The Wedding Night

The Wedding Night

Year: 1935

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Director: King Vidor

RomanceDrama

While writing a novel at his Connecticut country home, married author Tony Barrett (Cooper) becomes attracted to Manya (Sten), the farmer’s daughter, who is unhappily engaged to Frederik (Bellamy). A snowstorm forces them to spend the night together. The next day Manya’s father insists she marry Frederik despite her doubts, and drunken jealousy sparks tragedy at the wedding reception.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Wedding Night 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 & Setting – The Wedding Night (1935)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Wedding Night (1935). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

New York City, Novak Farm in Connecticut

The story begins in a bustling New York City setting where Tony and Dora live a fast-paced, debt-laden life. It then shifts to the rundown Novak farm in Connecticut, a stark contrast that anchors the narrative in rural, small-town milieu. The farm serves as the social backdrop where Tony’s literary ambitions collide with the neighbors' realities and values.

❄️ Winter life 🏙️ City life 🏡 Rural farm

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:05

Main Characters – The Wedding Night (1935)

Meet the key characters of The Wedding Night (1935), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tony Barrett (Gary Cooper)

A New York-based novelist whose mounting debts and vanity drive him to seek inspiration and escape through an affair. He is capable of genuine feeling but often lets his ambitions cloud judgment, leading to dangerous entanglements. His self-image as a writer collides with the messy realities of life and love.

💼 Ambitious ✍️ Writer 💔 Flawed

Dora Barrett (Helen Vinson)

Tony's wife, glamorous and socially settled, who faces the strain of a marriage built on wealth and appearances. She wrestles with loyalty and desire, ultimately choosing to stand her ground when faced with infidelity. Her perspective sharpens the moral contrast between Tony's fantasy and real life.

💼 Glamour 💖 Loyal 🕊️ Complex

Manya Novak (Anna Sten)

Daughter of the Polish farmer Jan Novak, torn between an arranged match with Fredrik and a growing love for Tony. She embodies passion and independence while navigating family obligations and social expectations. Her pursuit of love has a devastating, irreversible consequence.

💃 Passionate 🌀 Torn 🌟 Independent

Jan Novak (Sig Ruman)

Polish farmer and landowner who embodies practical, protective rural pride. He mediates the marriage dynamics around Manya and uses land and social standing as leverage. His actions reveal the limits of rural authority and familial duty.

👨‍🌾 Practical 🛡️ Protective 🪙 Pragmatic

Fredrik Sobieski (Ralph Bellamy)

Manya's betrothed, chosen by her father to secure social and economic stability. Jealous and quick-tempered, his insecurity fuels conflict and a tragic confrontation. His flaws propel the narrative toward its fatal and emotional climax.

💔 Jealous 🧍‍♂️ Impulsive 🎯 Determined

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:05

Major Themes – The Wedding Night (1935)

Explore the central themes of The Wedding Night (1935), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💘 Romance vs Duty

Tony's pursuit of love with Manya collides with social expectations and the stability of his marriage to Dora. Their affair mirrors the characters in his own novel, blurring the line between art and life. The narrative explores how passion can challenge commitments and reshape personal destinies, often with tragic consequences.

💼 Ambition & Class

Tony's hunger for literary success and financial security drives him to use relationships and property for personal gain. The contrast between Dora's glamorous city life and the Novak family's rural struggles exposes class tensions. The film examines how wealth, status, and property influence love and loyalty across social boundaries.

💔 Tragedy & Consequences

The love triangle, jealousy, and miscommunication culminate in Manya's death and a cascade of heartbreak. Tony's obsession with his manuscript mirrors the real-life harm caused by his actions. The story ends on a somber note, reflecting on the costs of passion, pride, and pursuit of fame.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:05

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 Wedding Night

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

The Wedding Night Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Wedding Night, 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 Wedding Night Summary

The Wedding Night Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Wedding Night with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Wedding Night Timeline

More About The Wedding Night

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Wedding Night: 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 Wedding Night