A Tale of Two Cities Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lawyer who looks identical to an aristocrat decides to swap places with him so the aristocrat can be with the lawyer’s crush who is also the aristocrat’s wife in revolutionary France while a lady knits the names of the people she wants to kill.

🍿 A Tale of Two Cities: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Lucie and Dr. Manette’s Reunion

Lucie Manette is informed that her father, Dr. Alexandre Manette, presumed dead, is alive after 18 years in the Bastille. She travels to Paris with Mr. Jarvis Lorry, a banker, to retrieve him. Dr. Manette is under the care of Ernest and Madame De Farge, who own a wine shop.

Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton in London

On their return to England, Lucie meets Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who renounced his title and is now living in England. He is framed for treason, but defended by barrister C.J. Stryver and his cynical colleague, Sydney Carton. Carton helps prove Darnay’s innocence.

Love and Revolution

Carton falls in love with Lucie, but she is engaged to Darnay. Lucie and Darnay marry and have a daughter. The French Revolution begins, and Darnay is lured back to Paris and arrested, throwing Lucie and her family into peril. The peasants vent their fury on the aristocrats, condemning scores daily to Madame Guillotine.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sydney Carton (Ronald Colman): A cynical and alcoholic barrister who finds redemption by sacrificing himself for his friends and the woman he loves.
• Lucie Manette (Elizabeth Allan): A compassionate and loving woman whose devotion helps restore her father’s sanity and inspires love and sacrifice.
• Charles Darnay (Donald Woods): A former French aristocrat who renounces his title and seeks a new life in England, only to be caught up in the French Revolution.
• Madame Therese De Farge (Blanche Yurka): A vengeful revolutionary who seeks to punish the Evrémonde family for past wrongs, embodying the extreme brutality of the revolution.
• Miss Pross (Edna May Oliver): Lucie’s fiercely protective and loyal servant who will defend her at any cost.
• Dr. Manette (Henry B. Walthall): Lucie’s father and a former prisoner of the Bastille whose sanity is slowly restored by his daughter’s love and care.
• Marquis St. Evrémonde (Basil Rathbone): A cruel and heartless aristocrat, who represents the abuses of the French aristocracy and is a target of revolutionary justice.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sydney Carton: “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest I go to than I have ever known.” – Carton’s iconic final words, spoken with acceptance and peace as he goes to the guillotine in Darnay’s place.
• Sydney Carton: “I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss.” – Part of Carton’s internal monologue, envisioning a positive future for the world as he sacrifices himself.
• Madame Defarge: “Tell wind and fire where to stop; not me!” – Spoken with murderous determination as she is consumed by her thirst for vengeance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,232,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 A Tale of Two Cities Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! Ronald Colman’s portrayal of Sydney Carton was heart-wrenching, and I found myself completely invested in his journey. The scenes in revolutionary France were so intense, and I felt like I was right there in the middle of the chaos. The ending, though sad, was also incredibly powerful and uplifting. This movie definitely made me think about sacrifice and redemption in a whole new way!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic literature adaptations”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate stories of sacrifice and redemption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence during the French Revolution”
  • “Themes of execution and death”
  • “Mature themes related to alcoholism and social injustice”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A lavish and faithful adaptation of Dickens’ classic novel, “A Tale of Two Cities” boasts impressive production values and a strong performance from Ronald Colman. The film captures the epic scope of the story and the tumultuous atmosphere of the French Revolution.
• The New York Times: “Ronald Colman delivers a nuanced performance as Sydney Carton, bringing depth and complexity to the character. The film’s crowd scenes are visually stunning, and the depiction of revolutionary France is both exciting and terrifying. While some may find the melodrama excessive, it is ultimately a moving and unforgettable cinematic experience.
• Chicago Tribune: “”A Tale of Two Cities” masterfully brings Dickens’ sweeping historical romance to life. Ronald Colman shines as Sydney Carton, his performance radiating both cynicism and underlying nobility. The film’s depiction of the French Revolution is visceral, creating a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience that resonates even today.

Audience Reactions

Ronald Colman’s performance as Sydney Carton is unforgettable and deeply moving.: The film’s powerful portrayal of self-sacrifice and redemption resonated strongly with viewers.

The depiction of the French Revolution is both thrilling and terrifying.: Many viewers were captivated by the film’s epic scope and historical accuracy.

Overall Consensus: A classic adaptation of Dickens’ novel, praised for its strong performances, impressive visuals, and powerful themes.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ronald Colman agreed to play Sydney Carton only if he didn’t have to play Charles Darnay, a common practice in adaptations, because he wanted to focus solely on Carton’s character.”
• “The film was produced by David O. Selznick, known for his dedication to literary adaptations, and served as a precursor to his later epic, ‘Gone With The Wind’.”
• “Val Lewton and Jacques Tourneur, who later collaborated on horror films, devised the crowd scenes and the storming of the Bastille, adding a unique visual flair.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Tale of Two Cities?

A Tale of Two Cities (1935) can be found for purchase on platforms like Amazon. As a classic film, keep an eye out for occasional streaming availability on services like Criterion Channel. Check listings on aggregator sites for current rental or purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Tale of Two Cities, you might like these similar films:

• The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934): Features an English nobleman who leads a double life rescuing French aristocrats from the Reign of Terror.
• The French Revolution (1989): A more modern and comprehensive depiction of the French Revolution, offering a broader historical context.
• Orphans of the Storm (1921): Silent film set during the French Revolution, focusing on the plight of two orphaned sisters amidst the turmoil.
• Les Misérables (2012): A story of redemption and sacrifice against the backdrop of social upheaval in 19th century France, sharing similar themes of justice and revolution.

🛒 A Tale of Two Cities Related Products

• A Tale of Two Cities (Barnes & Noble Classics Series): A beautifully bound edition of the original novel, perfect for collectors and fans of classic literature.
• French Revolution Documentary – [DVD]: A comprehensive documentary exploring the historical context of the French Revolution, providing deeper insights into the events depicted in the film.
• Guillotine Revolution Board Game: A strategic board game set during the French Revolution, where players compete to collect the most valuable nobles while avoiding the guillotine.
• Madame Defarge Knitting Pattern (E-Book): Learn to knit your very own revolutionary scorecard with this digital pattern inspired by the knitting of Madame Defarge. Fun for all skill levels!

🎧 Soundtrack

A Tale of Two Cities features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La Marseillaise” – performed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle
• “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” – performed by Felix Mendelssohn
• “Adeste Fideles” – performed by Various (Traditional Hymn)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Bastille is stormed, Paris, 14 July 1789

Ever wondered what the storming of the Bastille actually looked like? This clip from ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ gives you a glimpse into this pivotal moment. It’s a bit dramatic (as you’d expect!), but totally helps you understand why it was such a big deal.

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