The Queen of Spades

The Queen of Spades

Year: 1949

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Thorold Dickinson

DramaHorrorFantasyHorror the undead and monster classicsTerrifying haunted and supernatural horror

Her obsession with gambling drives an elderly countess to a sinister pact, trading her soul for the uncanny ability to win every card game. A card‑obsessed army officer, learning of the secret, murders her to seize the power, only to be relentlessly haunted by her vengeful spirit.

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Timeline & Setting – The Queen of Spades (1949)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Queen of Spades (1949). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1806

The action takes place in the early 19th century, within a rigid aristocratic society of imperial Russia. Military life, provincial manners, and courtly proprieties frame the interactions and decisions of the characters. The period atmosphere supports themes of secrecy, superstition, and the lure of fortune.

Location

St. Petersburg, Countess's House, Bird Market, Gaming Salon

The story unfolds in St. Petersburg, the imperial capital of Russia, amid military life and rigid social codes. The Countess's grand, aging mansion serves as a hub of secrets and old wealth. The bustling bird market and the city's gambling rooms juxtapose charm with danger, highlighting the era's contrasts between façade and fate.

🏛️ Imperial Russia 🎩 Aristocracy 🗺️ City Setting

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:35

Main Characters – The Queen of Spades (1949)

Meet the key characters of The Queen of Spades (1949), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Captain Herman Suvorin (Anton Walbrook)

A Russian officer and engineer who initially avoids gambling, watching others at faro without playing. His desire for wealth grows as he pursues the Countess's secret, using love as a mask for greed. After threatening the Countess and causing her death, he is haunted by the ghostly revelation of the three-card secret and gambles away all his savings, leading to his ruin.

🎯 Ambition 🎲 Gambling 👻 Haunting

Countess Ranevskaya (Edith Evans)

An aging noblewoman who allegedly gained wealth through a secret and has kept it hidden for decades. Her house becomes the setting of power, secrecy, and dangerous bargains. She dies of fear after Herman confronts her, and her ghost later reveals the fateful secret, binding her story to the living through a supernatural condition.

🎭 Status 💫 Secret 👻 Haunting

Lizaveta Ivanovna (Yvonne Mitchell)

A young ward of the Countess, she becomes the object of mens' attention—first Herman's seductive ploys, then Andrei's hopeful pursuit. She resists danger and ultimately shares a dream of freedom, evidenced by her wish to purchase every bird in the market and set them free.

💖 Love 🕊️ Innocence 🌿 Freedom

Andrei ( Ronald Howard )

A noble-born military officer and friend to Herman who decides to court Lizaveta. He warns her of Herman's true nature, challenges Herman to a duel, and participates in the climactic gambling encounter, ultimately supporting Lizaveta's future with courage and integrity.

🎖️ Nobility ⚔️ Duel 💪 Resolve

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:35

Major Themes – The Queen of Spades (1949)

Explore the central themes of The Queen of Spades (1949), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎲 Greed

A secret of guaranteed fortune drives Herman toward risk and manipulation. His restraint gives way to an obsession with winning at cards, blinding him to moral costs. The repeated pursuit of the ace, seven, and three becomes a trap that leads to ruin. The theme shows how ambition can eclipse judgment and humanity.

👻 Haunting

The Countess's ghost returns to reveal the secret, blurring the line between superstition and reality. Herman's fear and guilt manifest as a supernatural visitation that demands a moral price. The haunting underscores the idea that past sins cast long shadows. Fate and the supernatural drive the narrative toward a tragic confrontation.

💖 Love's Ambition

Lizaveta's affection for Andrei contrasts with Herman's pursuit of wealth, testing loyalties and integrity. Andrei's protective stance pits honor against manipulation, shaping the lovers' choices. The story uses romance to explore how personal bonds clash with power and greed. Ultimately, love becomes a counterweight to the destructive lure of secrets.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:35

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Unlock the Full Story of The Queen of Spades

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

The Queen of Spades Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Queen of Spades, 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 Queen of Spades Summary

The Queen of Spades Timeline

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The Queen of Spades Timeline

More About The Queen of Spades

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More About The Queen of Spades

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