What Is The Inn of the Sixth Happiness About?
The premise of The Inn of the Sixth Happiness in 314 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a restless pre‑war era, an ambitious Englishwoman named Gladys Aylward dreams of serving a distant land. Rejected by the missionary board for her lack of formal training, she is thrust into a world of modest domestic work for a seasoned explorer, whose connections open a narrow, overland route to China. The journey itself feels like a pilgrimage, crossing harsh steppes and bustling border towns, each step pulling her farther from the familiar comforts of home and deeper into an unfamiliar culture that both intimidates and beckons.
Arriving in a remote mountain village, Gladys discovers an inn that doubles as a haven for weary travelers and their animals. The humble establishment becomes the heart of the community, a place where stories are shared over steaming tea and where she begins to stitch herself into the fabric of daily life. With the help of a devoted cook who also serves as her language tutor, she slowly learns the rhythms of the village, the cadence of its language, and the subtle grace of its rituals.
Her determination soon earns her a surprising appointment as a foot inspector, a role that places her at the forefront of a quiet crusade against an ancient practice. The local Mandarin recognizes her resolve, entrusting her with delicate responsibilities that blend compassion with quiet authority. Amidst this work, Captain Lin Nan, a principled military commander, returns to the region and a tentative, heartfelt connection forms between them, hinting at the possibility of love that transcends cultural boundaries.
Yet the tranquility of the village is shadowed by the gathering storm of conflict. Rumors of a foreign invasion ripple through the hills, and the sense of impending change presses upon Gladys and her newfound family. With a steadfast promise to stand beside the people she has come to cherish, she faces an uncertain future, her resolve a quiet beacon amid the gathering darkness.
What Happens in The Inn of the Sixth Happiness?
The complete story of The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, from the first scene to the last, in 854 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Rejected for her lack of formal education, Gladys Aylward Ingrid Bergman is given a chance to prove herself when Dr. Robinson Moultrie Kelsall helps her secure a position in the home of Sir Francis Jamison Ronald Squire, a veteran explorer with connections in China. Over months, she scrimps and saves enough to buy a ticket for the Trans-Siberian route, choosing the perilous overland path that’s cheaper but far riskier. Sir Francis also reaches out to his longtime friend in China, the veteran missionary Jeannie Lawson Athene Seyler, who agrees to take Gladys on as an essential assistant at her mission in Yangcheng. Lawson has already carved out a humble life for muleteers near an inn she runs, where travelers can feed their animals, sleep in clean beds, and hear Lawson’s stories drawn from the Bible. Through those stories and the steady work of the inn, the film follows Aylward’s slow acculturation, her growing faith, and the sense that she’s found a place among people whose world she’s only just begun to understand.
As time passes, Aylward takes charge of the inn with help from Yang [Peter Chong], the devoted cook who becomes both language tutor and cultural bridge, teaching her Chinese while sharing his own stories. The local Mandarin [Robert Donat] recognizes her resolve and entrusts her with a startling mission: to serve as his Foot Inspector and wage a quiet campaign against the archaic practice of foot binding. Her humility, courage, and practical approach win the trust of the people and, gradually, the respect of the Mandarin himself as she travels through rugged mountain passes and remote villages. It’s not long before she earns a nickname that speaks to her spirit: “She who loves,” a testament to her unwavering care for the vulnerable, including the children she begins to gather along the way, and she becomes steadily more accepted as a Chinese citizen.
Captain Lin Nan [Curd Jürgens], the garrison commander, returns to the region to help prepare for the looming conflict with Japan. He and Aylward share a quiet, growing bond as they accompany her on rounds, and when Lin leaves, they briefly confess their love. The war that follows changes everything. In 1937, Japanese forces invade China, and a devastating air raid shatters the city, killing Yang and forcing a mass evacuation. The Mandarin orders the population moved to safety in the countryside, and Li [Burt Kwouk], a former prisoner, comes to assist Aylward with her growing brood of adopted children.
Lin returns with grim news: the war is going badly, and the Mandarin must seek safety away from the city. He urges Aylward to accompany him, but she stays with her people, declaring, “These are my people and I will live and die for them.” The moment deepens their bond as they share a final kiss, and Lin helps secure a path for her amidst the chaos. In a council meeting, the Mandarin makes a momentous decision of his own, announcing that he intends to convert to Christianity to honor the faith at the heart of Aylward’s work. He bids farewell to his people, certain they will not meet again.
In the aftermath, the city lies nearly deserted, and Aylward works tirelessly to care for fifty children at the inn, while another fifty arrive from a different mission with a desperate letter: trucks will evacuate them to a safer interior, but they must reach the Xi’an mission by 12 November. The road ahead is blocked by Japanese forces, so Lin and his men map another route over the mountains, bringing a glimmer of hope. Lin places a ring on Aylward’s hand and tells her, “I know you’ll come back if you can.” The journey is grueling, including a dangerous river crossing, but they persevere and arrive on the deadline day, save for Li, who dies to shield them from a Japanese patrol.
The climactic march unfolds with a column of children led by Aylward filing up the steps of the mission, to the tune of the familiar song “This Old Man,” a tune she taught the children to keep spirits alive after the river crossing. Dr. Robinson greets her with a somber nod, and the moment arrives when he asks if she remembers him: “My name used to be Gladys Aylward.” She replies with a quiet dignity, and he concedes, “Gladys Aylward, who wasn’t qualified to come to China.” He invites her to join the children in a village in the interior, but she turns him down, casting a hopeful look toward the mountains as she says, “I am going home.”
These are my people and I will live and die for them.
My name used to be Gladys Aylward.
Throughout the film, the viewer is drawn into Aylward’s steadfast determination, her unexpected authority as she helps end an age-old custom, and her deep connections with both her Chinese community and the people who came to rely on her. The story blends personal growth with broader historical upheaval, showing how one determined individual can bridge cultural divides, heal wounds, and leave a lasting imprint on a community facing extraordinary challenges.
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Rejected for China, then a breakthrough” to “Arrival at the mission and a homecoming ends”. 13 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Rejected for China, then a breakthrough
Aylward is rejected as a potential missionary to China because of her lack of education. Dr. Robinson, the senior missionary, feels sorry for her and secures a position in the home of Sir Francis Jamison. He writes to his friend in China, Jeannie Lawson, who agrees to accept Gladys as a much-needed assistant at her mission in Yangcheng.
- 2
Funds, route, and risk
Aylward saves her money to buy a ticket on the Trans-Siberian Railway, choosing the more dangerous overland route to the East because it is less expensive. The journey marks the beginning of her acculturation as she heads toward China.
Where:Trans-Siberian Railway / East
- 3
Lawson accepts Gladys for Yangcheng mission
Sir Francis writes to Jeannie Lawson, who agrees to accept Gladys as a much-needed assistant at her mission in Yangcheng. Lawson has set up an inn for muleteers, where the men can get clean food for their animals, communal beds without bugs, a good hot meal and Lawson's free stories. Aylward begins her path in China through Lawson's mission.
Where:Yangcheng
- 4
Inn for muleteers and a new helper
Lawson's inn provides clean food, beds, and stories for muleteers passing through. Aylward becomes Lawson's assistant and begins learning about the local people and language. The community begins to see her as part of the mission.
Where:Yangcheng inn
- 5
Tragedy at the inn
Tragedy strikes when a balcony collapses, killing Lawson. The loss leaves Aylward to carry on the mission with the help of Yang and others. The inn continues to operate as the new center of her work.
Where:Yangcheng inn
- 6
Lin's farewell and advice
Captain Lin, commander of Yancheng's garrison, advises Aylward to go home and wishes her well as he leaves. This farewell marks a turning point as she continues her work among the local people. The departure signals the shifting tide toward war.
Where:Yangcheng
- 7
Foot Inspector and citizenship
The local Mandarin appoints Aylward as Foot Inspector, charging her with enforcing the government's anti-foot binding policy. She travels through the mountains, wins the esteem of the people, and even earns Chinese citizenship while continuing her mission. Her hard work earns her the nickname 'She who loves'.
Where:Yangcheng region
- 8
Love and war on the horizon
Lin returns with news of growing trouble as Japan prepares for war. The two journey on her rounds, and they confess their love before Lin leaves again. Their bond deepens against a backdrop of looming conflict.
Where:Yangcheng / surrounding countryside
- 9
1937 invasion and evacuation begins
Japan invades in 1937 and an air raid shatters the city, killing Yang. The Mandarin evacuates the population to the countryside. Li, a former prisoner, comes to help Aylward with her five adopted children.
When:1937 Where:Yangcheng
- 10
Refusal to abandon her people
Lin returns with grim news of the war, and he urges Aylward to leave with him. She refuses, declaring, 'These are my people and I will live and I will die for them.' They share a kiss before separation.
When:1937 Where:Yangcheng
Show the other 4 events of The Inn of the Sixth Happiness Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Mandarin's Christian conversion and farewell
In a moving moment, the Mandarin announces that he is converting to Christianity to honor Aylward and the faith she embodies. He bids her farewell, saying they will not meet again. The city grows quieter as the conflict intensifies.
When:1937 Where:Mandarin's council / city
- 12
Evacuation plans and the mountain road
50 children arrive at the inn from another mission, and a new letter orders their evacuation to Xi'an by 12 November. Trucks will take them, but the Japanese control the road ahead, forcing a dangerous mountain crossing. Lin gives Aylward a map and a ring, saying, 'I know you'll come back if you can.'
When:Three weeks before 12 November 1937 Where:City / Inn
- 13
River crossing and Li's sacrifice
After a long, perilous journey including a river crossing, the group arrives at the waiting trucks on the day they are due to leave. Li dies to save them from a Japanese patrol, a heartbreaking sacrifice that steels the remaining group's resolve.
When:12 November 1937 Where:Mountains / river crossing
- 14
Arrival at the mission and a homecoming ends
The column of children reaches the steps of the mission amid cheering crowds. Dr. Robinson greets Aylward and acknowledges how she has changed. She reveals her former name and declares she is going home, looking back toward the mountains.
Where:Mission steps
Who Are the Main Characters in The Inn of the Sixth Happiness?
8 characters, among them Gladys Aylward (Ingrid Bergman), The Mandarin of Yangcheng (Robert Donat) and Captain Lin Nan (Curd Jürgens): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Gladys Aylward (Ingrid Bergman)
Played by Ingrid Bergman
A determined and compassionate missionary who overcomes early rejection to pursue her calling in China. She learns Chinese, runs the inn, and leads efforts to abolish foot binding. Her persistence earns the trust of locals and a sense of belonging among the people she serves.
- 💖 Compassion
- 🌍 Cultural Bridge
- ✝️ Faith-driven
- 🎯 Determination
-
The Mandarin of Yangcheng (Robert Donat)
Played by Robert Donat
A powerful local authority who commissions Aylward as a foot inspector and evolves into a nuanced ally. He guides the region through mounting tensions and, ultimately, embraces faith to honor Aylward’s influence. His arc blends authority with reform and spiritual openness.
- 👑 Authority
- 🕊️ Faith & Change
- 🧭 Reform
- 🛡️ Leadership
- CL
Captain Lin Nan (Curd Jürgens)
Played by Curd Jürgens
A garrison commander who returns to prepare the region for conflict and forms a personal bond with Aylward. He supports evacuation efforts and demonstrates duty under pressure. His relationship with Aylward highlights loyalty, courage, and unspoken affection.
- ⚔️ Military Leader
- 🛡️ Duty
- 🤝 Ally
-
Li (Burt Kwouk)
Played by Burt Kwouk
A former prisoner who becomes a steadfast helper to Aylward and the adopted children. He embodies resilience and loyalty, risking himself to protect others in danger. His presence underscores themes of redemption and communal care.
- 🫱 Redemption
- 🤝 Ally
- 🧭 Local knowledge
- Y(
Yang (Peter Chong)
Played by Peter Chong
The devoted Chinese cook who teaches Aylward the language and culture through stories. He helps run the inn and keeps the community fed and informed. His partnership with Gladys illustrates mutual respect and cultural exchange.
- 🍲 Cook & Storyteller
- 🗣️ Cultural Mediator
- 🧭 Language Tutor
- JL
Jeannie Lawson (Athene Seyler)
Played by Athene Seyler
A veteran missionary who established the inn and mentored Aylward in her early work. Her death during a balcony collapse marks a turning point and underscores the human cost of mission work. Her legacy persists in the community she helped build.
- 🎖️ Veteran Missionary
- 🕊️ Mentor
- 🗺️ Pioneer
- DR
Dr. Robinson (Moultrie Kelsall)
Played by Moultrie Kelsall
A senior missionary who initially doubts Aylward but grows to respect her dedication and leadership. He embodies institutional skepticism and eventual recognition of bold, life-changing work. He greets Gladys with acknowledgment of how far she has come.
- 🧭 Skeptic to Believer
- 🏥 Missionary Leader
- SF
Sir Francis Jamison (Ronald Squire)
Played by Ronald Squire
A veteran explorer with Chinese connections who helps secure Aylward’s opportunity to begin her mission. His support provides practical aid and a worldly perspective to the cause. He represents the benevolent patron who enables cross-cultural impact.
- 🌍 Explorer & Connector
- 🧭 Patron
Where and When Is The Inn of the Sixth Happiness Set?
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness is set in Yangcheng County, China, Xi'an and China (1930s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1930s
The film is set in the mid-to-late 1930s, focusing on life at a mission in rural China before and during the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War. It depicts social reforms like the abolition of foot binding and the daily rhythms of mission life prior to full-scale conflict. The timeline culminates with the 1937 invasion and wartime evacuations.
Where
Yangcheng County, China, Xi'an, China
The story unfolds in Yangcheng, a remote Chinese county where Gladys Aylward runs an inn for muleteers. The inn functions as a hub for travelers, stories, and relief in a rugged, mountainous landscape. As war approaches, the region and its routes—above all toward Xi'an—become critical for evacuation and survival.
- 🏯 China
- 🗺️ Mission work
- 🏔️ Mountainous region
- 🚪 Inn setting
What Are the Themes of The Inn of the Sixth Happiness?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Compassion, Faith and War & Resilience.
-
01
Compassion
Gladys’s unwavering care for others drives the narrative—from running the inn for muleteers to rescuing children and learning the language to better help the community. Her empathy bridges cultural divides and fosters trust among locals. Compassion here acts as both personal vocation and social reform.
-
02
Faith
Faith guides actions and fuels cross-cultural understanding, culminating in the Mandarin’s conversion to Christianity in honor of Gladys. The story frames belief as a catalyst for reconciliation and hope amid hardship. Prayer, moral conviction, and spiritual resolve shape many pivotal choices.
-
03
War & Resilience
The invasion tests the community as civilians endure sieges, evacuations, and loss. Characters navigate river crossings, mountain treks, and the imminent threat of violence, showing resilience born from collective effort. Even in hardship, the mission remains a beacon for children and refugees.
What Kind of Film Is The Inn of the Sixth Happiness?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A steady, hopeful drama that follows a determined woman's journey of faith and resilience in wartime China, balancing moments of tragic loss with an uplifting spirit of human connection and sacrifice.
- steadfast
- uplifting
- resilient
- melancholic
- devoted
- courageous
- faith and mission
- cultural adaptation
- war survival
- found family
Content notes: war violence, bombing, child endangerment.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Inn of the Sixth Happiness? Test yourself on the story.
