Heidi’s Song

Heidi’s Song

Year: 1982

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Taylor

AnimationFamily

Heidi, an orphan raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps, spreads joy wherever she goes. When her aunt forces her to move to the city and serve a cold, wealthy family, Heidi befriends their kind but sorrowful disabled daughter, bringing warmth and hope to their austere lives.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Heidi’s Song (1982)

Trace every key event in Heidi’s Song (1982) 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

Heidi arrives to live with her grandfather

Aunt Dete brings the orphaned girl Heidi to live with her paternal grandfather in his mountain home in the Swiss Alps. The grandfather is wary and dislikes how Heidi disrupts his routine. Her arrival begins a fragile, tentative bond between them.

Swiss Alps, grandfather's house
2

Grandfather injures his leg and Heidi nurses him

While adjusting to life with her grandfather, he suffers an injury that confines him. Heidi steps in to care for him, tending to his wounds and helping him recover. Their shared vulnerability starts to soften the hard edges of their relationship.

Swiss Alps, grandfather's house
3

Heidi befriends Peter and the goats

Heidi meets Peter, the local goatherd, and spends time with him alongside the village goats. They explore the hillside and connect over the simple joys of mountain life. The bond with Peter deepens Heidi's sense of belonging in the Alps.

Swiss Alps, hillside pastures
4

Aunt Dete returns to take Heidi to Frankfurt

Aunt Dete arrives once more and reveals that a wealthy family in Frankfurt wants Heidi as a companion. Despite his reluctance, Heidi's grandfather reluctantly allows her to leave the mountains. The city beckons with new expectations and challenges.

Frankfurt, Germany
5

Heidi arrives in Frankfurt to meet Klara

In the grand house of Frankfurt, Heidi becomes the companion to the invalid Klara. Fraulein Rottenmeier initially disapproves of Heidi's country manners, but Klara welcomes her and asks her to stay. Heidi's presence injects warmth and playfulness into Klara's life.

Frankfurt, Germany
6

Kittens brighten Klara's life; Heidi is imprisoned

Heidi presents Klara with a basket of kittens, brightening her days. Rottenmeier discovers the animals and imprisons Heidi in the rat-infested basement, cutting her off from the rest of the house. Klara's sympathy grows, setting up an escape from the confines of the mansion.

Frankfurt, Germany
7

Peter and the country animals rescue Heidi; they flee toward the Wunderhorn

Peter and the village animals come to Heidi's aid, and together with Klara they escape the house without Rottenmeier's knowledge. They travel toward the Wunderhorn on the mountains, seeking freedom and a safer space. The trio's bond strengthens as they push into the greater Alps.

The Wunderhorn, Swiss Alps
8

Klara's father learns of the disappearance and heads to Wunderhorn

Klara's father returns home and learns that his daughter has disappeared, reacting with anger. He immediately heads to the Wunderhorn to find her, taking action to reunite the family. His arrival adds urgency to the journey and raises the stakes for Heidi and Klara.

Wunderhorn, Alps
9

Rottenmeier and Sebastian flee as the escape continues

Seeing the trio on the move, Fraulein Rottenmeier and the butler Sebastian seize the opportunity to flee the house. Their departure removes a major obstacle to the children's trek back toward home. The power dynamics in Frankfurt shift as the escape unfolds.

Frankfurt, Germany
10

The ascent toward the Wunderhorn continues

The three children continue their climb up the mountain, with Klara stopping halfway so Heidi can run ahead. The moment captures Heidi's eagerness to reunite with her grandfather and the group's growing camaraderie. The alpine landscape frames their hopeful journey.

Swiss Alps
11

Heidi is joyfully reunited with her grandfather

Heidi reaches her grandfather and shares a warm, heartfelt reunion after their time apart. The reunion deepens their bond as they welcome Klara and Peter into their circle. The mountains host a new sense of family and belonging.

Swiss Alps, grandfather's house
12

Klara's mobility is revealed as she defends Snowball

On the mountain path, Klara's kitten Snowball is attacked by a hawk. Klara crawls out of her wheelchair and uses a stick to fend off the hawk, showing she can stand. This pivotal moment shifts the dynamic of the trio and signals hope for Klara's mobility.

Mountain path, Swiss Alps
13

Family celebrates Klara's mobility and Heidi's return

With the rescue complete and Klara's newfound mobility, her father arrives, and the group celebrates Heidi's safe return and the hopeful future. The family unit has grown tighter, anchored by the alpine setting and their shared experiences. The story closes on a note of renewed belonging.

Wunderhorn region / Swiss Alps

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:50

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Heidi’s Song Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Heidi’s Song, 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.

Heidi’s Song Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Heidi’s Song

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Heidi’s Song

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