Kitty

Kitty

Year: 1945

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: English

Director: Mitchell Leisen

HistoryDramaRomance

Kitty survives by stealing hearts as much as wallets, using charm to sustain her life of petty crime. When celebrated painter Thomas Gainsborough agrees to capture her likeness, the portrait draws the attention of the influential Sir Hugh Marcy. Marcy regards Kitty not as a muse but as a pawn for his own ambitions, dragging her into a perilous contest of manipulation and survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Kitty (1945)

Trace every key event in Kitty (1945) 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

Kitty is caught stealing; Gainsborough hires her

In 1783 London, Kitty, a poor thief, is nabbed while pocket-picking the painter Thomas Gainsborough. Amused, Gainsborough pays her to sit for a portrait, starting an unlikely collaboration between artist and model. The opportunity marks the start of Kitty's ascent from poverty to influence.

1783 Gainsborough's studio, London
2

The Anonymous Lady becomes a sensation

Gainsborough's portrait The Anonymous Lady captures public imagination as people try to guess who sits for it. The painting attracts attention from patrons and curiosity-seekers alike. Kitty's presence lingers behind the mystery, fueling talk in London art circles.

1783 London
3

Hugh Marcy offers Kitty work and wardship

Sir Hugh Marcy notices Kitty during the pose and makes an unexpected offer: a job as a scullery maid and ward under his aunt. He reveals his own poverty and ambition, and sees Kitty as a potential ally or instrument. The encounter shifts Kitty from thief to someone with doors opening before her.

1783 Gainsborough's studio, London
4

Duke of Malmunster queries the model

The Duke of Malmunster buys The Anonymous Lady and asks Gainsborough who the model might be. Sir Hugh interjects, claiming Kitty is his aunt's ward, which protects her identity. The exchange ties Kitty’s fate to aristocratic politics and Gainsborough's promotion.

1783 Gainsborough's studio, London
5

Duke offers introduction for reinstatement

The Duke proposes to help Hugh reclaim his Foreign Office post in exchange for an introduction to Kitty. Gainsborough and Hugh navigate a delicate wager of influence and reputation. Kitty becomes a focal point in a web of power, art, and marriage ambitions.

1783 London social circles
6

Kitty marries Selby to free Hugh

Kitty's growing affection for Hugh leads to a radical move: she charms wealthy industrialist Jonathan Selby into marriage, using her dowry to secure Hugh's release from debtors' prison. The scheme binds Kitty to a fortune and to a man whose wealth may both help and hinder her. The action sparks a new set of consequences for all involved.

1783-1784 London
7

Selby dies; Kitty inherits wealth

Selby dies at the hands of Kitty's loyal maid, leaving Kitty with a large fortune. This windfall shifts her position and power in society, intensifying the draws and dangers of her evolving relationships. The fortune also deepens Hugh's resolve to control Kitty's future.

late 1780s London
8

Kitty agrees to marry the Duke to aid Hugh

Desiring happiness with Hugh but seeing his determination, Kitty agrees to marry the Duke of Malmunster so that Hugh can reclaim his career. The arrangement tests their affection against ambition and social leverage. Kitty's choice reflects the persistent tension between love and advancement.

late 1780s London
9

Honeymoon, pregnancy, and the Duke's death

After the wedding, the Duke announces that Kitty is pregnant, though the father is the late Selby. Following the birth of a son, the old Duke dies, leaving Kitty extremely wealthy. The rapid turn of events consolidates her power and reshapes her prospects.

late 1780s Malmunster estate
10

Hugh plots a third marriage to the Prince of Wales

After a solemn mourning period, Hugh tries to arrange a third marriage for Kitty, this time to the Prince of Wales. Kitty asserts that she has already married twice for love, not convenience. Hugh insists their bond is a business arrangement, not merely romance.

late 1780s London
11

Kitty engaged to Earl of Carstairs; Hugh's awakening

Kitty becomes engaged to Hugh's close friend, the Earl of Carstairs, stirring tension between the two men. Seeing them together, Hugh realizes he actually loves Kitty. The Earl, a true gentleman, chooses not to stand in the way of their happiness.

late 1780s London
12

Hugh and Kitty affirm their devotion

With obstacles resolved, Hugh and Kitty are free to affirm their mutual devotion. Their relationship evolves from strategic maneuvering to genuine partnership based on shared history and affection. The ending emphasizes love overcoming status and ambition.

late 1780s London

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:30

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Kitty Summary

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Kitty Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Kitty

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