Somewhere in Time

Somewhere in Time

Year: 1980

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Jeannot Szwarc

DramaFantasyRomance

A playwright is intrigued by a portrait of a woman he sees at a seaside resort and becomes increasingly obsessed with her. Determined to meet her, he uses self-hypnosis to travel back in time to the late 19th century. There, he encounters the woman from the portrait and falls in love, but his presence begins to disrupt the natural course of events and threatens to erase her from existence. He must confront the challenges of altering the past while fighting for their love.

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Timeline – Somewhere in Time (1980)

Trace every key event in Somewhere in Time (1980) 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

Richard's Play Premiere

In 1972, theater enthusiast Richard Collier celebrated the premiere of his latest play. This event marked the beginning of his artistic journey, drawing the attention of a mysterious elderly woman who changes his life forever.

1972
2

The Mysterious Gift

The elderly woman presented Richard with a vintage pocket watch and whispered a haunting plea: 'Come back to me.' This brief encounter ignited a spark of curiosity in Richard that would lead him down an unexpected path.

3

Richard’s Success and Decline

Fast forward eight years, Richard achieved significant success as a playwright, yet he found his inspiration waning. In search of creativity and renewal, he decided to retreat to the tranquil surroundings of the Grand Hotel.

1980 Grand Hotel
4

Discovery of Elise's Photograph

While at the hotel, Richard stumbled upon a vintage photograph of Elise McKenna, a stunning actress from the early 1900s. Instantly drawn to her captivating smile, Richard felt a profound connection to her, as though she was meant to be a part of his life.

Grand Hotel
5

The Music Box Revelation

Richard's journey took a significant turn when he discovered a music box owned by Elise's former housekeeper, Laura Roberts. The music it played evoked deep memories and emotions within Richard, stirring his longing for Elise.

6

Researching Time Travel

Seeking answers, Richard turned to a book written by his former professor, Dr. Gerard Finney, a time travel expert. The insights from this book ignited an obsession in Richard, compelling him to explore the possibilities of traveling back in time.

7

Hypnosis Attempt

Determined to connect with Elise, Richard attempted to hypnotize himself to transport back to her time. His first effort fell short as he struggled to find the necessary conviction, but his infatuation urged him to keep trying.

8

Finding the Guest Book

In a surprising discovery, Richard unearthed a vintage hotel guest book from 1912, in which he found his own signature. This revelation sparked his belief in the possibility of returning to the past and renewed his resolve to try hypnosis again.

1912 Grand Hotel
9

Meeting Elise in 1912

After successfully hypnotizing himself again, Richard awakened in 1912 and was met by Elise McKenna. Their meeting was electrifying, with Elise recognizing him as if they were destined to find each other across time.

10

A Walk by the Lakeside

Richard managed to secure a lakeside walk with Elise, during which she confided about a prophecy from her manager. Feeling fate intertwining their lives, Richard revealed the pocket watch, deepening their bond.

Lakeside
11

Elise's Performance

During a performance, Richard witnessed Elise deliver an unscripted romantic monologue, their eyes locked in a shared moment of intimacy. The audience responded with thunderous applause, marking a pivotal moment in their connection.

12

Confrontation with Robinson

William Fawcett Robinson, Elise's manager, summoned Richard for a secret meeting, where he urged him to abandon Elise for her own safety. Richard’s unwavering loyalty led him to reject Robinson’s manipulative tactics.

13

Imprisonment and Escape

Robinson's aggression led to Richard's capture and confinement in the stables but did not break his spirit. With his determination intact, Richard astoundingly broke free, fueled by his love for Elise.

Stables
14

Bittersweet Reunion

After a tumultuous period, Elise returned to find Richard, leading to a heartfelt reunion filled with passion and promises. They envisioned a future together, with Elise even promising to provide him with a new suit as a symbol of their commitment.

15

The Return to Present

A 1979 penny found in Richard's pocket disrupted the spell binding him to the past, ultimately pulling him back to 1980. Struggling with a sense of loss, Richard found himself unable to reconnect with Elise, leading to a life of despair.

1980

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 17:11

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist who, driven by an intense longing, journeys through time to find a soulmate. Their love blossoms in the past, but their presence creates a ripple effect that threatens the relationship's existence. The central conflict is the struggle against fate itself, culminating in a sorrowful acceptance of loss.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative unfolds around a protagonist who becomes fixated on a person, often from a distance or another time. Their quest for connection is the driving force, explored through a reflective pace. The story is less about external action and more about the internal, emotional turmoil of pursuing a love that is beautiful yet fundamentally unattainable, leading to a devastating emotional payoff.

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These movies are united by their core focus on obsessive, fated romance that ends in tragedy. They share a slow, reflective pacing, a heavily melancholic tone, and a primary goal of delivering a powerful, sorrowful emotional experience centered on the theme of irretrievable loss.

Unlock the Full Story of Somewhere in Time

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Somewhere in Time Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Somewhere in Time, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Somewhere in Time Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Somewhere in Time

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Somewhere in Time. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Somewhere in Time

Somewhere in Time Spoiler-Free Summary

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Somewhere in Time Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Somewhere in Time

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