The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Recovering in spring 1959, Michael tells Carla that a woman helped him and asks if she knows her address.

Scene 12 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Carla
Michael

Act oneAct two

Begins 5 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 12

As a law student, Michael sees Hanna, his former lover, on trial for war crimes and must face the secret that shaped their teenage relationship.

Scenes 1–6
In 1995, Michael prepares breakfast for Brigitte, then is alone in his apartment and looks out the window.
Scene 7
Hanna finds and comforts Michael while he is sick, creating their first connection.
Just before
Scene 9
Michael reaches his block and tells Hanna he will be fine; after he goes inside, she hesitates at a crossroads while he watches.
Scene 10
At dinner, Michael’s family argues over his illness; he insists he needs no doctor, while his father refuses discussion.
Scene 11
A doctor diagnoses Michael with scarlet fever and orders months of isolation; his mother keeps his sister away.
Scene 12
This scene

12INT & EXT. BERG APARTMENT. DAY

1959. A sunny day in March. MICHAEL’s bed has been moved beside open windows so he can profit from the weak sun. He is sitting up, working on his stamp collection. CARLA is moving round behind him, tidying the room.

CARLA

How are you feeling?

MICHAEL

Better. By the way, I meant to tell

you, the day I got ill... a woman

helped me. A woman in the street.

CARLA

She helped you?

MICHAEL

Yes. She brought me home.

CARLA

Do you have her address?