Secrets

Secrets

Year: 1933

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Director: Frank Borzage

WesternDramaMoving relationship storiesEnduring stories of family and marital dramaPassion and romance

Defying her father, Mary Marlowe flees an arranged marriage and follows clerk John Carlton westward in the 1860s. They endure a harsh trek, build a cabin, and confront a cattle‑rustling gang, losing their only son. With Mary’s aid John defeats the outlaws, gains political power, and the success erodes their happy marriage, leaving secrets between them.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Secrets (1933)

Trace every key event in Secrets (1933) 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

Mary and John elope to start a new life

Mary rejects her family's plan for her to marry Lord Hurley and runs off with John Carlton, a clerk in her father's employ. John is fired when Mr. Marlowe learns of the match, and they decide to go west to seek their fortune. They marry and begin a life together away from their former constraints.

Immediately after John's dismissal and elopement
2

The Carltons settle in California and start a ranch

The couple settles in California and establishes a cattle ranch. Their hard work pays off, and they welcome a baby boy.

Shortly after the elopement California
3

Outlaws raid the Carlton herd; three are hung

While John and Sunshine are away gathering supplies, Jake Houser and his gang ride in to rustle the Carlton herd. John rallies the other ranchers and they pursue the gang, catching and hanging three members, including Jake's brother. Jake escapes, swearing revenge.

Soon after settling California ranch
4

Attack on the Carlton home; the baby dies

Jake Houser and his men attack the Carlton home seeking revenge. Help arrives and the rustlers are wiped out, but the Carlton baby dies during the gunfight.

Shortly after the earlier raid Carlton home, California
5

Years pass; the Carltons prosper and grow the family

Over the years, the Carltons prosper, expanding their ranch and wealth. Their family grows to five children with the birth of four more, in addition to the baby boy.

Years later California
6

John runs for governor; a party before the election

With rising influence, John enters politics and runs for governor. The Carlton mansion hosts a party the night before the election. Lolita Martinez, John's lover, arrives and scandalizes the party.

The night before the election Carlton mansion, California
7

Mary demands full disclosure and forgives on condition

In private, John spurns his mistress and begs Mary for forgiveness. Mary agrees to forgive him, but only if he reveals all of his prior lovers. He agrees to disclose them as part of earning her trust.

After the private confrontation Carlton mansion
8

Lolita exposes affair publicly; John wins the election

Lolita makes public their affair, shocking their circle. Despite the scandal, John wins the gubernatorial election and remains with Mary by his side.

Shortly after the private forgiveness Public sphere / California
9

John becomes a senator; thirty-year DC tenure

John's political career continues as he becomes a senator, serving thirty years in Washington, D.C. The position cements the family's status and extends his influence. After three decades, he decides to retire.

During his thirty-year tenure and after Washington, D.C.; California
10

Retirement and return to California

John retires and moves back to California. Mary and John seek a quieter life, far from public scrutiny and the glitter of their earlier years.

After retirement from the Senate California
11

Grown children question their parents’ choices

Their grown children are puzzled by their parents' desire for privacy in retirement. Mary explains that they want time for themselves, to enjoy secrets they can share with no one else.

In retirement California
12

The couple finally pursues a private life together

With the children opposed, the couple slips away together to enjoy the private life they chose years before, a late-in-life retreat from public life.

End of story

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:08

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Secrets Summary

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Secrets Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Secrets

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Secrets

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Secrets (1933) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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