to keep their adventurous dreams alive.

During college Napoleon, Illinois
3

Larry starts work and Cynthia is born

Larry takes a job at Dingle's hardware store in Napoleon. They welcome their daughter Cynthia, whose health problems mark her frail early years.

Early years after move Napoleon, Illinois
4

Fifteen years later, finances strain

Fifteen years pass and the family struggles to make ends meet. Larry can't afford to buy the home they rent, and the family loses some of their earlier optimism about their plans.

Fifteen years later Napoleon, Illinois
5

Medical warnings clash with ambition

Dr. Fred Jannings warns against strenuous activities for Cynthia, but Louise ignores the caution and allows Cynthia to audition for a school musical. The tension between care and ambition strains the family.

Before school musical rehearsal Napoleon
6

Cynthia's school musical audition

During a rehearsal, Cynthia performs Melody of Spring, a song adapted from Josef Strauss's music. The audience sees her talent, yet her fragile health worries the family.

School rehearsal School
7

Cynthia's health wanes; household tension rises

After the rehearsal, Cynthia's health deteriorates and Larry becomes upset with Louise for pushing her. The family tensions rise as illness and responsibility collide with their dreams.

Shortly after rehearsal Napoleon
8

Cynthia's romance and prom night

Cynthia falls for Ricky Latham, and Louise encourages them to go to the school prom. Larry opposes, but the prom becomes a turning point in the family’s dynamics.

Teenage years Napoleon
9

Job loss sparks plan to leave Napoleon

Larry loses his job after coming in late, an issue his boss objects to. The financial pressure intensifies, forcing the family to confront a possible move.

One day Napoleon
10

Conflict over the future: Chicago or a house

Larry suggests leaving Napoleon for Chicago, but Louise decides to invest money in buying a house instead. Cynthia's choice to stay with Ricky complicates the plans further.

After job loss Napoleon
11

Boss returns with an offer

Later, Larry's boss comes back, hat in hand, asking him to return to his old job. The gesture marks a potential new start for the family.

End Napoleon
12

Family resolves to move forward together

With the job situation resolved, the Bishops unite to embrace whatever the future holds. They draw closer as they face their responsibilities and renewed hope.

End Napoleon

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:33

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Cynthia Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cynthia, 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.

Cynthia Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cynthia

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cynthia

More About Cynthia

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More About Cynthia

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