Hannah and Her Sisters Summary

Thanksgiving. Leigh, with Elliot’s voiceover about her attractiveness. Holly borrows money from Hannah to start catering company with friend April, swears she’ll pay it back. Parents singing “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered.” Holly and April bemoan lack of interesting single men at the party. Elliot blushes when Leigh mentions Frederick’s nudes. Father praises Hannah for preparing the meal, but she deflects credit. He also mentions her acting success in A Doll’s House.

2. We all had a terrific time.

Leigh in taxi, voiceover: “Does Elliot have a little crush on me? I still feel a little buzz from his flirting.” Leigh with Frederick: “I just can’t be around people. … You are the only person I can be with. … There was a time you wanted to be only with me. … Have I really taught you all I have to give?” Frederick says Elliot lusts after Leigh.

3. The hypochondriac

Mickey has problems on the set of his show, while his former partner is a huge success in California. He arrives at Hannah’s for the twins’ birthday, says he likes Elliot: “I always like an underconfident man.” Goes to doctor to test for hearing loss, referred for more tests. Agonizes on set about brain tumor: “I was happy, but I just didn’t realize I was happy.”

4. The Stanislavski Catering Company

Architect David comes to kitchen, invites Holly and April on tour of city. Who will be dropped off first? Holly: “I hate April. She’s pushy.”

5. “…nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands.”

Elliot stalking Leigh on streets as she comes from Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Directs her to bookstore, buys her e.e. cummings book with poem he says reminds him of her. (“Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered” in background.) Later, Leigh reads poem stanza (from e.e. cummings, “somewhere I have never travelled, gladly beyond”): "nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands."

6. The anxiety of the man in the booth

Mickey’s CAT scan shows a gray area. He agonizes, wants to “make a deal with God.” Flashback to infertility doctor. He and Hannah ask his partner Norman to donate sperm for artificial insemination. David and Holly at the opera.

7. Dusty just bought this huge house in Southhampton.

Elliot brings rocker Dusty to see Frederick’s paintings. Leigh and Elliot make uncomfortable small talk. Elliot tries to kiss Leigh and switches music. Dusty leaves after argument with Frederick. Elliot meets Leigh on street, where she concedes she has feelings for him. “I have my answer. I’m walking on air.” Scene at Hannah’s parents. Irate father and drunk mother. Hannah makes peace. Hannah in voiceover: they use “infidelities to prove themselves.” Mother praises Hannah’s talent and success, which Hannah attributes to luck.

Mickey’s CAT scan. He fantasizes disaster, but is fine. Seeks answers to the meaning of life, “or I’m going to do something drastic.” Scene switches to Elliot and Leigh in hotel room. Postcoital conversation: “That was just perfect. You’ve ruined me for anyone else.” “I want to do things for you. … Hannah doesn’t need me as much.” Leigh arrives home to Frederick. “I’m just trying to complete an education I started five years ago. … You are my whole world.” Scene switches to Elliot getting into bed with Hannah. He thinks about the passion and dream with Leigh compared to the cozy reality with Hannah, feels guilty: “I paid her back by banging her sister in a hotel room.” Leigh calls: “I feel very close to you tonight.”

9. “The only absolute knowledge attainable by man is that life is meaningless.” –Tolstoy

Mickey searches for meaning. “I read Socrates –this guy used to knock off little Greek boys, what could I learn from him?” Watches joggers. Flashback to awful date with Holly.

Elliot and Leigh dancing in hotel room, drinking wine. Scene switches to sullen Elliot with Hannah and kids. She wants a baby with him. He is irritated: “It’s all very pre-conceived.”

11. The audition

Holly tells Hannah about David. Tells Hannah about singing audition: “You really know how to cut me down.” After both audition, April tells Holly David has asked her to the opera.

12. The big leap

Mickey tries Catholicism, argues with parents. Brings home crucifix, religious picture, Wonderbread, and Miracle Whip. Scene switches to sister lunch. Hannah tells Leigh about Holly, “Every time I try to be helpful, she gets so defensive.” Holly needs money, wants to write. “I need to latch onto something in my life. …I knew you’d be discouraging.” Hannah: “I think I’ve been very supportive.” Leigh: “Stop attacking Hannah, she’s going through a very difficult time.”

13. Summer in New York

Elliot to analyst: “I can’t seem to take action. … I can’t fathom my own heart.” Compares himself to Hamlet. Leigh with English professor from Columbia. Mickey approaches Hare Krishnas.

14. Autumn chill

Leigh reflects on delays with Elliot, dates professor (Doug). Holly calls Hannah to drop off draft. Scene switches to Thanksgiving. Elliot tries to engage Leigh. Hannah angry at Holly’s script: “Can I not accept gestures and feelings from people? … You make it sound like I have no needs or something. … You think I’m too self-sufficient?” Holly: “You’re so giving, and we’re all grateful.” Hannah: “You’re grateful, but resentful. … I don’t want to bother anyone [with my problems].” “Holly: “I want to be bothered.” Leigh tells Elliot it’s over. Mother loves script. Hannah with Elliot: “Do you find me too giving, too competent, too disgustingly perfect? … We’re communicating less and less, we sleep together less and less.” Elliot: “I need someone I can matter to. … It’s hard to be around someone who gives so much and needs so little in return.” Hannah: “I have enormous needs.” (In background, “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered” plays.)

15. Lucky I ran into you.

Mickey meets Holly in record store. Reads her script and likes it very much. Holly asks him: “You really went through a crisis. How did you get over it?” Mickey tells her about contemplating suicide, looking for a rational perspective, and ultimately being saved by a Marx Brothers movie.

16. One year later

Thanksgiving. Hannah’s mother proud that Hannah will be playing Desdemona. Elliot watches Leigh, married to Doug, and puts arm around Hannah. Mickey comes up behind Holly, who tells him, “I’m pregnant.”