Hans Christian Andersen 1952

Hans entertains Odense children with fairy tales

In the 1830s, Hans Christian Andersen spends his days spinning fairy tales for the village children in Odense. His stories enchant the youngsters but draw the ire of the stern schoolmaster. The town's leaders worry the tales are distracting the students.

Town officials order Hans out of Odense

The schoolmaster pleads with the Burgomaster and councilmen to curb Hans's storytelling. Faced with the dispute, the council decides that Hans must leave Odense. Hans's bright future in the town is abruptly halted.

Hans and Peter head to Copenhagen to seek a new start

Hans and his teenage assistant Peter decide to travel to Copenhagen to escape the town's ban. They prepare for a sea voyage, seeking a new start in the capital. The decision marks the first step toward a life in the wider world of theater.

Arrival in Copenhagen and the arrest at the Great Square

Upon arriving in Copenhagen, they make for the Great Square and Hans stands atop a king statue to address the crowd. His bold act leads to an arrest for defaming the image of their leader. Peter hides near the Royal Theatre and overhears choreographer Niels arranging to free Hans.

Peter overhears the plan to free Hans

Peter seeks refuge by the back entrance of the Royal Theatre and overhears Niels demanding that a company producer fetch a cobbler to free Hans. The plan hinges on quick, secret maneuvering to rescue him from custody. The tension escalates as Hans's fate hangs in the balance.

Hans is bailed out and introduced to the theatre

Hans is bailed out by the theatre company and brought to the theatre, where he becomes entranced by a Royal Danish Ballet rehearsal. He is drawn to the beauty and talent of the company, especially Doro, the lead ballerina. The encounter foreshadows a complicated romance.

Doro lends slippers and Hans falls for her

Doro gives Hans the slippers she uses, and his infatuation deepens as he watches the dancers. Peter discovers that Niels and Doro are happily married, despite their quarrels, complicating Hans's feelings. The moment cements the unrequited nature of his love.

Hans writes The Little Mermaid as a love letter

Hans writes a love letter to Doro in the form of a fable called The Little Mermaid, telling her that she has chosen the wrong man. That night, while Peter secretly reads the letter, a gust of wind carries it into the theatre and a doorman delivers it to Doro. The gesture intertwines his art with his longing.

The ballet tour begins; Hans returns to storytelling

The ballet company sets off on its annual tour, leaving Hans bereft. He finds solace by entertaining a new group of children with his stories as he counts the days by making bright satin slippers for his absent ballerina. The writer's art remains his refuge.

Hans meets Lars and tells the Ugly Duckling

One day, Lars, a sad boy, remains behind after the others tease him. Hans tells him the tale of the Ugly Duckling, illustrating how ostracism can turn to beauty. He also keeps busy by crafting pairs of satin slippers for his absent ballerina.

The Gazette invites publication of Ugly Duckling

Lars's father, the publisher of the Gazette, invites Hans to publish The Ugly Duckling in the newspaper. Hans rejoices and asks that his credit be changed to 'Hans Christian Andersen'. The moment marks a turning point toward wider recognition.

Doro reveals the ballet based on The Little Mermaid

Doro tells Hans that the company has created a ballet based on his story The Little Mermaid, which he believes is a sign of her love. The next day, Peter warns that Doro might humiliate him, and Hans suggests they part ways to avoid further heartbreak. He heads to the opening of the new ballet.

Opening night: Hans is locked in a closet

During the opening night, Hans tries to deliver Doro's slippers backstage, but Niels locks him in a closet to stop him from disrupting the performance. Hans listens to the music and dreams of his own tale as the ballet unfolds on stage. The tension between art, love, and pride comes to a head.

Morning after: revelations and departure

The morning after, Doro confronts the romance and learns that Hans's feelings may be unreciprocated. Niels continues to belittle him by offering money for The Little Mermaid, which Hans refuses. He leaves in sorrow, heading back toward Odense with his friend Peter by his side.