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The Reader: In 1958, fifteen-year-old Michael rides a tram, sweating and visibly ill as a woman watches him. (scene 3) · The Reading Room

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The Reader
Scene 3

The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

In 1958, fifteen-year-old Michael rides a tram, sweating and visibly ill as a woman watches him.

Scene 3 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Find another scene in The Reader

Act oneAct two

Begins 2 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 3

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.

Just before
Scene 1
In 1995 Michael quietly prepares breakfast for Brigitte, deflects her complaint with an egg, and reveals he will see his daughter.
Scene 2
After Brigitte leaves, Michael studies the traces of their night and watches a U-Bahn pass, alone in the apartment.
Scene 3
This scene

3INT. TRAM. DAY.

December 1958. MICHAEL, now 15, is sitting on a tram. He is in a well-cut suit he’s inherited, ill-fitting, with two-tone shoes and tangled mop of hair. Sweat breaks out all over his face. A WOMAN is staring at him. He’s plainly feeling ill.

← Scene 2After Brigitte leaves, Michael studies the traces of their night and watches a U-Bahn pass, alone in the apartment.Read the screenplay from here Scene 4 →In 1995, Michael stands at his apartment window, looking out.