Almost Summer

Almost Summer

Year: 1978

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Martin Davidson

Comedy

Aren’t you glad it’s Almost Summer? A high-school election gets nasty.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Almost Summer yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Almost Summer (1978)

Trace every key event in Almost Summer (1978) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Beach gathering and candidate dynamics

During a sunny California beach gathering, two juniors are positioned as frontrunners for student body president. Bobby DeVito bets on Grant Michelson's campaign while quietly sizing up Christine Alexander, who is cuddled with her new boyfriend, Kevin Hawkins. Donna also spots Darryl Fitzgerald, a lesser-known junior, as a possible dark horse.

Day 1, daytime California beach
2

Christine suspends Grant and runs uncontested

The next day at school, Bobby and Dean discover that Christine had Grant suspended and is running uncontested. With only two weeks until the vote, they realize they need a replacement candidate to counter Christine.

Next day School
3

Replacement candidate idea

While working in the attendance office, Bobby encounters Darryl needing a note. He sees an opportunity in Darryl's anonymity to challenge Christine and, after some persuasion, Darryl agrees to run to gain attention from popular girls.

Later that day Attendance office, School
4

Darryl's assembly debut

At the school assembly introducing the candidates, Darryl delivers a speech that makes a positive impression on his classmates. His unexpected performance positions him as a credible contender and shifts the campaign momentum.

During assembly School auditorium
5

Personal conflicts and prom plans

Christine and Kevin argue about their future after Kevin fails to secure a football scholarship. Donna meanwhile excitedly plans for the senior prom, hoping Darryl's victory will make it memorable.

That day School
6

Campaign training and independence

Bobby guides Darryl through campaign preparations, turning him into a capable candidate. Darryl begins to show independence, subtly resisting being merely Bobby's puppet.

Campaign training montage Various locations around school
7

Love triangle complications

During a hangout, Bobby tells Darryl about Donna's feelings, but Darryl hesitates due to his campaign responsibilities. He confesses that he actually likes Christine, complicating the love triangle.

Evening Hangout spot
8

Debate challenge issued

Christine challenges Darryl to a debate and accuses him of being Bobby's puppet. The confrontation foreshadows a tough, independent race.

Before debate School debate stage
9

Cafeteria confrontation and fallout

Donna overhears the confrontation and confronts Bobby. He admits that he revealed her feelings to Darryl, which enrages Donna and triggers a cafeteria food fight.

Lunch period School cafeteria
10

Debate engagement

Darryl accepts Christine's debate challenge despite the tension. The campaign pushes forward with high stakes and a strong test of his leadership.

Debate day School debate venue
11

Debate interrupted by police revelation

During the debate, Dean interrupts by reporting police on campus arresting Duane Jackson. Darryl intervenes, quoting California law to expose an illegal search, gaining sympathy from classmates.

Debate night School debate venue
12

Election day tensions

On election day, Donna questions Darryl's motives. Bobby and Christine call a truce and reflect on the past as Darryl wins the election.

Election day School
13

Truth revealed and presidency declined

Darryl wins the election but immediately contemplates the truth about the staged police bust. He ultimately declines the presidency and leaves, unaware that his classmates actually support him.

Post-election School
14

Prom invitation and resolve

Donna visits Darryl, dressed for prom, and persuades him to go, arguing that his honesty earned their respect. Darryl agrees, setting the stage for prom night.

Prom prep night Donna's house
15

Prom night resolutions

At the prom, Darryl is touched by the support from his peers; Dean reunites with Nicole; Bobby and Christine share a kiss, signaling a bittersweet but hopeful ending to the school upheaval.

Prom night Prom venue

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:45

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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.

Almost Summer Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Almost Summer, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Almost Summer Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Almost Summer

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Almost Summer

More About Almost Summer

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More About Almost Summer

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