Days of Heaven

Days of Heaven

Year: 1978

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Terrence Malick

DramaRomance

In 1916, two siblings and their lover flee Chicago and find work on a wheat farm in Texas. Entranced by the beauty of the landscape and the farm owner's wife, they become entangled in a complex web of deceit and passion. A tragic accident sets off a chain of events, leading to a desperate struggle for survival and a quest for retribution against the backdrop of the vast, golden plains.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Days of Heaven (1978)

Trace every key event in Days of Heaven (1978) 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

Bill's Accident

In the summer of 1916, Bill endures a tragic accident at the steel mill, resulting in the death of his boss. This pivotal moment becomes the catalyst for a series of desperate choices he must make to escape his troubled past.

Summer 1916 Chicago
2

Fleeing Chicago

After the accident, Bill, along with his girlfriend Abby and sister Linda, decides to flee Chicago to avoid the fallout. They embark on a treacherous journey to the Texas Panhandle, looking for a fresh start.

Texas Panhandle
3

Settling on the Ranch

Upon arriving in Texas, the trio settles on a sprawling ranch and integrates themselves as seasonal workers. To prevent suspicion, Bill and Abby concoct a story, pretending to be siblings.

Texas Ranch
4

The Farmer's Illness

Bill and Abby learn that the charming farmer running the ranch is dying from a terminal illness. Despite the somber news, the farmer's kindness and warmth create a bond with Bill that complicates his plans.

Texas Ranch
5

The Marriage Proposal

Desperate to secure their future, Bill proposes that Abby marry the farmer. This plan comes with the understanding that upon the farmer's death, they would inherit his prosperous estate.

Texas Ranch
6

The Wedding Ceremony

The wedding between Abby and the farmer takes place amidst increasing tension. Bill assumes the role of Abby's 'brother,' but struggles with his own conflicted feelings about the arranged marriage.

Texas Ranch
7

Growing Affection

As time passes, Abby begins to develop real feelings for her husband, complicating Bill's emotional landscape. The ranch foreman becomes suspicious of their facade, threatening to unveil their secret.

Texas Ranch
8

The Locust Swarm

A devastating locust swarm strikes the ranch, followed by fierce fires that destroy the wheat fields. This disaster ignites the farmer's fury towards Bill, who is caught in the ensuing chaos.

Texas Ranch
9

Desperate Escalation

In an attempt to protect his loved ones, Bill is forced to take drastic actions that result in the farmer's tragic death. This irreversible decision sends shockwaves through their makeshift family.

Texas Ranch
10

Fleeing from the Law

With the farmer dead and their protector gone, Bill, Abby, and Linda are left with no choice but to flee from the authorities. Their struggle for survival intensifies as they become fugitives.

Texas Panhandle
11

Bill's Sacrifice

During their escape, Bill is mortally wounded while trying to protect Abby and Linda. His tragic end marks the culmination of their desperate fight for freedom and safety.

Texas Panhandle
12

Abby's Inheritance

After Bill's death, Abby unexpectedly inherits the farmer's vast estate. She decides to leave her troubling past behind and boards a train toward the front lines of World War I.

Train station
13

Linda's New Journey

In the aftermath of the tumultuous events, Linda chooses to abandon her schooling. She joins a friend from the farm on a path filled with uncertainty, seeking new opportunities ahead.

Texas Panhandle
14

Continued Struggles

As Abby embarks on her journey towards World War I, the impact of the choices made weighs heavily on her. She faces the uncertainties of war, haunted by the memories of her lost loved ones.

Train towards World War I

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:31

Unlock the Full Story of Days of Heaven

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Days of Heaven Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Days of Heaven, 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.

Days of Heaven Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Days of Heaven

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Days of Heaven

More About Days of Heaven

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More About Days of Heaven

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