Year: 1978
Runtime: 88 mins
Language: English
Director: Martin Davidson
Aren’t you glad it’s Almost Summer? A high-school election gets nasty.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Almost Summer (1978), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
During a sun-drenched California beach gathering, high school juniors rally behind two contenders for student body president. Bobby DeVito, Bruno Kirby, runs the campaign for Grant Michelson and keeps a keen eye on his rival, Christine Alexander, Lee Purcell, who is seen cuddling with her new boyfriend—the senior class president, Kevin Hawkins, Tim Matheson.
Donna, Bobby’s sister, Donna Wilkes admires a lesser-known junior named Darryl Fitzgerald, John Friedrich who has a crush on Christine. The next day, Bobby and his friend Dean Hampton, Thomas Carter, discover that Christine had Grant suspended and is running uncontested. With only two weeks until the vote, Bobby and Dean desperately seek a replacement candidate due to their substantial bets against Christine.
While working in the attendance office, Bobby encounters Darryl, who comes in late and needs a note. Bobby sees Darryl’s anonymity as an opportunity to challenge Christine. Despite initial resistance, Darryl is convinced when Bobby highlights that running for office is a way to gain attention from popular girls like Christine.
Minutes later, at the school assembly introducing the candidates, Darryl delivers a speech, making a positive impression on his classmates. Later that day, Christine and Kevin argue about their future plans after Kevin fails to secure a college football scholarship. Donna, meanwhile, excitedly plans for the senior prom, anticipating Darryl’s victory.
Bobby guides Darryl through campaign preparations, turning him into a skilled candidate. During a hangout, Bobby informs Darryl about Donna’s feelings, but Darryl is hesitant due to her involvement in his campaign, confessing he likes Christine.
Dean faces relationship issues with his aspiring singer girlfriend, Nicole, who goes on a date with a record producer. Christine challenges Darryl to a debate, accusing him of being Bobby’s puppet. Donna overhears and confronts Bobby, who admits revealing her feelings to Darryl. Enraged, Donna throws food at Bobby, sparking a cafeteria food fight. Despite disagreements, Darryl accepts Christine’s debate challenge.
Bobby insists Darryl can’t beat Christine, but Darryl asserts his independence. At the debate, Dean interrupts, reporting police on campus arresting Duane Jackson. Darryl intervenes, quoting California law and exposing the illegal search. On election day, Donna questions Darryl’s motives. Bobby and Christine call a truce, reminiscing about their past.
Darryl wins the election, but Donna declines his prom invitation, sensing a change in him. Darryl later apologizes to Bobby, who reveals the staged police bust. Darryl admits the truth to his classmates, declines the presidency, and leaves, unaware they support him. Donna visits Darryl, dressed for prom, and insists they go, as the students appreciate his honesty.
At the prom, Darryl is touched by classmates’ support, Dean reunites with Nicole, and Bobby and Christine share a kiss.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:45
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Lighthearted coming-of-age tales set against a backdrop of youthful optimism and personal growth.For viewers who liked 'Almost Summer', this section features movies with a similar light, optimistic, and nostalgic feel. Discover other sun-drenched teen comedies and gentle coming-of-age stories where youthful self-discovery is at the heart of the fun.
These narratives typically follow a young protagonist navigating a low-stakes but personally significant challenge, such as a school contest or first romance. The conflict is designed to test their character, ultimately affirming values like honesty and authenticity, and leading to a positive, satisfying resolution.
They are grouped by a shared commitment to a light tone, low emotional stakes, and a focus on the positive, often nostalgic, aspects of teenage life. The primary appeal is a consistent, upbeat, and undemanding viewing experience.
Stories where characters face a moral crossroads in a low-pressure world.If you enjoyed how 'Almost Summer' centered on a character's choice between winning and being honest, explore these other films. Find movies with similar moral dilemmas where the stakes are personal, not global, and integrity triumphs.
The narrative pattern involves a protagonist being tempted by ambition or peer pressure to compromise their values. After a period of doubt, they make the ethically correct choice, which is validated by the story's outcome, leading to personal vindication and often reconciliation with others.
These films share a core thematic focus on a specific type of moral arc. While their genres and settings may vary, they are unified by a straightforward plot where ethical self-discovery is the primary driver and leads to a positive conclusion.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Almost Summer in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Almost Summer is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Almost Summer with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Almost Summer. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Almost Summer that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
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Discover movies like Almost Summer that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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