The Three Robbers

The Three Robbers

Year: 1972

Runtime: 6 mins

Language: English

Animation

An animated adaptation of the picture book by Toni Ungerer

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Three Robbers (1972)

Trace every key event in The Three Robbers (1972) 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

Intercept on the road and a captive passenger

Dominik, Felix, and Maximus ambush a passing carriage using their signature weapons as the ride comes to a halt. Among the captured travelers is Tiffany, a lonely girl headed to live with a wicked aunt at an orphanage. They bring her to their hideout, where the encounter unsettles the robbers and hints at a potential change in their way of life.

Daytime On the highway to their hideout
2

Tiffany claims royal lineage

At the hideout, Tiffany fabricates royal lineage and convinces the robbers she is the maharaja's daughter who should be protected. Her presence and stories begin to soften the robbers' hardened outlook on wealth and crime. The trio keeps her close as she asserts influence.

Soon after arrival Hideout
3

Reading and writing lessons

Tiffany teaches the robbers how to read and write, enabling them to craft messages and a potential ransom letter. The new skills spark curiosity about their own future and give them a tool beyond violence. The hideout becomes a learning space as languages flow into their world.

Days later Hideout
4

Reassessment of wealth

As the robbers become more literate, Tiffany's questions about wealth press them to reconsider their life of crime. They begin to wonder what they would do with the money if they chose a different path. The idea of using their wealth to influence others starts to take hold.

Following lessons Hideout
5

The missing poster and the lie revealed

The robbers discover a missing child poster that exposes Tiffany's deception about royal lineage. Realizing she lied to them, Tiffany is filled with remorse and leaves the hideout to head to the orphanage. The incident marks a turning point in their relationship with her.

Shortly after the poster is found Hideout
6

Tiffany meets runaway orphans

On the way toward the aunt's orphanage, Tiffany encounters two runaway orphans. She learns from them that Auntie uses children for hard labor to harvest sugar beets for her pastry machine. The encounter deepens her resolve to expose the abuse.

During the journey Road to the orphanage
7

Infiltrating the orphanage

Tiffany secretly enters Auntie's orphanage while the runaways are captured. She exposes Auntie's pastry hoard to the other orphans, revealing how the desserts hide the exploitation they endure. The revelation sparks a reaction among the children.

During infiltration Auntie's orphanage
8

Confrontation with Auntie

Auntie attempts to punish Tiffany, but the robbers arrive, revealing themselves to be runaway orphans who have found their own path and want to make amends. The confrontation exposes the cruelty of Auntie and the possibility of a different future for the children. The scene sets up the dramatic turn of events.

Climax Orphanage
9

Auntie falls into the pastry vat

In a fit of insanity, Auntie tumbles into the pastry-making vat and is turned into a cake. The orphanage staff and children are stunned by the bizarre ending of Auntie's reign. The moment is both shocking and darkly comic, sealing Auntie's downfall.

Climax aftermath Pastry area of the orphanage
10

The robbers buy the orphanage

Using their wealth, the robbers purchase the orphanage and secure its future. They intend the facility to be a haven for all uncared children rather than a place of punishment or neglect. Their actions mark the transition from raiders to guardians.

After the confrontation Orphanage
11

The haven grows into a town

The orphanage expands and transforms into a large town where former wards and other children live under the care of the robbers-turned-guardians. The town's culture honors the brothers for their generosity and their new role in the community. The city becomes a symbol of redemption rather than fear.

Over time The town
12

Legacy and reverence

The triplet brothers become legendary figures whose wealth funds the town and its services. The residents revere them as protectors of the vulnerable, and the former highwaymen maintain a lasting legacy of care. The story ends with the town thriving on the values Tiffany sparked.

Long-term The town

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:09

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The Three Robbers Summary

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The Three Robbers Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Three Robbers

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