The Room on Rue Amélie

Ruby Henderson is sitting in a cafe in New York, where she is studying at university, miles away from her home in California. The families around her make her feel lonely.

Suddenly, a man enters the cafe and greets her. He introduces himself as Marcel Benoit. Ruby invites him to sit with her, and they immediately connect. They are married several months later, and Ruby moves with him to Paris. Ruby’s parents are concerned because there is talk of a coming war. When Ruby voices these concerns to Marcel, Marcel is dismissive. However, the German advance continues and World War II begins.

Elsewhere in Ruby’s apartment building, the Dacher family celebrates Hanukkah. They hear rumors about the treatment of Jews in other countries, but Mr. Dacher believes they will be safe because they are French. Their daughter Charlotte is less convinced and is affected by taunting at school. The taunts make her feel ashamed of her religion, but her father encourages her to be proud of her heritage.

Charlotte goes onto her balcony and meets Ruby, who is standing on her own balcony next door. Ruby asks Charlotte for advice on feeling like an outsider as an American in France. Charlotte is relieved that a “glamorous” woman feels the same emotions as she does and tells Ruby not to listen to judgmental people. Later, Charlotte realizes that her window was open while she spoke with her parents, so Ruby must have heard them.

In the English countryside, Thomas Clarke arrives to begin training with the Royal Air Force. He and his fellow pilot Harry present themselves to their commanding officer, who tries to intimidate them before they begin. Later, Thomas practices flying with his flight sergeant. The experience is frightening at first, but the sergeant insists on trying again until he can do it effortlessly.

The war begins seeping into Paris, and Marcel tries to convince Ruby to return to America. Marcel is particularly bristly because a childhood limp prevented him from joining the army. They argue over Ruby’s decision to stay with him before reconciling and spending the night together.

Later, Ruby stands on her balcony and meets Charlotte. Charlotte wants to know why Ruby hasn’t left France, and Ruby explains that she wants to stand by her choice of coming to Paris. When she returns inside, Marcel grows angry at her for talking to Charlotte.

Several days later, Ruby and Marcel are at a café, where they are greeted by Marcel’s friend Aubert. Aubert wants to celebrate their bright future, and Ruby gets the sense that he and her husband are hiding something. Ruby excuses herself, irritated at their dismissive attitudes. When she returns, the men act secretively.

Paris becomes occupied by German soldiers, and food becomes strictly rationed. One day, Ruby returns home and sees Madame Dacher crying in the hallway. Madame Dacher explains that her family had to register as Jews, and a number of new regulations are being implemented. She asks Ruby to take care of Charlotte if she and her husband are taken away.

Later that evening, Marcel returns home in a good mood and slightly drunk. He announces that he was out drinking with Germans, and they argue about the risks he is taking. Ruby asks for his trust, and Marcel and Ruby make love. Ruby thinks there may be hope for their future.

Several weeks later, Ruby discovers that she is pregnant. She’s excited, but she is also worried because Marcel disappears for days at a time and rarely spends time with her. Ruby shares the news with Charlotte, and Charlotte is ecstatic at the idea. When Marcel returns home, Ruby tells him about their baby. Marcel tells her they’ve made a mistake and leaves.

Charlotte’s parents are overwhelmed by the new restrictions. To disrupt the tension, Charlotte confesses that Ruby will be having a baby. She worries that she’s betrayed Ruby’s trust, but Ruby dismisses her fears. She inquires after Charlotte and her family, and Charlotte inquires after Marcel. Both are experiencing domestic worries. Charlotte reflects on how she sometimes hears Marcel whispering to people in the hallway and worries that he is keeping secrets.

Determined to learn the truth, Charlotte waits to catch Marcel in the act. He sneaks in late at night and speaks to a woman in code. Charlotte initially thinks that he is having an affair, but they don’t act like lovers. Then, Marcel opens a secret compartment in the hallway; he goes inside and then comes out again. Charlotte vows to learn more and bring Ruby her findings.

Thomas composes a condolence letter to the mother of a fallen pilot and thinks about his own mother in London. He’s been planning to visit her, but the war is keeping him too busy.

Suddenly, an officer walks in and tells Thomas that his mother has been killed by bombs. He insists that Thomas take a few days’ leave. Thomas realizes he’s now completely alone.

Marcel is away from home, while Ruby thinks about their unborn son. A man knocks at the door looking for Marcel and is surprised to learn that Marcel has a wife. He leaves without telling Ruby his name.

When Marcel returns, Ruby realizes he must be working with the Germans. She confronts him about his visitors and his illegal activities. When pressed, Marcel admits that the man was a British spy and that he’s been working with the resistance network. He becomes aggressively defensive and orders Ruby to stay out of his work.

Later that night, Ruby awakes alone and in intense pain. She goes to the Dachers’ for help. Madame Dacher cares for her while Monsieur Dacher goes to alert a doctor. Ruby loses consciousness. When she wakes up, she finds Charlotte looking nervous. Madame Dacher arrives and tells Ruby she lost the pregnancy. She holds her stillborn child and notices how much he looks like Marcel.