Elvira Madigan

Elvira Madigan

Year: 1967

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: Swedish

Director: Bo Widerberg

RomanceDramaHistoryHumanity and the world around usPassion and romance

The story follows a young circus tightrope walker and a military lieutenant whose intense passion drives them to abandon their former lives and flee the circus for a rural refuge. Their romantic idyll soon erodes as escalating poverty and desperation threaten their love.

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Timeline – Elvira Madigan (1967)

Trace every key event in Elvira Madigan (1967) 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

Fleeing into the Danish countryside

In the summer of 1889, Hedvig Jensen and Sixten Sparre flee their old lives together, seeking privacy and freedom in the Danish countryside. Hedvig abandons her traveling circus identity in favor of her real name, hoping their love can redefine them. They hide to avoid the scorn and Sparre's regiment, which still pursues him for desertion.

Summer 1889 Danish countryside
2

Hedvig asks to be called by her real name

She asks him to call her by her real name instead of her stage name, Elvira Madigan, signaling a desire to reclaim her identity. Sparre agrees in spirit, believing their bond can redefine who they are. They continue their evasive escape together.

Early in their flight On the road in the countryside
3

Discovery at the hotel and escape aided by a cook

Despite their precautions, buttons from Sparre's military uniform are found, revealing their presence. A kindly hotel cook helps them slip away before authorities can arrest them. The escape buys them a brief reprieve but the hunt resumes.

Shortly after checking in Hotel in the Danish countryside
4

Kristoffer locates the couple and urges Sparre to return

Kristoffer, a friend from Sparre's regiment, tracks them down. He tries to persuade Sparre to come back and resume his old life. Sparre declares he is changed, now on the women's side, and rejects the idea of returning.

Soon after the escape Hiding place in the countryside
5

Sparre renounces his old life and stays with Hedvig

Kristoffer's plea fails; Sparre remains with Hedvig. He asserts his new beliefs and detaches from military pride. Their bond strengthens despite external pressure.

Soon after Secluded countryside hiding spot
6

Idyllic but precarious summer life unfolds

The couple continues a summer of hotels and inns, seeking privacy while avoiding pursuit. They drift between quiet rooms and brief amusements as their finances vanish. The romance remains intense but under strain from their precarious finances.

Mid-summer Various hotels and inns in the countryside
7

Hedvig earns money by dancing and a Lautrec drawing

Hedvig entertains a party with her dancing. She also sells a drawing of herself sketched by Toulouse-Lautrec. These earnings temporarily ease their financial pressure.

Mid-summer Party venue / hotel
8

Sparre contemplates employment as their funds dwindle

Hedvig suggests Sparre look for a job, but he argues that a deserter cannot find work. They argue about the realities of their precarious situation. They eventually reconcile after the dispute.

Late summer Various venues and inns
9

Suicide pact forms as hunger deepens

Growing starvation pushes them toward a grim compromise: a suicide pact. They decide to take one last picnic together before acting on their decision. Sparre packs a gun for the planned act.

Late summer Fields/outdoor picnic spot
10

Final picnic and Sparre's hesitation

During the farewell picnic, Sparre struggles with whether to shoot Hedvig. He cannot bring himself to end her life at that moment. Their final moment is filled with unspoken emotion.

Late afternoon Field during the picnic
11

Tragic culmination: Hedvig's death and Sparre's suicide

Hedvig joyfully chases a butterfly, recalling happier days. Sparre, gathering the courage to honor their pact, shoots Hedvig and then kills himself. The deaths are offscreen, and only the sound of gunshots marks the tragedy.

End of summer Open field in the countryside

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:23

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