Sounder

Sounder

Year: 1972

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Martin Ritt

DramaFamily

During the Great Depression, a Louisiana sharecropping family faces immense hardship and struggles to survive. The father, a deeply religious man, resorts to theft to feed his family, leading to his arrest. This event sets his son on a difficult journey to find him, encountering both adversity and valuable lessons about faith, family, and resilience in the face of poverty.

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Timeline – Sounder (1972)

Trace every key event in Sounder (1972) 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

Twilight Stroll

In the rural setting of Louisiana during the year 1933, father Nathan Lee and his son David take a leisurely stroll across the grassy landscape accompanied by their beloved hound dog, Sounder. This tranquil moment contrasts with the hardships that lie ahead for the family.

1933 Rural Louisiana
2

The Hunt Begins

As excitement stirs in the air, Sounder spots a raccoon and sprints off in pursuit, prompting Nathan and David to chase after him. Nathan grabs his rifle, eager to secure dinner, but his aim fails, leading to the raccoon's escape and Nathan taking the blame for the mishap.

Open grassland
3

Return Home

Disheartened, Nathan and David make their way back to their rundown cabin where Rebecca, Nathan's wife, awaits. She silently acknowledges Nathan's disappointment over the day's lost opportunity, highlighting the strain of their everyday struggles.

Cabin
4

A Child's Hunger

Later that evening, Nathan suggests David skip school, but David defiantly expresses his desire to continue his education. As David goes to bed, Rebecca notices his empty bowl of walnuts, revealing the harsh reality of their dwindling food supplies.

Cabin
5

Breakfast Without Words

The morning begins with the tantalizing aroma of cooking meat, yet its source remains ambiguous, reminding the family of their uncertain circumstances. Despite enjoying breakfast together, unspoken tension fills the air as they contemplate their struggles.

Cabin
6

Labor and a Gift

Rebecca engages in laborious washing for Miss Boatwright, a local white woman, who compensates her with money for the work and a gifted book, *The Three Musketeers*. This gift offers David a portal to adventure and dreams beyond his immediate hardships.

Miss Boatwright’s residence
7

Victory at the Softball Game

Nathan finds joy in a spirited softball game, celebrating victory with David and Rebecca. Their happiness, however, is short-lived when the local sheriff arrives and delivers grim news that changes their lives forever.

Local field
8

Nathan's Arrest

In a shocking turn of events, Nathan is arrested by Sheriff Perkins and taken away, leaving the family in despair. As they watch helplessly, Sounder follows after Nathan, only to be shot during the chaos, deepening David's anguish.

Local field
9

Life Without Nathan

With Nathan in jail, Rebecca and the children struggle to maintain their household and adapt to their new reality. David's determination to find Sounder leads him on an emotional quest while grappling with the unknown fate of his father.

Cabin
10

A New Teacher

David begins attending school, where he meets Miss Johnson, a compassionate teacher who inspires him. Through her stories of perseverance and courage, she ignites a spark of hope, encouraging David to continue seeking a brighter future.

Local school
11

Taking on Responsibility

In Nathan's absence, David assumes more responsibilities at home while Rebecca strives to hold the family together. Their daily challenges intensify, yet their bond grows stronger through adversity.

Cabin
12

Nathan's Return

An unexpected visit from Nathan, who arrives with a crutch, brings a mix of relief and apprehension to the family. Although he bears the scars of his experiences, his spirit remains unbroken, and he encourages David to prioritize education.

Cabin
13

A Father's Wisdom

As they reunite, Nathan shares poignant words with David, emphasizing the importance of not becoming too attached to their circumstances. His unwavering love shines through, reminding David that their bond transcends physical presence and hardship.

Cabin
14

Resilience Through Adversity

The family's journey reflects a vivid testament to their love, resilience, and unity in the face of life's challenges. Their unwavering determination to stay connected and hope for a brighter future remains a powerful aspect of their story.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 09:56

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Sounder Summary

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Sounder Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sounder

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Sounder

More About Sounder

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