Summer of My German Soldier

Summer of My German Soldier

Year: 1978

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Tuchner

TV MovieDrama

Patty Bergen, a Jewish teen in the American South during WWII, feels isolated and longs for her father’s affection. When a German POW escapes and hides in her secret woods, she shelters him, risking everything. Their bond gives her a sense of worth and courage, shaping how she meets the painful events that follow.

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Timeline – Summer of My German Soldier (1978)

Trace every key event in Summer of My German Soldier (1978) 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

Patty's World in Jenkinsville

Thirteen-year-old Patty Bergen grows up in Jenkinsville, Georgia, during World War II. Her Jewish-American family runs the local clothing and general store, and Patty endures an abusive father and an indifferent mother. Ruth, the family's Black housekeeper, is her only steady friend in a town that feels suspicious of outsiders.

World War II era Jenkinsville, Georgia
2

POW Camp Arrives; Anton Meets Patty

The U.S. government opens a prisoner-of-war camp nearby and German soldiers come into the Bergen store to buy supplies. Patty meets Anton, one of the few prisoners who speaks English. Their brief encounter hints at a fragile bond that crosses enemy lines.

early World War II era Bergens' store, Jenkinsville
3

Anton's Escape and Patty's Interference

Anton escapes from the camp and is about to board a train, but Patty spots him and foils his plan. Instead of alerting authorities, she inadvertently becomes part of his attempt to avoid capture. The seeds of their unlikely friendship are planted.

that night Near the train station, Jenkinsville
4

Hideout Above the Garage

Patty hides Anton in abandoned rooms above the Bergens' disused garage and brings him food. Over time, he shows Patty warmth and respect she has never received from her family, and they grow close in their precarious situation.

in the days after his escape Above the Bergens' disused garage
5

A Dangerous Secret Nearly Exposed

Anton is almost exposed when Patty's father beats her, and he nobly runs out to protect her. Patty shouts for him to go back to avoid being seen, but Ruth witnesses the moment and suspects the truth.

shortly after the hiding begins Patty's home
6

Ruth Accepts a Secret

Ruth sees Anton at the home but does not approve of harboring a Nazi prisoner. She agrees to keep his presence secret and helps by leaving food for him, keeping hope alive while risking her own position.

soon after Bergens' home and shelter
7

The FBI Closes In

The FBI conducts a thorough search of Jenkinsville, looking for Anton and the possible saboteurs in the town. Agents visit the Bergens' home as part of their sweep, heightening Patty's fear of discovery.

days after the hiding begins Jenkinsville town and Bergens' home
8

A Final Warning and a Ring

Patty warns Anton that he must leave immediately or risk capture. He flees the garage, thanking her, and gives her a grandfather's ring as a tangible remembrance of their bond before disappearing into the night.

the night of the search Garage hideout
9

Anton Is Killed on the Run

The pursuing agents catch up with Anton as he tries to escape. In a burst of gunfire, the FBI shoots him dead, and Patty is left devastated by the sudden loss.

that night On the road leaving town
10

News and Fallout

The Bergens learn of Anton's death from the FBI. Patty's father disowns her, declaring that she is dead to him, and the townsfolk treat her as a traitor. Ruth has also been fired for helping Patty, leaving her further isolated.

the night of the death Bergens' home and Jenkinsville
11

Ruth's Stand for Patty

Ruth comforts Patty and publicly asks the townsfolk to leave her alone, insisting that only God has the right to judge. She remains loyal to Patty despite the consequences, offering quiet solidarity in a hostile town.

following the fallout Town of Jenkinsville
12

A Quiet Resolve

In the wake of tragedy, Patty mourns Anton and endured isolation, clinging to the memory of his warmth and Ruth's steadfast friendship. She begins to find a way to carry on despite being branded a traitor by the community.

after the fallout Jenkinsville

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:29

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Summer of My German Soldier

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