The Inn of the Sixth Happiness Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

English maid, deemed unqualified, journeys to China, opens a hostel, becomes a foot inspector, falls for a half-Chinese officer, and then leads 100 orphans across the mountains to avoid the Japanese because she’s just *that* good.

🍿 The Inn of the Sixth Happiness: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Gladys’ Calling and Journey to China

Gladys Aylward, a determined but unqualified Englishwoman, feels a strong pull towards missionary work in China. Despite being rejected by the China Missionary Society, she tirelessly works as a maid to fund her own journey. Her employer connects her with veteran missionary Jeannie Lawson in the remote Chinese province of Yang Cheng. Gladys embarks on a perilous journey across Europe and Asia, facing hardships and skepticism along the way. Upon arrival, she finds Mrs. Lawson running a struggling inn intended for mule drivers, aiming to share Christian teachings. This inn is called ‘The Inn of the Sixth Happiness’.

Life in Yang Cheng and New Responsibilities

Following Mrs. Lawson’s sudden death, Gladys is left to manage the inn with the help of their cook, Yang. Facing financial struggles, Gladys takes on the challenging role of foot inspector for the local Mandarin, enforcing a new law against foot binding. This puts her at odds with traditional customs, but her determination and compassion earn her the respect of the community. She earns the name ‘Jen-Ai’ (the one who loves people) for her humanitarian efforts. She starts caring for orphans, becoming a trusted figure in the community. Amidst her work, she develops a complex relationship with Captain Lin Nan, a Eurasian officer, who challenges her pacifist beliefs.

Japanese Invasion and the Children’s Exodus

As the threat of Japanese invasion looms, Captain Lin Nan prepares the community for war. When Yang Cheng is attacked, Gladys makes the difficult decision to lead a hundred orphaned children on a perilous journey across the mountains to a safer location. This arduous trek tests her faith and resolve as they face hunger, exhaustion, and the constant threat of the invading forces. Ultimately, Gladys leads the children to safety, solidifying her legacy as a true humanitarian. The film culminates with the Mandarin converting to Christianity, inspired by Gladys’s unwavering faith and selflessness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gladys Aylward (Ingrid Bergman): A determined British woman who becomes a missionary in China and dedicates her life to helping others.
• The Mandarin of Yang Cheng (Robert Donat): The wise and initially skeptical Mandarin who employs Gladys and gradually becomes her friend and an admirer of her work.
• Capt. Lin Nan (Curd Jürgens): A half-Chinese, half-Dutch Captain in the Chinese army who initially clashes with Gladys but eventually falls in love with her.
• Jeannie Lawson (Athene Seyler): An established missionary in China who runs the Inn of the Sixth Happiness and provides Gladys with her initial opportunity.
• Yang (Peter Chong): The loyal Chinese cook at the Inn of the Sixth Happiness who assists Gladys in her missionary work.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gladys Aylward: “I believe God meant me to come to China.” – Gladys expresses her unwavering conviction about her purpose in China despite facing numerous obstacles.
• The Mandarin of Yang Cheng: “We shall not see each other again, I think. Farewell, Jen-Ai.” – The Mandarin’s poignant goodbye to Gladys, foreshadowing his death and marking a moment of acceptance and respect between them.
• Jeannie Lawson: “An inn is a very good place to tell stories. And the best stories are in the Good Book.” – Jeannie explains the purpose of the Inn as a place for sharing biblical stories with travelers.
• Gladys Aylward: “If I can’t have what I want, I’ll just have to want what I’ve got.” – Gladys shows her resilience and positive attitude when facing disappointment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,650,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,821,321
• Worldwide Gross: $15,300,000

💥 The Inn of the Sixth Happiness Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely swept away by ‘The Inn of the Sixth Happiness.’ Ingrid Bergman’s portrayal of Gladys Aylward is just captivating. I felt so inspired by her determination to follow her dreams, even when everyone told her she couldn’t. The scene where she leads the children across the mountains brought tears to my eyes. It’s a reminder that one person really can make a difference.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of faith and perseverance”
  • “Those who enjoy films with strong female leads”
  • “Families looking for uplifting stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild war violence”
  • “Brief depiction of foot binding”
  • “Thematic elements related to religious beliefs”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Ingrid Bergman shines as Gladys Aylward, bringing warmth and sincerity to the role. While the film takes some liberties with the true story, the emotional core remains intact, making for a genuinely moving cinematic experience. The supporting cast delivers solid performances, and the film’s visual appeal is undeniable.
• Variety: “A sweeping and sentimental epic, ‘The Inn of the Sixth Happiness’ is a showcase for Ingrid Bergman’s talent. However, the film’s length and occasional melodrama may test the patience of some viewers. Despite these flaws, the film’s inspiring message and visual grandeur make it a worthwhile watch.
• The New York Times: “An endearing tale of faith and dedication, enhanced by stellar performances. Robert Donat’s nuanced portrayal adds depth, leaving an imprint. Bergman’s transformation is sublime, blending charm and purpose seamlessly. While occasionally sentimental, the story’s heart resonates deeply.

Audience Reactions

Ingrid Bergman’s performance is amazing.: Viewers consistently praise Ingrid Bergman’s portrayal of Gladys Aylward for its depth, sincerity, and emotional impact.

The film has a great message.: Many viewers are touched and inspired by the film’s themes of faith, determination, and the power of one person to make a difference.

Overall Consensus: A classic film celebrated for its inspirational story and Ingrid Bergman’s powerful performance, though some find it overly sentimental.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Film Promoting International Understanding)- 1959

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Donat’s performance was his last. He was terminally ill during filming, and his frail condition is noticeable in some scenes.”
• “Although set in China, much of the film was shot in North Wales, utilizing the Welsh landscape to mimic the mountainous regions of China.”
• “Ingrid Bergman’s casting as Gladys Aylward was controversial because Aylward was still alive and did not resemble Bergman. Aylward herself reportedly disliked the romantic elements added to the story.”
• “The real inn was called ‘The Inn of the Eight Happinesses’. The name was changed to ‘The Inn of the Sixth Happiness’ for the film, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear.”
• “The film was praised for its promotion of international understanding, winning a Golden Globe Award in that category.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Inn of the Sixth Happiness?

Currently, ‘The Inn of the Sixth Happiness’ is available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these platforms for current pricing and availability. Unfortunately, it’s not often found on popular streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, but keep an eye out as availability can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, you might like these similar films:

• The Mission (1986): Deals with themes of missionary work, cultural conflict, and colonialism in a historical setting, similar to ‘The Inn of the Sixth Happiness’.
• Seven Years in Tibet (1997): Features a Western protagonist’s journey and adaptation to a foreign culture during a turbulent historical period in Tibet.
• A Passage to India (1984): Explores cultural clashes and misunderstandings between British colonials and the local Indian population.
• The Sound of Music (1965): Features a strong female protagonist dedicated to helping children amidst political turmoil, sharing themes of courage and compassion.
• Gandhi (1982): Focuses on a historical figure’s dedication to a cause and his impact on a nation facing colonial rule, similar to Aylward’s influence in her region of China.

🛒 The Inn of the Sixth Happiness Related Products

• The Small Woman by Alan Burgess (The book on which the movie is based): The original source material for the film, this book provides a deeper look into the life of Gladys Aylward and her experiences in China.
• Ingrid Bergman: A Life by Charlotte Chandler: Dive into the life of the legendary Ingrid Bergman with this detailed biography, exploring her career and personal life.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “THE CHILDREN’S MARCHING SONG (THIS OLD MAN)” – performed by Traditional (Arranged by Malcolm Arnold)

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Malcolm Arnold – Overture from INN OF THE SIXTH HAPPINESS

Ever catch yourself humming the tune from “The Inn of the Sixth Happiness”? This is the full overture and it’s beautifully composed; it really captures the spirit of the movie!

The Inn Of The Sixth Happiness

Curious about the relationship between Gladys and the Mandarin in “The Inn of the Sixth Happiness”? This clip dives into their surprising dynamic. Honestly, it’s one of the most interesting parts of the story!

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