Sunday Bloody Sunday

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Year: 1971

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: English

Director: John Schlesinger

DramaMoving relationship storiesPassion and romanceCaptivating relationships and charming romanceEmotional LGBTQ relationships

Recently divorced career woman Alex Greville begins a romance with mod artist Bob Elkin, fully aware that Bob is also involved with middle‑aged doctor Daniel Hirsh. For both Alex and Daniel, Bob represents an escape from their repressive pasts, and despite the rivalry, neither is willing to give up youthful energy he brings to their lives.

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Timeline & Setting – Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s

The narrative unfolds in the late 1960s London, a time of social liberalization and shifting attitudes toward love and commitment. The city’s cafe culture, art world, and permissive mood shape how the trio relates to one another. The sense of freedom and fragility of relationships reflects the era's ambivalence about permanence.

Location

London, United Kingdom

Set in London, the film captures a cityscape that blends leafy suburban life with bohemian art circles. The urban backdrop provides the stage for open conversations, casual affairs, and social gatherings among artists and professionals. The environment of London anchors the story in a tangible, recognizable era.

🌆 Urban London 🎭 Bohemian culture 🏙️ City life

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:40

Main Characters – Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)

Meet the key characters of Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Daniel Hirsh – Peter Finch

Dr. Daniel Hirsh is a middle-aged, gay Jewish doctor whose clinical calm masks deeper yearnings. He uses his relationship with Bob and his closeness with Alex as an escape from the rigidity of his upbringing. He demonstrates introspection and a reluctance to commit, even as he cares for others.

🧑‍⚕️ Doctor 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ 🧠 Introspective 🎭 Drama

Alex Greville – Glenda Jackson

Alex is a divorced woman in her mid-30s who feels disillusioned with her professional life and unsettled by her past. She becomes involved in the open triangle with Bob, balancing affection with a search for personal meaning. Her perspective underscores the tension between independence and emotional connection.

💔 Divorcee 🧠 Independent 🎭 Complex

Bob Elkin – Murray Head

Bob is a younger sculptor with a coterie of artist friends, known for glass fountains. He moves freely between Daniel and Alex, embracing non-monogamy and personal freedom. His decision to leave for New York marks a turning point and emphasizes the film’s theme of impermanence.

🎨 Artist 🕊️ Freedom 🎭 Charismatic

Alva Hodson – Vivian Pickles

Alva Hodson is part of the bohemian, academic Hodson family whose Sunday dinner gatherings anchor the social circle. The Hodsons are aware of the relationships but discuss them only casually, signaling discreet tolerance. The family’s dynamics and the incident with the Hodson dog contribute to the film’s social texture.

🏛️ Bohemian family 👪 Domestic life 🤫 Discretion

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:40

Major Themes – Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)

Explore the central themes of Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💞 Love and Freedom

At the center is a triangular love dynamic that tests conventional commitment. Daniel and Alex tolerate Bob's infidelity out of fear of losing him, highlighting how freedom can coexist with longing. Bob embodies artistic independence, shaping relationships around personal choice rather than social norms. The conclusion reframes happiness as a fragile balance between attachment and autonomy.

🧭 Self-Discovery

Daniel uses his relationship as a route to escape the confines of his upbringing. Alex's disillusionment with professional life and a failed marriage adds to her search for meaning. The film portrays personal growth through unconventional relationships and the choices they make. Both characters confront what happiness means when traditional expectations loosen.

🏳️‍🌈 Societal Change

The film situates London during a period of liberalization where personal desires challenge traditional boundaries. A gay doctor and open relationships illustrate the era's loosening rules and social tolerance. The narrative presents openness not as rebellion but as a pursuit of fulfillment. The characters' willingness to redefine love mirrors the broader cultural shifts of the time.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:40

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Sunday Bloody Sunday in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Sunday Bloody Sunday is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Sunday Bloody Sunday Summary

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Sunday Bloody Sunday Summary

Sunday Bloody Sunday Timeline

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Sunday Bloody Sunday Timeline

More About Sunday Bloody Sunday

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