How does A Severed Head end?

In the final act ("Proposals and Awakenings"): Martin discovers Georgie with Alexander and impulsively proposes marriage. Upon returning home, he finds Antonia waiting in bed, leading to a calm but emotionally hollow conversation that underscores the story's themes.

A Severed Head (1971) — AI Story Visualization

Name: A Severed Head
Genre: comedy
Released: 1971
Rating: 5.2

Plot Analysis Summary

Explores the tangled web of upper-class London relationships, affairs, and emotional detachment.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Confession and The Secret

Connections and Introductions

The Dinner and The Departure

Proposals and Awakenings

Antonia Lynch-Gibbon, wife of upper-crust wine dealer Martin, falls in love with her husband's best friend, noted psychiatrist Palmer Anderson. While both Palmer and Antonia would like to remain in Martin's life, he has some secrets of his own — namely, a mistress called Georgie, whom his womanizing brother also desires. All the while, Palmer's sister Honor seems to know everyone's business.

Directed by

Dick Clement

Key Cast

Lee Remick — Antonia Lynch-Gibbon
Richard Attenborough — Palmer Anderson
Ian Holm — Martin Lynch-Gibbon
Claire Bloom — Honor Klein
Jennie Linden — Georgie Hands

Rating: 5.2/10 (12 votes)