The Professor

The Professor

Year: 2019

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Wayne Roberts

DramaComedy

In 19th-century England, Professor James Murray undertakes the ambitious project of creating the definitive Oxford English Dictionary. His meticulous work involves gathering words and their origins from a vast network of volunteer contributors. As he navigates the complexities of language and the diverse individuals involved, the endeavor becomes a revealing look at Victorian society, the power of words, and the challenges of a monumental undertaking.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Professor yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Professor (2019)

Trace every key event in The Professor (2019) 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

Minor's Arrival in the UK

Dr. William Chester Minor arrives in the UK seeking asylum from the United States. He is a former army surgeon suffering from paranoia and delusions, convinced that he is being stalked.

1850s United Kingdom
2

Minor's Crime

In a fit of paranoia, Minor mistakes an innocent civilian for his imagined stalker and kills him. During the trial, Minor is deemed borderline psychotic and is sentenced to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum.

1850s United Kingdom
3

Murray's Commission

Sir James Murray is commissioned by the Oxford Press to compile the Oxford English Dictionary. Despite a lack of support from his peers, the prestigious task aligns with his skills as a linguist.

1857 Oxford, UK
4

Murray's Strategy

To tackle the monumental task of cataloging the English language, Murray proposes enlisting contributions from everyday language users. His innovative approach begins with a public appeal inserted in books across libraries.

5

Minor's Medical Assistance

While at Broadmoor, Dr. Minor performs an emergency leg amputation on a guard, saving his life. This act of bravery earns him recognition from Dr. Richard Brayne, who studies Minor's psyche.

Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum
6

Eliza's Dilemma

Eliza Merrett, the widow of the man Minor killed, is initially reluctant to accept financial help from him, despite her dire circumstances. Muncie, the chief guard, advocates for her to meet Minor.

7

Murray's Progress

Murray receives his first batch of 1,000 words from Minor, highlighting the contributions of the imprisoned doctor. This progress motivates Murray, and he soon publishes the first volume of the dictionary.

8

A Relationship Formed

During her visits, Eliza develops a bond with Minor and begins to collect her thoughts. Minor not only aids her financially but also teaches her in hopes of improving her and her children's situation.

9

Challenges Arise

As the project progresses, criticism mounts against Murray regarding missing common words. To protect his job, Frederick takes the blame for an omission, eventually resigning to keep Murray's work alive.

10

Stripped of Recognition

The Oxford Press discovers the significant contributions of a murderer, leading to Murray's editorship being revoked, and Minor receiving no acknowledgment for his submissions. This news devastates both men.

11

Minor's Decline

As treatment in the asylum grows harsher, Minor's mental state declines. Eliza and Murray, determined to aid him, seek help from Frederick to arrange a parole hearing.

Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum
12

A Plea to Churchill

Murray makes a heartfelt appeal to Winston Churchill to obtain Minor's release. Although Churchill cannot release him, he agrees to deport Minor back to the United States, allowing Murray to reclaim his position.

UK Government
13

Murray's Final Achievements

Murray, who had been knighted in 1908 for his efforts, continues working until his death in 1915. By this time, he had made significant contributions to the language and left a lasting legacy.

1915 Oxford, UK
14

Minor's Death

Dr. Minor, diagnosed with schizophrenia, passes away in 1920. Despite their troubled lives, both men transformed the landscape of the English language with their work on the dictionary.

1920 Washington, D.C.
15

The Final Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary is completed in 1928, consisting of 12 volumes, with over 414,000 words and countless quotations. This monumental work reflects the collaborative efforts of both Murray and Minor.

1928

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 19:25

Unlock the Full Story of The Professor

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Professor 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 The Professor is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Professor Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Professor, 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 Professor Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Professor

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Professor

More About The Professor

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Professor: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Professor

Similar Movies to The Professor

Discover movies like The Professor that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.