Smiles of a Summer Night

Fredrik Egerman, a middle-aged lawyer, is introduced as being married to Anne, a 19-year-old woman, with their marriage still unconsummated due to Anne's reluctance. The film establishes the tension in their relationship and Fredrik’s concern over their marriage.

Henrik, Fredrik's son from his first marriage, is shown studying to become a minister but suffers from torment over his love for his step-mother, Anne. He attempts to distract himself with an inconclusive affair with Petra, Fredrik's servant.

Fredrik had a past affair with Desiree Armfeldt, a stage actress, which has since ended. Desiree now has a son, Fredrik Armfeldt, possibly Fredrik Egerman's child, and she is having an affair with Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm.

Fredrik visits Desiree one night to confide in her about his marital issues and asks for her help. During the visit, Fredrik falls into a puddle outside her house, and Desiree helps him by dressing him in the Count’s nightshirt, leading to tension.

The Count, jealous upon finding Fredrik at Desiree's house, arrives and demands Egerman leave. Desiree and the Count argue but decide to part amicably after the confrontation, hinting at underlying tension in their relationship.

The Count reports to his wife Charlotte about his encounter with Egerman and orders her to inform Anne of Egerman’s supposed infidelity. Charlotte confesses her love for the Count, despite their issues, revealing underlying marital tensions.

All characters are invited to Desiree’s country house for Midsummer Night, a Swedish tradition celebrating the longest night of the year, where many stay awake and festivities unfold amidst complex relationships.

While alone in a bedroom, Henrik and Anne consummate their relationship and decide to elope, with Petra and her lover Frid assisting. Their union marks a pivotal turning point in their characters’ arcs.

Charlotte finds herself in the garden pavilion with Egerman, indicating an attempt to reconcile or rekindle their relationship amid the night's tumult.

The Count, overwhelmed by jealousy upon discovering Charlotte with Egerman, bursts in and challenges Fredrik to a game of Russian roulette. It is revealed that the revolver was loaded with soot, so neither was in real danger, symbolizing unresolved tension.

The Count and Charlotte reconcile, with his feelings for her renewed through jealousy. Desiree offers comfort to Egerman, and he pleads with her not to leave, suggesting potential for new beginnings.

As dawn approaches, the characters' various love dilemmas appear to find resolution, and Frid notes that the night smiled upon all of them, indicating a sense of hope and renewal after a tumultuous night.