Girls’ Dormitory

Girls’ Dormitory

Year: 1936

Runtime: 66 mins

Language: English

Director: Irving Cummings

RomanceDrama

Simone Simon makes her screen debut as a meddlesome teacher at a girls’ finishing school. When she discovers a love letter written by a student to an unknown man, a minor scandal breaks out, exposing the school’s strict norms and stirring intrigue among the pupils and staff.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Girls’ Dormitory 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 – Girls’ Dormitory (1936)

Trace every key event in Girls’ Dormitory (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

State fair rejection and Marie's heartbreak

At the state fair in Montreaux, Marie wins the chance to ask Dr. Stephen Dominick for a dance. He declines, saying it would be inappropriate for a student and a teacher to dance together. Marie bursts into tears and runs away, making her late returning to the boarding school. The moment seeds a hidden crush and begins the school’s social tensions.

State fair day State fair, Montreaux
2

Letter discovery and official assignment

A week later, Professor Augusta Wimmer finds a discarded love letter among the pupils' belongings. Dominick and Mathe are assigned to uncover who wrote it. They conclude that Marie is the author based on handwriting. This accusation sets Marie on the path of scrutiny and punishment.

One week later Montreaux School for Girls
3

Confrontation and denial

Marie is confronted by Dominick and Mathe about the letter. She denies writing it, fearing Dr. Dominick's disapproval and exposure of her crush on him. The investigators begin to suspect she may have visited a supposed boyfriend while away at the fair. Tensions rise as the truth seems increasingly likely to be revealed.

After confrontation School
4

Punishment threat before graduation

Strict, old-fashioned teachers push for punishment against Marie, insisting the dating rules must be enforced. With graduation only two days away, a suspension looms as a real threat. Dominick and Mathe work to shield her from harsher consequences by appealing to her innocence. Yet the pressure from the faculty persists, including a summons of her mother.

Two days before graduation Montreaux School for Girls
5

Marie confesses to Mathe

In tears, Marie admits to Professor Mathe that she wrote the letter to Dr. Dominick. Anna does not tell Dominick but learns that the girl is innocent and tries to protect her. The pair sympathize with Marie and plan to prevent further punishment.

During the investigation Mathe's office
6

Anna's discreet support vs. persistent persecution

Anna quietly supports Marie while remaining tight-lipped toward Dominick, hoping to soften the outcome. The other teachers continue to press the case, widening the rift between the students and the faculty. Marie's fear of punishment deepens as the school machine grinds on.

Soon after the confession School corridors / offices
7

Marie runs away in a storm

Desperate, Marie decides to run away from the mounting pressure and heads into a storm. Dr. Dominick pursues her, racing through the rain to reach a remote mountain hut. There, he fetches blankets and sits with her, beginning to share a vulnerable, intimate moment.

During the storm Remote mountain area
8

Confession and reciprocity in the hut

In the shelter, Marie confesses her feelings for Dominick and he admits he returns them. The moment exposes a forbidden love that defies the school's rules. Their bond marks a turning point as they acknowledge their mutual attraction.

Evening in the hut Remote mountain hut
9

A proposed future outside the school

Back at the school, Dominick unexpectedly proposes marriage to Marie, who tenderly accepts. The prospect of a life beyond the school walls complicates the already fragile dynamics with the staff. The students and teachers watch with a mix of shock and sympathy as plans unfold.

The next day Montreaux School for Girls
10

Mathe's confession and Marie's deception

Shortly after the proposal, Marie overhears Professor Mathe confessing that she is in love with Dominick and that she will leave the school. To protect her graduation, Marie tells Dominick that she had lied about loving him and that she only claimed to love him to ensure her degree. This lie tests the trust between them and reshapes their relationship.

Shortly after the proposal School
11

Graduation night kiss

Soon after graduation, Marie is about to be driven home by her cousin Vallais from a nightclub where they celebrated when Dominick arrives unannounced. He tells her he could never love Anna, clearing the path for their relationship. They share a kiss, sealing their complicated, forbidden romance as the film ends.

Soon after graduation Nightclub area / road back from graduation

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:19

Unlock the Full Story of Girls’ Dormitory

Don't stop at just watching — explore Girls’ Dormitory in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Girls’ Dormitory is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Girls’ Dormitory Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Girls’ Dormitory, 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.

Girls’ Dormitory Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Girls’ Dormitory

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Girls’ Dormitory

More About Girls’ Dormitory

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Girls’ Dormitory: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Girls’ Dormitory