Beaches

Beaches

Year: 1988

Runtime: 123 min

Language: English

Director: Garry Marshall

DramaComedyMusic

Beneath the vibrant boardwalk, two girls, C.C. Bloom and Hillary Whitney, forge a deep and enduring friendship. As they grow, their paths diverge, leading them through moments of career success, complex romances, and challenging personal struggles. Despite the changes and distance, their bond remains a source of strength and comfort, exploring the resilience of true friendship and its ability to navigate life's ups and downs.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Beaches (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Beaches (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The timeline spans several decades, beginning with the childhood of C.C. and Hilary in the 1950s. As they grow up, the film follows their evolving lives through the 60s and 70s, reflecting the changes in their personal aspirations, relationships, and the impact of significant life events, leading into the 80s as they navigate adulthood and motherhood.

Location

Atlantic City, New York, San Francisco

The movie begins in Atlantic City, a famous resort town known for its beaches and casinos, where two children first become friends. The story then moves to bustling New York City, a hub of arts and entertainment, where C.C. pursues her career and friendship with Hilary. Later, the narrative shifts to San Francisco, a city known for its stunning views and diverse culture, which becomes a backdrop for pivotal moments in Hilary's life.

🏖️ Atlantic City 🏙️ New York 🌉 San Francisco

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Main Characters – Beaches (1988)

Meet the key characters of Beaches (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

C.C. Bloom (Bette Midler)

C.C. is a passionate and ambitious performer, whose journey from a young girl in Atlantic City to a Broadway star reflects her determination and love for her craft. Her strong personality often leads to conflict in her relationships, especially with Hilary, but her loyalty and depth of feeling shine through in times of need.

👩‍🎤 Performer ❤️ Loyalty 🎤 Ambition

Hilary Whitney (Barbara Hershey)

Hilary is the privileged daughter who balances a life of luxury with her longing for genuine connections. Her character evolves dramatically as she pursues a legal career while navigating the complexities of love and friendship. She embodies resilience and warmth, especially during her challenges as a mother and a friend.

👩‍⚖️ Lawyer 🌟 Resilience 🤰 Motherhood

John (John Heard)

John is an aspiring director caught in a love triangle between C.C. and Hilary. His character reflects the challenges of professional ambition intertwined with personal relationships, as he grows to recognize the depth of C.C.'s talent and the complexities of his feelings toward both women.

🎬 Director 💔 Conflict 🎭 Creativity

Michael Essex (James Read)

Michael is Hilary's love interest, who provides a sense of stability in her life. His character represents traditional values and ambitions, yet he also faces his own challenges as he navigates love and personal loyalty, particularly in relation to Hilary's complex friendship with C.C.

❤️ Love Interest ⏳ Traditional 💼 Career

Victoria Cecilia (Grace Johnston)

Victoria is the daughter of Hilary, symbolizing hope and continuity in the friendship between C.C. and Hilary. Her character becomes a focal point towards the end of the film, as C.C. takes on a maternal role in her life, honoring the bond she shared with Hilary.

👧 Daughter 📖 Legacy 🎉 Hope

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Major Themes – Beaches (1988)

Explore the central themes of Beaches (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Friendship

At its core, the film centers on the complexities of friendship between C.C. and Hilary. Despite their different lifestyles and ambitions, their bond is tested through love, jealousy, and personal struggles. The theme highlights the endurance of their friendship amid life's challenges and showcases how it evolves over the years.

🎭 Ambition

Ambition plays a significant role in the movie, particularly in C.C.'s journey as an aspiring performer. Her desire for success sometimes conflicts with her personal relationships, illustrating the sacrifices one makes in pursuit of dreams. Hilary's ambition, reflected in her legal career, also contrasts with her devotion to family and friendship.

👶 Motherhood

Motherhood emerges as a critical theme, particularly through Hilary's pregnancy and C.C.’s promise to support her. The film explores the deep emotional connections and responsibilities that come with being a mother, as well as the challenges of navigating personal aspirations alongside maternal duties.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Unlock the Full Story of Beaches

Don't stop at just watching — explore Beaches 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 Beaches is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Beaches Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Beaches, 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.

Beaches Summary

Beaches Timeline

Track the full timeline of Beaches with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Beaches Timeline

More About Beaches

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Beaches: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Beaches

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