The Six Wives of Henry Lefay

The Six Wives of Henry Lefay

Year: 2009

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Howard Michael Gould

Comedy

Can’t live with them - can’t live without them. A presumed-dead man’s current wife and former wives squabble over his funeral arrangements.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Six Wives of Henry Lefay (2009)

Trace every key event in The Six Wives of Henry Lefay (2009) 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

Parasailing accident in Mexico

Henry is involved in a parasailing accident off the coast of Mexico, and the event is treated as his death. The family begins organizing a response based on the assumption that he did not survive. This incident triggers the central conflict about inheritance, funeral choices, and Henry's true wishes.

Day of the accident Mexico
2

Closed-casket funeral planned

Following the presumed death, the family orders a closed-casket funeral, keeping the cause of death private. Autumn insists on controlling the inheritance and funeral decisions to protect her own interests. This decision concentrates tensions within the group and sets up the later power struggles.

After Henry's death Funeral home
3

Effa introduces herself as Henry's first wife

Effa appears at the gathering and introduces herself as Henry's first wife, explaining their brief three-month marriage after he dropped out of college. Her arrival challenges Autumn's narrative about Henry and opens questions about who counts as family. The revelation adds new layers to Henry's past relationships.

Soon after Henry's death Family gathering
4

Ophelia's cremation orders and forged signature exposed

Autumn discovers that Ophelia ordered the cremation and forged Henry's signature to push it through. She feels betrayed by trusted people and questions whether Henry's last wishes are being honored. The conflict intensifies as the legitimacy of the cremation comes into question.

Shortly after Henry's death Crematorium
5

Autumn attacks Ophelia

Autumn becomes enraged and, in a fit of anger, tries to run Ophelia down with a car. The act demonstrates how far the feud over Henry's arrangements has escalated. The moment shatters any remaining sense of decorum around the funeral process.

Shortly after the cremation order is exposed Outside the crematorium
6

Sarah reveals Henry proposed to her

Sarah reveals that Henry had proposed to her, expanding the list of Henry's relationships in the eyes of the family. The disclosure further complicates the family dynamics and contributes to Autumn's sense of betrayal. The revelation deepens the emotional stakes of the ongoing funeral saga.

During preparations Funeral gathering
7

Barbie pushes to scatter Henry's ashes

Barbie convinces Autumn to scatter Henry's ashes in places where he was happiest in life. The plan shows a genuine wish to honor him, but Ophelia steals the ashes before they can be dispersed. A fight breaks out, and the cremation urn is knocked to the ground, breaking apart and scattering ashes across the sidewalk.

During the ashes planning Cemetery area and sidewalk
8

Harmonica and Henry's return revealed

During the funeral, a harmonica is heard and the attendees turn to see Henry alive and well. It becomes apparent that another man who parasailed the same day died, while Henry disappeared to drink. Henry learns there's a funeral planned for him and sets out to confront it or join the family.

During the funeral Funeral venue
9

Henry discovers the truth and considers reconciliation

Henry explains that after the parasailing incident he spent time drinking and did not know a funeral would be held for him. He retrieves his ID and decides to attend the proceedings to see his life and legacy acknowledged. This revelation reframes the entire day for the family and opens the door to reconciliation.

Same day as the accident Henry's home and the funeral venue
10

Lloyd proposes to Barbie; she declines

Barbie's relationship arc takes a turn when Lloyd, her boyfriend, proposes. Barbie, however, declines and begins re-evaluating her future. The moment marks a shift in her personal storyline as she pivots toward a new path.

Following the funeral chaos Barbie's circle of friends and Lloyd's presence
11

Barbie says goodbye to her father and plans a move

Barbie has lunch with her father and says goodbye as she plans to move to California. The decision signals a new chapter in her life and foreshadows further changes. The moment also heightens the sense of upheaval caused by Henry's return and the wedding drama.

After the engagement episode Local restaurant
12

Mae reveals Kate is in the hospital

Barbie's grandma Mae informs her that her mom Kate is in the hospital, amplifying family stress. The news adds another layer of urgency to Barbie's choices and the surrounding emotional turmoil. It also deepens the sense of interconnected family concerns.

Following Barbie's move planning Mae's home
13

Barbie reconnects with Stevie and reconsiders Lloyd

Barbie reunites with her earlier boyfriend Stevie but quickly realizes it was a mistake, leading her to call Lloyd again. The rekindling of past loves contrasts with her earlier rejection and helps set up the eventual reconciliation with Lloyd. The cycle captures Barbie's ongoing search for stability.

After hospital news Barbie's town
14

Barbie and Henry start to reconcile

Barbie finds Henry drinking and talking about his life and death, and they begin to reconcile. The moment marks a turning point in his relationships with his wives and children, opening space for renewed connection. The family drama continues to resolve as they navigate healing.

After Henry's return Henry's home
15

Barbie marries Lloyd; Henry dances with all his wives; Ophelia's third marriage

In the finale, Barbie weds Lloyd, marking a new start for her. Henry dances with all his wives, celebrating the complicated, blended life he has led. Ophelia reveals she is marrying Henry for a third time, sealing the film's circular, comic resolution.

Ending Wedding venue

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:28

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