It’s World War II and four siblings—Peter Pevensie, Susan Pevensie, Edmund Pevensie, and Lucy Pevensie—are evacuated from London to keep them safe from the German air raids. The children go to stay in the countryside with an old Professor, who is kind but a little eccentric, and his housekeeper, Mrs. Macready. The Professor’s house is very old and full of hidden passageways and curiosities.

Although Lucy is a little apprehensive about the Professor, all the children are excited at the prospect of spending time in the country. Because of the wet weather, the siblings decide to explore the house. They discover one room that is completely empty except for an ornate wardrobe. Susan, Edmund, and Peter are uninterested and leave the room, but Lucy stays behind. Stepping into the wardrobe, Lucy finds several thick fur coats. Pushing her way through the coats, Lucy is surprised that the wardrobe seems much bigger than she thought possible. Lucy is amazed as she wanders into a wintery wood with snow falling. Reassured by the fact she can always return through the wardrobe, Lucy looks around and walks toward a light, which turns out to be a lamppost.