The Prince of Tides

The Prince of Tides

Year: 1991

Runtime: 132 min

Language: English

DramaRomance

A New York psychiatrist treating a troubled patient finds himself uncovering painful secrets about her family's past in rural South Carolina. While trying to understand her trauma, he develops a strong connection with her twin brother. Their shared journey of self-discovery leads to a complicated and passionate romance, revealing deeply rooted emotional conflicts within the family.

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Timeline – The Prince of Tides (1991)

Trace every key event in The Prince of Tides (1991) 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

Tom's Journey Begins

Tom Wingo, a high school teacher and football coach from South Carolina, embarks on a journey to New York City. This trip is ignited by his mother Lila’s urgent pleas for him to help his twin sister Savannah, who is in a desperate state after a suicide attempt.

South Carolina
2

Concern for Savannah

After his mother’s call, Tom learns about Savannah's ongoing struggles, which have raised concerns for her psychiatrist, Susan Lowenstein. This prompts Tom to reflect on the turbulent dynamics within their family, marked by trauma and dysfunction.

New York City
3

Unraveling Family Secrets

As Tom collaborates with Lowenstein to access Savannah's troubled psyche, they unearth the dark legacy of their family. They discover the impact of their abusive father and manipulative mother, revealing how these issues contributed to Savannah's current crisis.

4

Tom's Denial and Marital Strain

Tom grapples with his own emotional turmoil, often masking his pain with Southern humor. At the same time, his marital troubles intensify as his wife, Sallie, engages in an affair, leaving Tom in denial about the extent of his heartbreak.

5

Developing Feelings for Lowenstein

As Tom and Lowenstein work closely together, they begin to develop deeper feelings for one another. However, this emerging romance is complicated by the fact that Lowenstein is married to a famous concert violinist, Herbert Woodruff.

6

Coaching Bernard

In an effort to help Savannah’s recovery, Tom starts coaching Lowenstein’s son, Bernard. This involvement deepens the relationship between Tom and Lowenstein, as they navigate the complexities tied to Bernard's aspirations and Savannah’s struggles.

7

Savannah's Double Life

During his time with Lowenstein, Tom uncovers that Savannah has been living a double life as a writer under the alias Renata Halpern. This startling discovery adds more weight to Tom's already heavy burdens as he struggles to support his sister.

8

Confrontation with Lowenstein

Tensions flare when Tom confronts Lowenstein for withholding vital information regarding Savannah's situation. This moment brings a rift in their relationship, as Tom feels frustrated and betrayed by her lack of transparency.

9

Reconnecting Over Dinner

In an attempt to mend their strained relationship, Lowenstein invites Tom to dinner. This intimate setting serves to deepen their bond, despite the challenges and complications that lie between them.

10

Confronting Family Trauma

Tom's past comes rushing back when he unexpectedly runs into his parents, stirring up childhood traumas long buried. This confrontation forces Tom to re-examine the painful experiences, such as a terrifying incident involving escaped convicts during his youth.

11

Conflict with Herbert

As Tom's involvement with Bernard grows, he faces opposition from Lowenstein’s husband, Herbert. Herbert insists that Bernard abandon football to focus on music, heightening the tensions between the characters.

12

Romantic Retreat

Amidst escalating emotions, Tom and Lowenstein find a moment of respite during a romantic getaway at her secluded country home. This retreat heightens their feelings for each other, pushing the boundaries of their relationship.

Country Escape
13

Savannah's Hospital Recovery

Meanwhile, Savannah begins her recovery in the hospital, confronting her past traumas that have plagued her for years. This process leads her to a pivotal moment of clarity, sparked by the memories of her own childhood.

Hospital
14

Heartbreaking Realization

A call from Tom's wife shatters the tranquility of his time with Lowenstein, compelling him to face the truth about his feelings. He realizes that his affection for Sallie is rooted in comfort rather than genuine love, prompting a difficult decision.

15

Embracing Peace

Ultimately, with the support of Lowenstein, Tom confronts his long-buried traumas, leading him to embrace a newfound sense of peace. In this moment, he grapples with the bittersweet truth that not all loves can coexist, forcing him to reconcile with his past and present.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:17

Unlock the Full Story of The Prince of Tides

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The Prince of Tides Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Prince of Tides, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Prince of Tides Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Prince of Tides

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Prince of Tides

More About The Prince of Tides

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More About The Prince of Tides

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