These Three

These Three

Year: 1936

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: William Wyler

RomanceDramaUnderdogs and coming of ageStudent coming-of-age challengesShow All…

Close friends Martha and Karen, with the help of local doctor Joe, open a private boarding school that rapidly draws a full roll of students. As the school flourishes, a rebellious enrollee spreads a scandalous lie, sparking a whispering campaign that endangers the trio’s reputation and forces them to confront whether they are innocent victims.

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Timeline & Setting – These Three (1936)

Explore the full timeline and setting of These Three (1936). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1930s

The story takes place in the late 1930s, a period marked by social conservatism, traditional gender roles, and limited rights for women. This era influences societal expectations and the characters' behaviors, playing into the themes of reputation and morality that dominate the plot.

Location

Massachusetts farm, Boarding school

The movie is set primarily on a Massachusetts farm that has been converted into a boarding school. The rural setting provides a secluded environment, emphasizing the intimate community of the school and its surrounding countryside. This location plays a crucial role in isolating the characters and intensifying the drama.

🏡 Rural 🎓 Educational 🌳 Countryside

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:54

Main Characters – These Three (1936)

Meet the key characters of These Three (1936), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Karen Wright (Walter Brennan)

A dedicated and compassionate educator who strives to maintain the integrity of her school. She faces moral dilemmas and is deeply affected by the false accusations, embodying strength and resilience amidst social turmoil.

👩‍🏫 Teacher 💪 Strong 💔 Resilient

Dr. Joseph 'Joe' Cardin (Joel McCrea)

A caring local doctor and Karen's love interest. He is gentle, dependable, and unaware of the full extent of the social conflicts surrounding him, representing stability and compassion.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor 💖 Compassionate 🤝 Loyal

Mary Tilford (Bonita Granville)

A cunning and manipulative young girl, whose false accusations set the tragic events in motion. Her actions reveal her mischievous nature and willingness to deceive for personal gain.

👧 Child 😈 Manipulative 🎭 Scheming

Martha Dobie (Miriam Hopkins)

A devoted teacher and Martha's aunt who struggles with her feelings and societal pressures. Her internal conflict and love for Joe underscore her moral complexity.

👩‍🏫 Educator 💔 Emotionally conflicted 🎭 Complex

Amelia Tilford (Alma Kruger)

Mary’s grandmother and a wealthy community member, whose actions are driven by concern for her family's reputation. Her reactions highlight societal tendencies to prioritize social standing over truth.

💼 Wealthy 👵 Maternal ⚖️ Social climber

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:54

Major Themes – These Three (1936)

Explore the central themes of These Three (1936), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🖤 Reputation

Reputation and social standing are central themes, with characters meticulously managing public perception. The small community's judgmental attitude leads to devastating consequences for those accused of scandalous behavior, highlighting the importance placed on societal appearances.

🎭 Deception

Deception and false appearances drive the plot, as characters hide true feelings and manipulate situations to protect themselves or achieve their goals. The film explores how lies can lead to tragic misunderstandings and social ruin.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:54

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Unlock the Full Story of These Three

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

These Three Summary

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These Three Summary

These Three Timeline

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These Three Timeline

These Three Spoiler-Free Summary

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These Three Spoiler-Free Summary

More About These Three

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These Three (1936) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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These Three (1936) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow