The Tale of Sweeney Todd

The Tale of Sweeney Todd

Year: 1997

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: John Schlesinger

TV MovieMysteryHorror

A fictional 19th‑century story follows a murderous barber (Ben Kinglsey) who supplies his victims to a nearby butcher (Joanna Lumley) eager to use them in her famous meat pies. A naive young woman (Selina Boyack) becomes entangled, while a determined inspector (Campbell Scott) works to unravel the grisly crimes.

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Timeline & Setting – The Tale of Sweeney Todd (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Tale of Sweeney Todd (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

18th century

The story takes place during the 18th century, a period characterized by social upheaval, industrial expansion, and colonialism. London was a city of contrasts—luxurious estates and impoverished neighborhoods—adding depth to the narrative's exploration of morality and corruption.

Location

18th century London

London in the 18th century was a bustling and often grimy city, marked by narrow streets and a rapidly growing population. It was a center of commerce, culture, and social disparity, which provides a dark and atmospheric backdrop for the story's macabre events. The setting enhances the themes of crime and moral decay in the narrative.

🏰 Historical 🌫️ Urban 🏙️ Industrial

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

Main Characters – The Tale of Sweeney Todd (1997)

Meet the key characters of The Tale of Sweeney Todd (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sweeney Todd (Ben Kingsley)

A vengeful and tormented barber who becomes a serial killer, using his dark profession to conceal his murderous activities. His character embodies themes of revenge and moral ambiguity, as he descends into madness and violence.

🔪 Vengeful 😈 Morally ambiguous 🧔 Tragic

Mrs. Lovett (Joanna Lumley)

A resourceful and morally corrupt undertaker's accomplice who supplies Todd with victims. Her pragmatic yet sinister nature drives her to participate in the gruesome business of human meat pies, reflecting her greed and cunning.

🍰 Cunning 🧟‍♀️ Morally corrupt 🥧 Manipulative

Charlie (Sean Flanagan)

A mute orphan who assists Todd but ultimately acts out of a sense of justice by killing Todd. His innocence contrasts with the dark world around him, and his actions serve as a moral turning point in the story.

🦻 Mute 🧍‍♂️ Innocent 🗡️ Brave

Carlyle (Campbell Scott)

An American jeweler's representative investigating the theft of diamonds. He demonstrates curiosity and moral integrity by uncovering the truth, ultimately helping to expose Todd and Mrs. Lovett’s crimes.

🔍 Investigative 🤝 Determined 🕵️‍♂️ Heroic

Alice (Selina Boyack)

Todd’s ward and a kind-hearted young woman who becomes embroiled in the dangerous events surrounding her guardians. Her character provides a touch of innocence amid the story's darkness.

💖 Innocent 🌸 Compassionate 🧍‍♀️ Young

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

Major Themes – The Tale of Sweeney Todd (1997)

Explore the central themes of The Tale of Sweeney Todd (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🩸 Violence

The movie centers around murder, cannibalism, and violence, illustrating the darker side of human nature. The characters' actions reveal how desperation and moral corruption can lead to heinous crimes. Themes of brutality and revenge are woven throughout the story, creating a suspenseful and grim atmosphere.

🍽️ Cannibalism

A key element of the plot involves the use of human flesh in Mrs. Lovett's meat pies, highlighting themes of primal hunger and moral depravity. The film explores how societal taboos are broken and the consequences of unchecked greed and hunger.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

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The Tale of Sweeney Todd Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Tale of Sweeney Todd, 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 Tale of Sweeney Todd Summary

The Tale of Sweeney Todd Timeline

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The Tale of Sweeney Todd Timeline

The Tale of Sweeney Todd Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Tale of Sweeney Todd Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Tale of Sweeney Todd

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