The False Madonna

The False Madonna

Year: 1931

Runtime: 70 mins

Language: English

Director: Stuart Walker

Drama

A woman who is a member of a gang of con artists impersonates the mother of a wealthy blind man.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The False Madonna (1931)

Trace every key event in The False Madonna (1931) 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

Rainy night arrival at the station

On a heavy rainy night, Dr. Ed Marcy, Tina, Rose, and Peter Angel are brought to the station by a hotel bus. They quarrel about who cheated at cards and who to blame for being thrown out of the hotel. The tense mood sets up the backstory of mistrust among the group.

Night Station
2

Doctor summoned to ailing woman on the train

Sometime later, the train conductor calls Marcy to attend a seriously ill woman in a cabin. He initially refuses, claiming he hasn't practiced in a long time, but the conductor's insistence changes his mind. The duty becomes tied to an emergency during the journey.

Night Train cabin
3

Motive revealed: the sick woman wants her son Philipp Bellows

Marcy discovers the woman intended to see her son Philipp Bellows in New York, who is set to inherit $10,000,000 from her ex-husband. The potential inheritance reframes the medical emergency as a possible crime of opportunity. The stakes become personal and financial.

Moment before death Train cabin
4

The woman's death and the plan to impersonate

The woman dies on the train. Marcy takes her photographs and a necklace as he decides what to do with the situation. He persuades Tina to impersonate Philipp's mother, luring her into a new life away from their current life.

After death Train
5

Tina agrees to impersonate a missing mother

Tina, who longs to quit the gang, accepts the plan and travels to Long Island to meet Philipp Bellows and assume the role of his long-lost mother. The deception begins with a sense of opportunity and escape. Her choice marks a turning point in her life.

Shortly after death Long Island estate
6

First meeting with Philipp and his guardians

At the estate, Tina meets Philipp's guardians Grant Arnold and nurse Alice. Philipp is blind from a two-year-old airplane crash and does not suspect that Tina is an impostor. The dynamics show a fragile family situation hiding secrets.

Soon after arrival Long Island estate
7

Tina grows fond of Philipp

As Tina settles into the role, she develops genuine affection for Philipp and feels moved by the attention and motherly care he shows. The bond deepens despite the deception. Her emotional investment complicates her original intention.

Over several days Estate
8

Philipp's concern over inheritance and the torn cheque

Philipp worries about who will inherit his fortune, learning that a will would favor an aunt rather than Tina. He asks Grant to give Tina a cheque for $50,000 to improve her life, but Grant tears up the cheque to protect Tina from exposure. He keeps the truth hidden from Philipp due to his illness.

During the early days after arrival Estate
9

Grant's warning to Tina

Grant, aware of how sick Philipp is, warns Tina to avoid stressing him too much as she keeps up the motherly act. He never discloses the full truth to Philipp, maintaining the deception to protect his ward and himself. The ethical tension among the trio grows.

After the cheque episode Estate
10

Marcy arrives to pressure Tina further

Meanwhile Marcy arrives at the house, aiming to manipulate Tina into returning to her criminal life or demanding payment for his services. Tina remains cautious, trying to balance her new life with the risk of exposure. The tension between old accomplice and new deception escalates.

Next day Estate
11

Philipp dies

That same night, Philipp dies, abruptly ending Tina's act and triggering a scramble among the adults. The death raises the stakes for everyone, especially Marcy who may be implicated in other schemes. Tina's newfound compassion is suddenly tested.

That night Estate
12

Confrontation with the police and Marcy's downfall

The following day, Marcy appears demanding money, only to be warned by Grant that the police have been called and that Marcy is disbarred and wanted. Grant informs him of his status before Marcy escapes, leaving the crime unresolved for the moment.

Day after Philipp's death Estate
13

A new life begins

Tina experiences relief at escaping the old life and is offered a home by Grant, which she accepts with a warm embrace. The film ends with a glimmer of a fresh start, framed by the unexpected kindness of her former adversary.

Ending Estate

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:33

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The False Madonna Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The False Madonna

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