The Flame of New Orleans

The Flame of New Orleans

Year: 1941

Runtime: 79 mins

Language: English

Director: René Clair

ComedyRomance

THE FLAME IN HER EYES scorched a thousand hearts! In old New Orleans, a beautiful adventuress juggles the attentions of a rich banker and a dashing sea captain.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Flame of New Orleans (1941)

Trace every key event in The Flame of New Orleans (1941) 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

Dress Found, Legend Born

Two fishermen discover a wedding dress floating on the Mississippi River, igniting the legend of Claire Ledux. The locals assume she disappeared and died by suicide on her wedding day in 1840. This finding sets the stage for the later revelation of the real events.

1840 Mississippi River
2

Claire Arrives in New Orleans and Sets Her Plan

Claire arrives in New Orleans with the ambition to marry the wealthy banker Charles Giraud. At the opera, she fakes fainting to force his rescue and secure his interest. Charles dispatches his valet to Claire through her maid Clementine to arrange a meeting.

early 1840s New Orleans
3

A Scheme Goes Awry: The Park and the Monkey

Claire's plan to stage a dramatic rescue backfires when her carriage hits a monkey belonging to riverboat captain Robert Latour. Clementine mistakenly interprets the scene and orders the driver to continue, denying Latour the chance to intervene. Latour tips the carriage over, leaving Claire and Charles separated and fueling Latour's resentment.

the night after the opera Between the opera and the park, New Orleans
4

Vow of Vengeance and Protection

In the aftermath, Charles swears to avenge Latour's insolence and vows to guard Claire every night. He becomes fixated on her safety and prospects, determined to win her hand.

after the carriage incident New Orleans
5

Mardi Gras Duel

At a Mardi Gras festivity, Claire spots Latour in the crowd and points him out to Charles. Charles challenges Latour to a duel, with Latour choosing knives as his weapon. Claire steps in and interrupts, claiming she misidentified Latour, ending the immediate confrontation.

Mardi Gras night Mardi Gras
6

Dinner Invitation and the Boat Feast

Latour invites Claire to a dinner aboard his riverboat, borrowing money to pay for the feast. Charles rushes in with a marriage proposal, hoping to secure Claire's hand. Claire accepts Charles's proposal and privately cancels the dinner with Latour via her maid.

the night after the duel Latour's riverboat
7

Robert Discovers Claire's Constraint

Robert, fearing Claire is ill and needs help, goes to her house and spies Charles through a window, realizing the true reason for her rejection. This sight confirms the tension between Claire, Robert, and Charles and sets up the emotional conflict to come.

shortly after cancellation Claire's house
8

The Pre-Wedding Revelations

Two days before the wedding, Charles throws a party in Claire's honor. A Russian guest, Zolotov, tells stories about Claire that reach Charles and Bellows, prompting Charles to issue a challenge. Zolotov refuses the duel, suggesting the girl he knew could fake fainting, and Claire faints during the gathering, being carried away.

two days before wedding Claire's home / party venue
9

Charles Meets Lili and the Oyster Bed Plan

The next day, Charles visits Claire to end their engagement and is confronted by Lili, who is actually Claire in disguise. Charles agrees to meet Lili that night at the Oyster Bed Café, bringing Zolotov and Bellows to the restaurant in tow.

the next day Claire's home; Oyster Bed Café
10

Robert and Lili Confrontation

Lili leaves town after the encounter, but first meets Robert Latour, who confesses his love for Claire. Charles offers to settle Robert's loan if he takes Lili out of New Orleans, and Robert agrees to the arrangement. The web of secrets tightens around Claire, Robert, and Charles.

that night Oyster Bed Café / docks
11

The Wedding and Claire's Escape

The wedding takes place as planned, but when Claire sees Robert among the guests, she realizes her true love for him. She fakes fainting again amid the chaos and then disappears with Robert. In the escape, she sails away on his boat and throws her wedding dress into the Mississippi.

the wedding day Wedding venue; on the Mississippi

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:13

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Playful Romantic Farces like The Flame of New Orleans

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The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, typically a woman, being courted by two distinct suitors: one representing stability, wealth, and social position (a 'gilded cage'), and the other representing freedom, passion, and authentic connection. The story explores the allure and constraints of both paths, building towards a climax where the protagonist actively rejects security for genuine love, often in a dramatic public or symbolic act.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific thematic core and emotional journey. They are united by the 'love vs. riches' dilemma, a hopeful and romantic tone, and settings that emphasize the contrast between opulent society and simple, heartfelt living. The pacing is steady, focused on character development and the crescendo of the final choice.

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The Flame of New Orleans Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Flame of New Orleans

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Flame of New Orleans. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Flame of New Orleans

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