A vivid tale of the American Dream, The Magnificent Ambersons chronicles the rise and fall of a Midwestern dynasty. Based on a 1918 Booth Tarkington novel, the story follows three generations of Ambersons who arrogantly believe their social prominence will last forever despite the vast social changes occurring all around them. Set against the backdrop of the industrial age, The Magnificent Ambersons is a parable of immense wealth, sabotaged relationships, doomed fate-and ultimately redemption.

National Standards

The Study guide of The Magnificent Ambersons fulfills the following National Standards for English and Language Arts as developed by the National Council for Teachers in English: Standards 3,4,5,6,7, and 12.

• calamity
• domineer
• estate
• mercenary
• prophet
• proprietor
• prosperity
• serenity
• testimonial

1. The film begins at the Amberson family estate where the family is holding a lavish gala. What significant behaviors do we see in each of the characters in this opening scene, and how do these behaviors reveal the characters’ personalities?

2. While speaking with Lucy, George reveals that he does not plan to go into a profession. What is Lucy’s reaction to George’s dream to be a yachtsman? How does George’s dream later influence the relationship between George and Lucy?

3. While riding by on his carriage, George called Eugene’s car an “old sewing machine.” Give other examples that show George’s strong distaste for automobiles. Why do you think George believes cars to be a “nuisance” that “had no business being invented?”

4. Upon learning of rumors that his mother and Eugene will soon wed, George immediately rushes to Mrs. Johnson’s home to try to dispel any gossip. How does George’s denial mark a critical turning point in the story?

5. What do Uncle George and Fanny do to try to immerse themselves in the thriving industrial economy? What do their efforts reveal about the state of the Amberson fortune?

6. How and why does George sabotage his mother’s relationship with her true love? What effects do his actions have on his own relationship with Lucy?

7. While conversing with George in Paris, Isabel says “perhaps it is like the smoke in the sky…Things that we have and think are so solid are like smoke; and time is like the sky the smoke disappears into.” What does she mean by this metaphor? How does this comparison relate to both George and Isabel’s lives?

8. How is Isabel’s love for George ultimately the cause of her own unhappiness?

9. As the Amberson mansion is foreclosed George has a vivid vision from his youth. Describe George’s vision. What do you think is the significance of his flashback?

10. How is the automobile used as a symbol of change throughout the film? What other symbols of change appear in the film (e.g. the expanding town, the latest Civic History Book which no longer holds the Amberson name, etc.), and what are the significance of these symbols?

11. How is the film’s final scene a bittersweet moment for George? What is the message that the author is trying to convey as George receives forgiveness while lying cripple in the hospital bed?

1. Uncle George gives his nephew several pieces of advice throughout the film. List some of this wisdom and explain which suggestions you think are most helpful. Then list some advice of your own that you feel young George could have benefited from.

2. While this film retains the original ending from the novel written by Booth Tarkington, the first production in 1942 cut the ending to reduce the length of the film. If you were in charge of re-writing the film how would you change the ending?

3. Choose one character from the Magnificent Ambersons and write a series of journal entries that he or she may have written about their experiences.

4. Make a timeline of the historic events in America at the turn of the century. Focus on the economic and social developments spawned by the Industrial Revolution.

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Air Dates

• December 20, 2000