The Devil to Pay! (1930) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Sale in East Africa and return to England

   Willie Hale sells his house and belongings in East Africa and returns to England with little money left. He buys a dog with what remains, signaling a turn toward unstable ventures. Lord Leeland, though wealthy, reluctantly gives him £100 for spending money, highlighting the parental strain over Willie's failures.

   Where

   East Africa

2. 2

   Reunion with Mary Crayle

   Willie runs into his old girlfriend, Mary Crayle, the theatre star, reigniting a complicated past romance. The reunion foreshadows the emotional entanglements that Willie's fortune and social ambitions will bring. The encounter keeps Mary in the orbit of his increasingly unstable life.

   Where

   England

3. 3

   Meeting Dorothy Hope and Derby invitation

   Willie meets Dorothy Hope, a wealthy family friend and heiress, and introduces her to his sister Susan. He then takes Dorothy and Susan to the Derby, presenting them with a social outing that hints at a growing alliance. The Derby serves as a turning point where Willie's luck begins to change.

   Where

   Derby, England

4. 4

   Derby windfall on a 50-to-1 longshot

   During the Derby, Willie bets on a 50-to-1 longshot and wins a substantial amount of money. The windfall elevates his status and feeds Dorothy's interest in him. The victory also sets up the tension between his charm and his mounting debts.

   Where

   Derby, England

5. 5

   Dorothy breaks engagement to Grand Duke Paul

   Dorothy ends her engagement to Grand Duke Paul because she finds Willie more appealing, even though he is financially ruined. The break-up marks a turn from social duty to personal attachment. It leaves Willie in a precarious position with both Mary and Dorothy.

   Where

   England

6. 6

   Willie proposes to Dorothy to avoid disinheritance

   Willie proposes to Dorothy after her father warns that he will disinherit her if she marries Willie. Dorothy accepts, but on one condition: Willie must promise never to see Mary again. The arrangement ties his future to a tricky choice between love and loyalty.

   Where

   England

7. 7

   Willie waits outside Mary’s theatre

   Willie cannot deliver the news of his engagement to Mary by letter or telephone, so he waits outside Mary's theatre to tell her in person. This moment crystallizes the stakes of his dilemma and his hesitation to sever their bond. It sets the stage for Dorothy's manipulations to play out.

   Where

   Mary's theatre

8. 8

   Detective watch and the Mary phone call

   Mr. Hope hires a detective agency to monitor Willie. Dorothy arranges for Mary to be reached by telephone, and when Willie answers, Dorothy is heartbroken, realizing that his engagement is real. Willie tries to explain, but the deception deepens the emotional rift.

   Where

   England

9. 9

   Dorothy pays Willie £5,000

   Dorothy pays Willie £5,000, assuming he was simply after her inheritance. He leaves with the check, whistling, but he does not intend to keep the money. This gesture exposes the start of a broader generosity that will influence his actions later.

   Where

   England

10. 10

    Willie sends money to Paul through Dorothy

    After learning that Paul is destitute, Willie sends the money to Paul under Dorothy's name to help him. The act reflects Willie's reluctance to profit from the situation while still offering aid to a friend in need.

    Where

    England

11. 11

    Paul thanks Dorothy; father is disillusioned

    Paul sends a note to Dorothy thanking her, which delights Dorothy and disillusions her father. The gesture underscores the complex web of loyalties and the father’s skepticism about Willie.

    Where

    England

12. 12

    Reconciliation before sailing to New Zealand

    Willie and Dorothy reconcile their relationship, acknowledging their feelings despite the earlier complications. They prepare to part ways as Willie sails for New Zealand to start a sheep farm.

    Where

    England

13. 13

    Father offers to buy a farm; Leeland’s satisfaction

    Dorothy's father proposes to buy Willie a farm in England, hoping to provide stability. Lord Leeland is pleased that it will be Mr. Hope's money at stake if Willie fails again, underscoring the volatility of Willie's fortunes and the father's complicated views on merit.

    Where

    England