The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

Michael arrives late at Hanna’s and begins reading Chekhov; Hanna sees through his excuse about school.

Scene 72 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Act oneAct two

Begins 28 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 72

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.
Scenes 7–24
The sick schoolboy Michael accepts Hanna’s help and returns to her.
Scenes 25–35
Michael enters an intimate relationship with Hanna, organized around his reading to her.
Just before
Scene 69
As the teacher discusses the Odyssey, Michael stares at Sophie and is teased for it.
Scene 70
At the lake, Michael watches Sophie swim and talks with her and Holger about the American visitors.
Scene 71
Smiling, Michael cycles back toward town.
Scene 72
This scene

72INT. HANNA’S APARTMENT. DAY

MICHAEL flies up the stairs, then goes in. HANNA is sitting sewing. He kisses her on the cheek as he gets out a book.

MICHAEL

I’m sorry I’m late. I was held up

at school.

At once he sits down opposite her. A ritual.

MICHAEL

The Lady with the Little Dog. By

Anton Chekhov.

HANNA looks, seeing right through him.

MICHAEL

“The talk was that a new face had

appeared on the promenade, a lady

with a little dog.”