Meet Me in St. Louis

Meet Me in St. Louis

Year: 1945

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Vincente Minnelli

DramaComedyRomanceMusicFamily

Set in 1904, this beloved musical follows the Smith family as they prepare for the World's Fair in St. Louis. The film centers on Esther Smith and her three sisters, each navigating the challenges and excitement of adolescence. Through song and dance, they experience first loves, family bonds, and the anticipation of a bright future. Featuring a memorable performance by Judy Garland, this classic captures the charm and optimism of a bygone era in vibrant Technicolor.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Meet Me in St. Louis (1945)

Trace every key event in Meet Me in St. Louis (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

Summer of 1903 Begins

The scorching summer of 1903 descends upon the Smith household, bringing the characters to life in their day-to-day activities. Young Tootie plays with her dolls, while her sister Agnes shows off her newfound skill on stilts, setting a lively tone for the family's summer.

Summer 1903 Smith household
2

Dinner Schedule Changes

Esther whispers a request to Katie, asking to serve dinner an hour early. This change is driven by the anticipated long-distance phone call from Warren Sheffield, a Yale scholar, at 6:30 PM, clashing with their usual dinner time.

6:30 PM Smith household
3

Family Chaos Before Dinner

As the family prepares for dinner, tension builds as everyone except Mr. Smith is aware of the significance of Warren's phone call. The household buzzes with activity, while Mr. Smith attempts to find calm in a bath, oblivious to the impending chaos.

Before dinner Smith household
4

Phone Call Interrupts Dinner

As the family gathers for dinner, the phone rings, prompting a frantic rush to finish eating. Mr. Smith, confused by the operator's announcement of a call from New York, learns that everyone has been keeping secrets from him about the importance of the call.

Dinner time Smith household
5

Lon's Farewell Party

Months later, the Smith family gathers to celebrate Lon's farewell party before he heads off to Princeton. Amidst joyful festivities, Rose stands firm in rejecting Warren's advances, which culminates in a lighthearted atmosphere filled with dancing and music.

Lon's farewell party Smith household
6

Esther and John Truitt's Encounter

During the party, Esther meets John Truitt but pretends not to recognize him, leading to a playful misunderstanding with his hat. As the evening progresses, she invites John to the fairgrounds, setting the stage for their budding romance.

Lon's farewell party Smith household
7

Trolley to the Fairgrounds

On the day of the fair, Esther, John, and Agnes hop onto a trolley, excitedly setting out for a day filled with fun. Their adventure begins awkwardly as John nearly misses the trolley, creating an exhilarating and memorable start to their outing.

Friday afternoon Fairgrounds
8

Halloween Preparations

As Halloween approaches, Tootie and Agnes prepare for a trick-or-treating adventure, determined to avoid the Halloween Social. When Tootie gets hurt, Esther confronts John for his perceived role in the incident, leading to a heated exchange.

Halloween night Smith household
9

Family Moves to New York

The Smith family receives shocking news that they are moving to New York, unsettling everyone. Mr. Smith tries to reassure the family that the change will be manageable, but doubts linger, especially among Mrs. Smith and the children.

After Halloween Smith household
10

Christmas Preparations

With Christmas festivities around the corner, the girls navigate romantic prospects under the mistletoe, with tensions rising between Esther and John. As Esther tries to prepare for the holiday dance, John's inability to secure a tuxedo complicates matters.

Christmas season Smith household
11

The Grand Ball

During the grand ball, Lucille proposes a partnership with Warren, leaving Esther feeling overlooked. Just as Esther mistakenly takes control of Lucille's dance card, John arrives in a tuxedo, revitalizing her hopes for romance.

Grand ball night Ballroom
12

John's Proposal

As the ball nears its conclusion, John surprises Esther with a heartfelt proposal. Oblivious to the weight of his sacrifice for their future together, Esther feels conflicted about accepting his offer, realizing it may jeopardize his education.

Grand ball night Ballroom
13

The Decision to Stay

Following John's proposal, Esther seeks solace at home where Tootie's disappointment about Santa's visit weighs heavily on her. A heartfelt conversation leads Mr. Smith to reconsider the family's move to New York, ultimately deciding to stay in St. Louis.

Post-ball Smith household
14

Farewell to St. Louis

With a renewed commitment to cherish their time in St. Louis, the family heads out for a night at the fair. As they embrace their final adventures in the beloved city, the music of 'Trolley Song' echoes in the air, celebrating their shared memories.

Final night in St. Louis Fairgrounds

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:47

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Meet Me in St. Louis Summary

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Meet Me in St. Louis Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Meet Me in St. Louis

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Meet Me in St. Louis

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Meet Me in St. Louis Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Meet Me in St. Louis

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