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In the climax of Paddington (2014), the marmalade sandwich serves as a Chekhov's Gun. Established early in the film as an emergency provision kept under his hat—a habit and advice he inherited from his Uncle Pastuzo (not Aunt Lucy)—Paddington uses it on the roof of the Natural History Museum. When cornered by Millicent Clyde, he throws the sandwich into the air to attract a flock of pigeons he had befriended earlier. The pigeons swarm Millicent, blinding and distracting her, which allows Mrs. Bird to push her off the roof (or open the hatch to foil her), saving Paddington.
In the climax of the 2014 film Paddington, the marmalade sandwich serves as a classic "Chekhov’s Gun"—a narrative plant established early in the story that pays off at the most critical moment. Its significance is both mechanical (how it saves him) and thematic (what it represents).
Here are the specific details regarding its significance in the climax:
Early in the film, it is established that Paddington keeps a marmalade sandwich under his hat "in case of emergencies." This is a piece of advice given to him by Aunt Lucy. Throughout the film, the sandwich is treated as a running gag or a sign of his eccentricity, but the climax elevates it to a life-saving tool.
The climax takes place on the roof of the Natural History Museum. The antagonist, Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman), has Paddington cornered and intends to kill and stuff him to complete her father’s failed collection.
When Paddington finds himself trapped on the edge of the roof, he realizes this is the ultimate "emergency." He removes his hat and produces the sandwich. Instead of eating it, he uses the marmalade to attract a massive flock of London pigeons. Earlier in the film, Paddington’s interaction with the city's pigeons (which he often accidentally fed or attracted) was shown as a nuisance; in the climax, it becomes his salvation. The swarm of pigeons descends on Millicent, blinding and distracting her long enough for Paddington to escape her grasp and for the Brown family to intervene.
The sandwich represents the lingering protection and wisdom of Aunt Lucy. By using the sandwich to save himself, Paddington isn't just using a snack; he is utilizing the last piece of "home" and the lessons of his upbringing in Darkest Peru to survive in the urban jungle of London. It signifies that even though he is far from home, the values and preparations his family gave him are enough to see him through.
The use of the sandwich also highlights Paddington’s unique relationship with London. While Millicent Clyde views the city's nature (and Paddington himself) as something to be conquered, stuffed, and put behind glass, Paddington interacts with the city as a living thing. Using the "pests" of London (the pigeons) to defeat the villain reinforces the film's message that Paddington truly belongs in the city, messy habits and all.
The significance is topped off with a touch of irony: Millicent Clyde, a master taxidermist and hunter who uses high-tech weaponry and cold calculation, is ultimately foiled by a sticky piece of bread and fruit preserve. It highlights the triumph of Paddington’s innocence and "polite" preparedness over Millicent’s cruelty.
The summary says he 'uses the marmalade to attract' pigeons. Specifically, he throws the sandwich into the air.
While the sandwich distracts Millicent, it is Mrs. Bird who ultimately pushes her off the roof (or opens the hatch), which is a key part of the intervention mentioned broadly as 'the Brown family'.