My Love Came Back

My Love Came Back

Year: 1940

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: Curtis Bernhardt

DramaMusicComedy

Amelia, a gifted violinist about to quit the Brissac Academy, gets a scholarship arranged by Julius via his employee Tony. When Julius misses a city concert, Tony steps in, assuming they are a couple; Julius’s son Paul also believes Tony and Amelia are together and sends her money. Amelia is enticed by swing music with classmates Dusty, Joy and their band, endangering her classical career.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – My Love Came Back (1940)

Trace every key event in My Love Came Back (1940) 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

Amelia's decision to leave Brissac for jazz

Amelia Cornell, a gifted young violinist at Brissac Academy in New York City, struggles to support her mother on a meager scholarship. She secretly offers music lessons, a practice forbidden by the school and policed by the dean. Frustrated by financial strain and being treated like a child, she decides to leave the academy and join Dusty Rhodes's swing band.

early in the story Brissac Academy of Music, New York City
2

Julius Malette becomes president and offers support

A distinguished patron, Julius Malette, is announced as the academy's new president. He is moved by Amelia's talent and agrees to fund her studies with a second scholarship, recognizing the value of her future potential. He begins to take an active role in her musical development.

after Julius becomes president Brissac Academy of Music, New York City
3

Gifts and opportunities broaden Amelia's world

After meeting Amelia, Julius sends her a phonograph player and records and arranges opportunities to attend concerts to broaden her musical experience. He escorts her to performances, bridging her classical training with broader performance exposure. These gestures are intended to nurture her talent.

following Julius's mentorship Various concert Halls in New York
4

Tony is dispatched to explain Julius's absence

When Julius cannot attend a concert, he sends his young business manager, Tony Baldwin, to explain his absence to Amelia. Tony's appearance marks the beginning of a complicating romance as he and Amelia are drawn to one another. The misunderstanding about Julius's absence sows seeds of trouble.

one evening Concert hall
5

Tony and Amelia fall in love in secrecy

Tony and Amelia begin to fall in love, but Tony keeps his feelings hidden, fearing that Amelia is Julius's mistress. Their budding romance develops amid suspicion and employer-employee boundaries. The hush-hush nature of the relationship adds tension to both characters.

days after their first meeting New York City
6

Paul uncovers misappropriation rumors

Paul Malette discovers that Tony has been mailing company checks to Amelia as 'scholarship' funds, unaware that Julius arranged them. Paul accuses Tony of stealing funds, prompting Tony to defend his boss with silence. The misunderstanding strains relationships within the Malette circle.

days after the first payments Julius Malette's office / company offices
7

Paul witnesses Julius with Amelia and misreads the situation

Paul later sees Julius entering Amelia's apartment and believes his father is being unfaithful to his mother. He apologizes to Tony for misjudging him and thanks him for trying to shield the family. This incident intensifies the secrecy surrounding Amelia and Julius.

soon after the accusation Amelia's apartment
8

Tony withdraws after being told Julius is with Amelia

Paul tells Tony that Julius is with Amelia, prompting Tony to withdraw from further contact with Amelia. He remains distrustful because the checks to Amelia have been cashed, though he does not know Dusty borrowed the money. The rift sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation.

shortly after the garden confrontation Amelia's apartment / Malette residence
9

A party that blurs personal and artistic lines

Julius and his wife host a party inviting Amelia's roommate Joy O'Keefe and Dusty Rhodes to perform a mix of classical and swing pieces. The evening becomes a turning point as Amelia joins Dusty’s group and confronts her own musical identity. The party's performances challenge the boundaries of her training.

the party night Malette residence
10

Amelia confesses and gains artistic legitimacy

During the party, Amelia confesses everything to Mrs. Malette and then plays swing violin with Dusty's band. The reaction is mixed: Julius and Amelia's teacher are shocked, but a music critic is impressed by the new style, giving her artistic legitimacy. The moment marks Amelia's acceptance of a different musical path.

during the party Malette residence party hall
11

Dusty's misdeed surfaces; confrontation ensues

Amelia learns that Dusty borrowed the checks and must explain the situation to Tony. She confronts him about the financial misunderstanding and its impact on her relationship with Tony. Dusty's actions threaten to derail Amelia's breakthrough.

after the party Dusty Rhodes's whereabouts / Amelia's apartment
12

Romantic reconciliation in the garden

Tony approaches Amelia in the garden, apologizes for his suspicions, and finally kisses her. The tension between duty and desire resolves as they acknowledge their feelings. The scene seals a romantic commitment and signals their path forward.

after the confrontation Garden outside the Malette residence

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:30

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