Picnic at Hanging Rock

The students and teachers at the college have dinner. Mrs. Appleyard worries about the rumors circulating about the college and about her unfinished correspondence with Miranda and Irma’s fathers. Edith complains of neuralgia in her cheek, which she assumes came from the drafty gymnasium. Sara, who has a migraine, stays in her room.

Mrs. Appleyard attends to her correspondence in her study after dinner with a large glass of cognac. She learns that Edith’s mother has decided to withdraw her from the school.

On Saturday, Reg Lumley arrives, telling Mrs. Appleyard that his sister, Miss Lumley, will be leaving her post at the school. Mrs. Appleyard furiously declares that she was planning on firing her anyway. The Lumleys depart in Mr. Hussey’s buggy.

Sara is unwell, and Minnie brings her dinner in bed. Sara tells her about her fear that she will be returned to an orphanage, remembering the trauma of her childhood. She refuses to eat.

The Lumley siblings check into a hotel. Overnight, it catches fire, and they are killed in the blaze.