The Chorus 2005

Drama

Music

Box Office

$88M

Runtime

97 min

Language

French

Directed by

Christophe Barratier

Made by

Miramax Films

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Chorus (2005). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.

Patricia O’Brian is set to marry Danny Mallory, a determined detective harboring dreams of trading the hustle and bustle of Broadway for the tranquility of a farm in the countryside. In stark contrast, Patricia is a vibrant chorus girl entrenched in the theater scene, and she goes to great lengths to protect her younger sister, Nora, from this glamorous yet perilous world. Despite Patricia’s attempts at guidance, Nora, brimming with aspirations of stardom, captures the interest of the charming yet notorious Dicky Crawford, a man all too familiar with the temptations of showbiz.

Dicky becomes a significant figure in Nora’s life, landing her a coveted role in a theatrical production, a development that Patricia attempts to counteract by drawing the man’s attention towards herself. Caught up in the whirlwind of the theater, Patricia’s world gets even more chaotic as she is unexpectedly picked to fill in for an ailing actress during a crucial dress rehearsal. However, in the midst of her onstage drama, a sense of urgency takes over as she discovers a note from Nora revealing her plans to meet Crawford at his apartment. With little time to spare and dressed only in a coat over her ensemble, Patricia dashes to intercept her sister.

Upon arrival at Crawford’s residence, things take a turn when she finds that Dicky claims to have genuine feelings for Nora. As the tension escalates, Danny, who is secretly conducting an investigation for Crawford’s estranged wife, unexpectedly appears, throwing everything into disarray. Encountering a rather compromising situation with Patricia in her coat and underwear, he dismisses her defensive exclamations, leaving both characters embroiled in misunderstanding and conflict.

Only when pressing circumstances lead Patricia to the brink of eviction do she and Danny finally find a moment to talk things through, allowing for the misunderstandings to dissipate. The road to reconciliation takes them towards marriage, and they ultimately decide to escape the city’s chaos by moving to the countryside along with Nora and her new love interest, a passionate young stage assistant, offering a glimmer of hope and new beginnings for all involved.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Chorus (2005) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.

Engagement Plans

Patricia O'Brian is engaged to Danny Mallory, a detective with dreams of leaving Broadway for a peaceful life on a farm. This desire illustrates the contrast between their career aspirations and lifestyles.

Chorus Girl's Warning

Patricia, a chorus girl well-acquainted with the theater scene, is protective of her younger sister Nora. She tries to steer her away from the dangerous allure of the celebrity world, fearing it could lead to heartbreak.

Nora's Showbiz Dream

Despite Patricia's warnings, Nora's fascination with show business catches the attention of Dicky Crawford, a notorious patron of the arts. He gets Nora a part in a show, fueling her dreams of fame.

Patricia's Distraction

In an effort to protect her sister from Dicky's advances, Patricia attempts to distract Crawford by flirting with him. This puts her in a precarious position as she juggles her relationship with Danny and her sister's ambitions.

Dress Rehearsal Surprise

During a critical dress rehearsal, Patricia is unexpectedly chosen to replace a sick actress. This opportunity could change her career path, but it comes at a moment of personal crisis.

Rushing to the Rescue

While in the dressing room, Patricia sees a note revealing Nora’s plan to meet Crawford at his apartment. Alarmed, she rushes out, throwing on a coat over her petticoat to stop her sister from making a mistake.

Confrontation at Crawford's House

At Crawford’s apartment, Nora is shocked to discover that he only wants her for himself, contradicting her dreams of a fairytale romance. Just as the situation escalates, Danny enters, having been hired to investigate Crawford for his wife.

Crawford's apartment

Misunderstandings Unfold

Danny is taken aback by the sight of Patricia at Crawford's, leading him to misunderstand the situation entirely. He refuses to listen to Patricia's side, believing she has betrayed him.

Desperation and Clarity

Only after Patricia faces eviction do the two manage to communicate openly about the misunderstanding. This moment becomes crucial in resolving their conflict and reigniting their bond.

A New Beginning

Reconciled and ready to start afresh, Patricia and Danny decide to marry. They choose to leave their hectic Broadway lives behind and move to the countryside, seeking a simpler, more fulfilling life.

Countryside

Nora's New Love

As they adjust to their new life, Nora finds love with a young stage assistant who is enamored with her. This new relationship reflects the growth and changes in both sisters' lives as they pursue happiness.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Chorus (2005) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.

Patricia O'Brian

Patricia is a determined chorus girl who navigates the challenges of the theater world while trying to protect her younger sister, Nora. Her conflicting desires for success and familial loyalty drive her actions throughout the film. Patricia's flirtation with Dicky Crawford signifies her struggle between ambition and love.

👩‍🎤 Chorus Girl ❤️ Protective Sister

Danny Mallory

Danny is a dedicated detective with dreams of a peaceful life on a farm. His ambition and love for Patricia are tested as he balances his career with the chaos that unfolds in the theater world. His role as an investigator brings a sense of conflict and resolution to the story.

👮‍♂️ Detective 💘 Ambitious

Nora

Nora is Patricia's younger sister, filled with dreams of fame and a desire to break into the theater world. Her naïveté and infatuation with Dicky Crawford create tension in her relationship with Patricia. Nora represents the appeal of the celebrity lifestyle, contrasting with her sister's caution.

👧 Aspirational 🌟 Starry-eyed

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Chorus (2005), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.

Time period

The specific time period is not detailed, but the setting suggests a time when theater was a significant cultural phenomenon in American society. This era was marked by the popularity of stage performances, capturing the aspirations and dreams of many individuals seeking fame and success.

Location

Broadway, Countryside

The movie primarily takes place in the vibrant world of Broadway, known for its theatrical performances and glamorous nightlife. In contrast, the countryside represents a tranquil escape from the chaos of the city, embodying the characters' desires for a simpler life. The juxtaposition of these two locations highlights the tension between ambition and familial loyalty.

📍 Location 🌆 Theater

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Chorus (2005). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.

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Love and Sacrifice

The theme of love and sacrifice is prevalent throughout the story, showcasing how Patricia is torn between her career and her love for her sister. As she navigates her complicated feelings and decisions, the film delves into the lengths one will go for family, highlighting both the devotion and the consequences that can arise from such attachments.

🎭

Theater Life

Theater life is a central theme that brings characters together and also creates conflict. The allure of the stage often distracts characters from their responsibilities and desires, prompting them to make difficult choices. This theme underscores the passion and struggle within the performing arts, and how it impacts personal relationships.