The Song of Songs

The Song of Songs

Year: 1933

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Rouben Mamoulian

DramaRomance

After her father’s death, Lily moves to the city to live with her strict aunt. By day she works in the aunt’s bookstore; by night she slips across the street to pose for Richard, a sculptor, and they fall deeply in love. Meanwhile, Baron von Merzbach, a patron of Richard, becomes fascinated with Lily, harboring motives that are far from pure.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Song of Songs 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 Song of Songs (1933)

Trace every key event in The Song of Songs (1933) 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

Lily loses her family and becomes ward of Aunt Rasmussen

Lily, an innocent peasant girl, is bereft of her family after her elderly father's death. Her aunt, Mrs. Rasmussen, reluctantly takes her in and runs a bookshop, treating Lily more like a servant than a niece. The uneasy arrangement foreshadows the struggle for affection and independence ahead.

Aunt Rasmussen's bookshop
2

Lily attracts the sculptor Richard

The naturally affectionate Lily catches the eye of a local sculptor, Richard. He flirts with her and invites Lily to his atelier, suggesting she pose for him.

Richard's atelier
3

Lily consents to pose and discovers her womanhood

Lily reconsiders under her aunt's scrutiny and consents to pose nude for Richard. In the act, she discovers her womanhood and unexpectedly falls in love with the penniless artist. Richard feels ill-equipped to handle Lily's growing passion.

Richard's atelier
4

Richard struggles to respond to Lily's passion

Despite Lily's feelings, Richard is ill-equipped to respond fully to her passion. He is emotionally unsettled and unsure how to proceed with their fragile relationship.

Richard's atelier
5

Baron von Merzbach enters and schemes

A wealthy suitor, Baron von Merzbach, appears and schemes to take Lily to his estate as his secretary and mistress. He is a patron of Aunt Rasmussen’s bookshop and uses his influence to pursue her.

Baron's estate
6

Aunt Rasmussen cashes in and expels Lily

The aunt accepts a cash bargain from the Baron and casts Lily out. Lily flees from the bookshop, unsure of her future.

Aunt Rasmussen's bookshop
7

Lily flees to Richard's studio with Baron in pursuit

Lily seeks refuge with Richard at his studio, hoping for protection. The Baron pursues her, insisting on control of the situation.

Richard's studio
8

Richard betrays Lily, handing her to the Baron

In a painful twist, Richard hands Lily over to the Baron, convinced she would be better off under a provider's care. He believes the Baron's protection could spare her from a harsher fate.

Baron's estate
9

Lily marries the Baron and is later expelled

The Baron marries Lily, but their union collapses when she attempts to seduce the Baron's riding master, triggering expulsion from the estate. Lily's social downfall accelerates.

Baron's estate
10

Lily joins a Berlin cabaret

Desperation drives Lily to perform in a Berlin cabaret. She confronts the harsher realities of life after her deception and social downfall.

Berlin cabaret
11

Lily confronts Richard and reassesses her life

Lily encounters Richard again and cynically blames him for her degraded existence, while oddly praising him for stripping away her naiveté. She recognizes that his critique forced her to face reality.

Berlin cabaret
12

Richard invites Lily back to his studio

Remorseful, Richard invites Lily to return to his studio. He hopes to rebuild their bond on honesty and shared history.

Richard's studio
13

Lily confronts the statue she posed for as a girl

There in the studio, Lily confronts the now-complete marble statue she first posed for as a girl. The statue embodies her lost innocence and the price of her past choices.

Richard's studio
14

Lily smashes the statue in rage

In a calculated display of catharsis, Lily smashes the statue to pieces. The act marks a turning point as she frees herself from the statue's image.

Richard's studio
15

Lily and Richard reconcile and form a genuine union

After the destruction, Lily and Richard reconcile and establish a genuine, humane partnership. They commit to a life built on mutual respect rather than illusion.

Richard's studio

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:39

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Song of Songs

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

The Song of Songs Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Song of Songs, 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 Song of Songs Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Song of Songs

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Song of Songs

More About The Song of Songs

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Song of Songs: 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 Song of Songs

Similar Movies to The Song of Songs

Discover movies like The Song of Songs 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.