MovieChat Forums > Legends of the Fall (1995) Discussion > I just caught the last half on TV yester...

I just caught the last half on TV yesterday

posted 9 years ago by Hanz-Willhelm2
1 reply | jump to latest

Can someone fill in a few of the blanks?

I started watching where Alfred was talking to Susannah on the porch of a cabin and the dad shows up and says that's Tristan's wife and they argued, and Alfred yells he loves her and she deserves to be happy. Tristan is not there. He's at war? WWI, where is he? When he gets back Susannah is married to Alfred. What?

Were they just engaged (Tristan and Susannah) or did she think he was dead, how do you marry someone else while you are already married. Which brother did Susannah love, Alfred or Tristan. When Tristan returns Susannah cries several times. When she finds out Tristan is marrying that other women she is emotional about it.

Finally she kills herself. ???? Why? I don't know enough of her back story to understand what she was suicidal about? Once married to Alfred she never seemed that happy about it and seemed to pine for Tristan. Was that supposed to be the reason? Why did she marry Alfred when she was with Tristan? What was the back story there? Also, where was Tristan during that time? He just shows up leading a pack of horses and everyone is glad to see him, where was he and how long was he away?

Back to Susannah, what was that cutting of the hair scene and suicide, without her backstory it is hard to understand why a woman would do that. I know they couldn't have kids apparently and Tristan had kids, I don't know if that was weighing on her emotionally. That suicide confused me, not seeing the story from beginning to end.

Was ist der Sinn des Lebens?

[–] ldlamb74 9 years ago

I don't think this will answer every question. But this should explain some.

She originally came as the fiancé of their younger brother Samuel, but then all three went to WWI.

Her fiancé was killed. Tristan somewhat blamed himself.

When they return, they both make a play for Susannah. She picks Tristan and Alfred moves away.

Eventually Tristan decides he can't stay at home because of his guilt and just up and leaves. There is a montage showing him travelling the world, using drugs and alcohol, etc. He is gone a long time, and eventually she receives a letter from Tristan telling her to forget him. After that she marries Alfred, but then years later Tristan returns. You saw the rest.