Desire

Desire

Year: 1936

Runtime: 95 min

Language: Spanish

Director: Frank Borzage

ComedyRomanceCrime

A passionate and forbidden romance ignites between a woman and her sister's husband, creating hilarious and chaotic complications. As their feelings deepen, they must navigate the complexities of desire, deceit, and the potential destruction of their families. Laughter and longing intertwine as they struggle to manage the consequences of their actions.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Desire (1936)

Trace every key event in Desire (1936) 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

Paris: Madeleine initiates the pearl con

Madeleine de Beaupre selects a string of priceless pearls at a prestigious Paris jeweler and pretends to be the wife of the eminent psychiatrist Maurice Pauquet. She arranges for the pearls to be delivered to Pauquet's office so he can pay for them. She ensures both men believe the other is Madeleine's husband, setting up a double deception that will drive the rest of the plot.

before the scheduled delivery Paris
2

Paris: the deception between Duvalle and Pauquet

Before the delivery, she tells Pauquet that her 'husband' is plagued by delusions and must be examined. Stepping outside the shop, she intercepts Aristide Duvalle and inveigles the pearls from him. The swap leaves each man convinced the other is Madeleine's husband.

before the scheduled delivery Paris
3

On the road to Spain: the chase begins

By the time the pair realize they've been had, Madeleine is speeding toward the Spanish border. Along the way, she splashes mud onto Tom Bradley, an American engineer on assignment in France, who then begins to pursue her. Tom's pursuit marks the start of an unlikely romance-set chase.

en route On the road to the Spanish border
4

Border encounter: customs, horn, and a hidden stash

At the customs office near the border, Tom helps by unpicking the car horn, which is stuck. To keep the hot pearls from prying eyes, Madeleine slips them into Tom's jacket pocket. Tom clears his luggage, unaware of the pearls now tucked away with him.

at the border Spanish border customs
5

A forced lift and a smitten navigator

Madeleine says she needs a ride to continue to San Sebastián and Tom, smitten yet practical, agrees to drive her. He becomes a willing, if unwitting, accomplice as the journey unfolds. Their burgeoning attraction complicates both their plans.

en route On the road to San Sebastián
6

The road theft: Madeleine steals Tom's car

Mid-journey, Madeleine seizes an opportunity to steal Tom's car, leaving him standing in the road with his suitcase. He is forced to pursue the next leg of the journey on his own. The act cements her ruthless streak even as the chase intensifies.

mid-journey Between France and Spain
7

San Sebastián: Madeleine meets Carlos Margoli

Madeleine arrives in San Sebastián and reconnects with her accomplice and sponsor, Count Carlos Margoli. Tom tracks her down with the help of a policeman, who cannot imagine a charming countess could be a thief. The stage is set for a dangerous bargain.

upon arrival San Sebastián, Spain
8

A feigned attraction to retrieve the pearls

Carlos pays for the car and Madeleine pretends to be attracted to Tom to regain the pearls. Tom, enthralled by her, is swept further into the con’s orbit. The trio’s dynamic tightens as the plan to fence the pearls takes shape.

during the encounter San Sebastián
9

Engagement and threats of separation

Carlos longs for Madeleine and urges immediate departure for Madrid to fence the pearls, but Madeleine has fallen for Tom and wants to leave crime behind. They become engaged, and Olga the gangster aunt tries to break them apart. The conflict peaks as Carlos pushes for a quick fencing trip.

before leaving for Madrid San Sebastián
10

Truth erupts and a daring escape to Paris

After taunts from Carlos and Olga, Madeleine finally reveals her true identity to Tom. He is too in love to care about her past, and together they overpower Carlos to seize the necklace and head back to Paris.

after confession San Sebastián to Paris
11

Paris: the necklace returned and forgiveness offered

Back in Paris, Duvalle forgives Madeleine but insists she must still face authorities for her crime. Pauquet becomes her physician's patient as the circle closes around her wrongdoing. The couple prepares to settle their future with responsibility.

upon return Paris
12

Parole revealed and wedding witnesses

In a final twist, Tom is asked to show a marriage license, but he instead produces Madeleine's parole, proving clemency by the police. Duvalle and Pauquet serve as witnesses as the couple contemplates marriage, sealing the reconciliation with legal clearance.

final Paris

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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Desire Summary

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Desire Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Desire

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