Romance in Manhattan (1935) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Upon arriving in New York, Karel discovers that immigration laws require him to have $200 to enter the U.S. legally. He only brought $58, believing that amount was sufficient. When officials inform him he lacks the required funds, he faces deportation and decides to jump from the ship rather than be sent back to Czechoslovakia.

• immigration requirements
• deportation
• 200 dollars
• legal entry

When a dock worker recognizes Karel and tries to return his lost $58, Karel fears being exposed as an illegal immigrant. He denies his identity and refuses to claim the money because he worries that acknowledging he was rescued from the river would reveal his illegal status and lead to deportation.

• dock worker
• illegal immigrant
• money
• deportation fear

Welfare workers and a crooked lawyer attempt to place Sylvia's young brother Frank in foster care because he has missed several days of school. During the court proceeding, Sylvia claims to be 22 years old, but the judge determines she is actually only 19. Since she is a minor, the court rules she must surrender Frank to an institution until she gets married.

• court
• custody
• Frank
• foster care
• age

At Sylvia's apartment, other women suggest sending Frank to an institution since he has missed school. Sylvia refuses to let her brother go, so she and Karel make a deal: Karel will work daytime hours so Frank can attend school in the afternoons, and Frank will take over evening shifts. This arrangement allows Frank to get an education while the household remains together.

• Frank
• school
• work arrangement
• Depression

After Karel pays lawyer Pander $50 to fast-track his citizenship, Pander betrays him by turning him in for a bounty. Pander is a crooked lawyer who exploits Karel's desperate immigration situation for financial gain, betraying his client once he sees an opportunity to collect money from the authorities instead.

• Pander
• bounty
• lawyer
• betrayal
• immigration

Officer Murphy explains that Karel can stay in the country if he marries a U.S. citizen. Since Sylvia is American, their marriage would allow Karel to obtain legal status and avoid deportation. This is why the characters rush to get married at the police station, it's the only way Karel can remain in the country legally while keeping Frank out of an institution.

• marriage
• citizenship
• legal status
• immigration law

Sylvia lies about her age in court because the law considers her a minor at 19. The welfare workers and authorities are trying to take Frank away from her, and she hopes that claiming to be 22, an adult age, will convince the judge that she is capable of caring for her brother without supervision.

• age
• lies
• minor
• court
• guardianship

When the cab drivers go on strike, Karel comes home early and helps Sylvia with chores like washing clothes. During this intimate domestic moment, Sylvia mentions she hopes to marry a wealthy man, but Karel, who has grown to love her and feels responsible for her and Frank, kisses her sincerely to express his true feelings.

• cabbie strike
• kiss
• romance
• declaration of love

After the judge rules that Sylvia must give Frank to an institution until she marries, Frank packs his belongings and the family decides to run away to avoid separation. This desperation leads Karel to propose marriage to Sylvia as a way to stay together legally rather than flee.

• run away
• desperation
• family separation
• plan

Officer Murphy acts as a helpful ally throughout the story. When Karel is arrested for being in the country illegally after Pander betrays him, Murphy works behind the scenes to arrange the necessary paperwork. He helps secure a marriage license quickly, coordinates vaccinations and physical exams, and arranges a minister for the wedding ceremony at the police station.

• Murphy
• police station
• marriage license
• wedding help

Desperate to marry Sylvia and secure his legal status before Frank is taken away, Karel approaches attorney Pander to find a way to obtain citizenship quickly. Pander promises to fast-track the process for $50, and Karel, despite being mistreated by others for being a scab during the strike, pays the money hoping for a legal solution.

• citizenship
• legal help
• desperation
• Pander

After arriving in New York with no money and no job, Karel eventually finds work as a taxi driver. He takes this job to support himself, Sylvia, and Frank financially, showing his determination to provide for the family and establish a stable life in America despite his immigration troubles.

• cab driver
• job
• work
• New York
• support family