So This Is New York

So This Is New York

Year: 1948

Runtime: 79 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard Fleischer

Comedy

The film follows a small‑town man who suddenly inherits a sizable fortune and whisks his family to New York City. As they navigate the dazzling Broadway scene, they experience both the excitement and heart‑break of big‑city life, constantly stunned by the alien culture of the Big Apple.

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Timeline – So This Is New York (1948)

Trace every key event in So This Is New York (1948) 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

Inheritance after WWI

At the end of World War I, Ella and her sister Kate Goff Finch each inherit $30,000. The windfall opens up new social options and shifts their focus toward marriage prospects in the big city.

End of World War I (circa 1918) South Bend, Indiana
2

Ella declares discontent and NYC plan

Ella announces dissatisfaction with life in South Bend and vows to find Kate a wealthy husband in New York City. She believes city life holds the key to improved prospects.

South Bend, Indiana
3

Ernie reluctantly agrees to accompany

Ernie, Ella's cigar-salesman husband, reluctantly agrees to join the sisters on their eastward venture. He hopes to support Ella while weathering the upheaval.

South Bend, Indiana
4

Arrival in New York and new apartment

In New York, the Finches secure a spacious apartment and are introduced to their wealthy neighbor Lucius Trumbull. The upscale environment signals a drastic change from South Bend.

New York City
5

Trumbull's invitation and Kate's reservations

Trumbull invites the trio to social gatherings, signaling potential connections, but Kate remains wary because Trumbull is nearing retirement. Ella, however, is thrilled by the prospects.

New York City
6

Kate pursues Daley; Sid courts Kate

Kate targets Herbert Daley, a Southern-gentleman racehorse owner, while his jockey Sid Mercer fancies Kate. Daley soon secures an engagement with Kate, complicating Sid's plans.

New York City
7

Sid confides in Ernie about a race fix

Sid confides to Ernie that Daley is conspiring to fix the next race, but Sid plans to double-cross his employer by ensuring a longshot wins.

New York City
8

The plot Succeeds; Daley on the run

Sid's scheme succeeds, and with the race outcome manipulated, Daley and his conspirators turn to violence as he runs for his life. The plan unravels in a dangerous chase.

New York City
9

Ernie profits, then is fired

Ernie profits from the longshot bet but immediately runs into his employer A. J. Gluskoter and is fired. The sudden turn of fortune leaves the Finches precariously positioned.

New York City
10

Move to a seedy theater hotel

Forced to move to a seedy theatrical hotel, the Finches meet Ziegfeld Follies star Jimmy Ralston, who dreams of writing a serious play. The new surroundings trap them in a failing world of show business.

New York City
11

Investment in Ralston's play

Ralston reveals his ambition to write, produce, and star in a serious play, and Kate and Ella invest what's left of their inheritance in the project. They hope for cultural and financial redemption.

New York City
12

The play's opening night and flop

The play premieres to audience ridicule and critics declare it a flop. The reception underscores the gamble of chasing prestige and the fragility of their plans.

New York City
13

Gluskoter offers Ernie his job back; return to South Bend

Gluskoter, showing a change of heart, appears and offers Ernie his job back. With lessons learned, the Finches return to South Bend wiser for the experience.

South Bend, Indiana

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:02

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So This Is New York Summary

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So This Is New York Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in So This Is New York

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Characters, Settings & Themes in So This Is New York

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So This Is New York (1948) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

So This Is New York (1948) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

So This Is New York (1948) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow