Tonight and Every Night (1945) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Life photographer arrives to cover the Music Box Theatre during the Blitz

   Near the end of the war, a Life magazine photographer arrives in London to write a story about the Music Box Theatre's stubborn run during the Blitz. He interviews staff and documents the performers' routines amid air raids. The visit frames the narrative as a tribute to a venue that keeps putting on shows despite the danger outside.

   When

   Late WWII, during the Blitz

   Where

   London

2. 2

   Sam Royce recalls the theatre's early war days

   Stage manager Sam Royce remembers the halcyon days at the start of the conflict, when morale was high and the troupe pressed on with performances. May 'Tolly' Tolliver is seen rehearsing as wartime anxieties rise. The memory sets the tone for the troupe's unwavering commitment to showmanship.

   When

   Beginning of the war

   Where

   Music Box Theatre, London

3. 3

   Tommy Lawson's audition and rejection; mentorship begins

   Tommy Lawson, though naturally gifted, improvises his steps and is refused by Tolliver. Rosalind Bruce and Judy Kane, American members of the troupe, take him under their wing and teach him their routines. With their guidance, he earns a place in the show and gains confidence.

   When

   Early war

   Where

   Music Box Theatre, London

4. 4

   Paul Lundy arrives and falls for Ros

   An RAF pilot, Paul Lundy, visits the theatre and becomes infatuated with Ros. His presence adds a personal drama to the troupe's wartime life and complicates the dynamic among the performers. Romance and duty begin to intertwine in the show’s orbit.

   When

   Early war

   Where

   Music Box Theatre, London

5. 5

   Bomb raid drives cast into the basement; a confession of love

   When German bombs strike, the audience and performers flee to the basement for safety. In the shelter, Paul confesses his affection and invites Ros to dinner afterward. The moment deepens their connection amid the chaos of war.

   When

   During an air raid

   Where

   Music Box Theatre basement, London

6. 6

   Ros begins dating Paul; a deceptive invitation to his apartment

   Ros starts dating Paul, drawn to his charm and protection. He tricks her into visiting his apartment by promising to introduce her to a non-existent soldier from St. Louis. She feels betrayed, and the romance sours as trust erodes.

   When

   After the restaurant meeting

   Where

   London

7. 7

   Paul pleads forgiveness at the RAF show; confession of love

   Paul begs Ros to forgive him during a RAF theatrical show and admits his love for her. He is called away on a mission after the confession, leaving Ros torn but hopeful about their future. The moment marks a fragile refocusing of their relationship.

   When

   During the RAF show

   Where

   RAF theatrical show, London

8. 8

   Plans for an intimate evening; Paul must leave again

   After a brief reconciliation, Paul explains he must leave again the next morning on a secret assignment. The couple plans to spend an intimate evening at his apartment before he departs. The looming separation underscores the cost of wartime romance.

   When

   The night before departure

   Where

   Paul's apartment, London

9. 9

   The apartment visit ends with a bombing; the building is flattened

   When they go to Paul's apartment, they discover the building has been flattened by a bombing raid. The destruction punctuates the ever-present danger of the war and the fragility of plans made in peacetime moments. The moment leaves both characters facing an uncertain future together.

   When

   Next day after planned evening

   Where

   Paul's apartment, London

10. 10

    Two weeks pass; Paul on assignment; Ros worries

    Paul is ordered to leave immediately on a secret assignment, and two weeks pass without word. Ros grows increasingly anxious, worrying that the romance has faded or been forgotten. Flyers announcing squadron leave intensify her unease.

    When

    Two weeks later

    Where

    London

11. 11

    Reverend Lundy reveals the marriage proposal

    Paul's father, Reverend Gerald Lundy, asks to meet Ros after the show and explains the Bible Paul sent. He opens it to a page highlighted by Ros's photo, proposing marriage and welcoming Ros to the family. The moment formally ties Ros to Paul, despite his absence.

    When

    After a later show

    Where

    Theatre backstage/meeting area, London

12. 12

    Tommy's jealousy and Canada honeymoon suggestion

    Tommy frets that Ros will desert the theatre for a life abroad and suggests a Canada honeymoon. Ros refuses to leave the troupe and urges him to be happy for her choice. Tommy concedes, offering what passes for wartime support and goodwill.

    When

    After Reverend's meeting

    Where

    Music Box Theatre vicinity, London

13. 13

    Judy consoles Tommy at the pub; they share a kiss

    Judy, secretly in love with Tommy, goes to console him at the pub and they share a toast to Ros. They kiss, briefly brightening a gloomier moment, before the night’s true stakes return to the foreground. The kiss foreshadows the tragedy to come.

    When

    That night

    Where

    Pub, London

14. 14

    A German bomb hits the pub; Judy and Tommy die

    A German bombing raid strikes the pub, killing Judy and Tommy in a sudden, devastating moment. The loss hits the troupe hard, yet the night’s performance resumes as a testament to their resilience. Ros bears the weight of personal tragedy while continuing to perform Judy's song.

    When

    That night

    Where

    Pub, London

15. 15

    Ros decides to stay with the show; tribute to Judy

    Despite the tragedy, the night’s performance continues and Ros sings Judy's song in a poignant tribute. Her decision to remain with the Music Box Theatre reinforces the show's commitment to its audience and its people. The moment closes the story with a vow to persevere through loss.

    When

    That night

    Where

    Music Box Theatre stage, London