The Rose Tattoo

The Rose Tattoo

Year: 1955

Runtime: 117 mins

Language: English

Director: Daniel Mann

DramaRomanceMoving relationship storiesPassion and romanceErotic relationships and desire

A grieving widow discovers that her late husband had been unfaithful, prompting her to confront loss and seek a new romance. The narrative seethes with realism, unflinching in its depiction of raw emotions and the complexities of moving forward after betrayal. The film presents a bold portrait of love and heartbreak, marked by emotional intensity.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Rose Tattoo (1955)

Trace every key event in The Rose Tattoo (1955) 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

Serafina learns she is pregnant and Estelle asks for silk shirt

Serafina, a Sicilian seamstress living in a close-knit community near the Gulf of Mexico, discovers she is pregnant with Rosario's second child. Estelle asks her to sew a shirt for her lover using expensive silk. Unbeknownst to Serafina, the lover is Rosario, and Estelle has a rose tattoo on her chest to match his.

Before Rosario's death Coastal community near the Gulf of Mexico
2

Rosario dies and Serafina miscarries

That night, Rosario is killed in an accident while trying to evade police during a smuggling run. Serafina collapses from the shock, and the doctor informs Rosa that Serafina has miscarried. The tragedy fractures the family and changes Serafina's life.

That night Smuggling route and home
3

Three years later: Serafina becomes a recluse

Three years pass and Serafina withdraws from the world, her appearance and reputation deteriorating as she isolates herself at home. She avoids social contact and rarely leaves her dwelling by the Gulf. The loss of Rosario haunts her daily.

Three years after Rosario's death Her home near the Gulf
4

Graduation day confrontation and meeting Jack Hunter

Serafina decides to attend her daughter's graduation, hoping to reconnect with life. Two prostitutes arrive, demanding that she quickly mend their bandanas for a political convention, and she reluctantly agrees but is revolted by their talk of men. Rosa introduces her to her sailor boyfriend Jack Hunter and Serafina has him vow before a Virgin Mary statue to respect Rosa's innocence.

Graduation day Graduation venue; nearby church
5

Confronting the priest and meeting Alvaro

Determined to learn if Rosario confessed to any infidelity, Serafina goes to the church but the priest refuses to answer. In the ensuing confrontation, a truck driver named Alvaro intervenes and drives her home. At home, she lends Alvaro the rose silk shirt she had sewn the night of Rosario's death, until she can repair his own shirt, and they agree to meet again.

That afternoon/evening Church and then home
6

Alvaro returns with a rose tattoo; head to the club

Alvaro returns to see Serafina and impulsively gets a rose tattoo on his chest. Serafina is repulsed and tries to throw him out, but they end up driving to a club her husband used to attend. At the club, Estelle confesses and shows Serafina the rose tattoo as a symbol of her love for Rosario.

That night Their home and a local club
7

Serafina smashes Rosario's urn and invites Alvaro back

Returning home, Serafina smashes the urn containing Rosario's ashes and invites Alvaro to come back that night. The act signals a break with her mourning and deepens their entanglement.

That night Home
8

Alvaro's drunken arrival and Rosa's attempted kiss

Hours later, Alvaro arrives severely intoxicated and Serafina leaves him sleeping in a drunken stupor. Rosa returns home and Alvaro mistakes her for Serafina, attempting to kiss her, which prompts Serafina to eject him. The confrontation exposes the dangerous bond between Serafina and Alvaro.

That night Serafina's home
9

Morning on the boat mast and engagement news

The following morning, Serafina finds Alvaro on top of a boat mast outside her house, begging for forgiveness. Jack arrives and asks Serafina if he can marry Rosa, and she gives her consent. They prepare to move forward with Rosa's marriage.

The following morning Outside the house; on a boat mast
10

Final vow and celebration at home

Serafina calls Alvaro down from the boat mast in front of neighbors, insisting they pick up from where they left off. They go into the house together while a lively tune plays on her player piano, and laughter and celebration fill the air as they close the door.

That evening Neighbor's street; inside her house

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:02

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