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 – Beaches (1988)

Trace every key event in Beaches (1988) 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

Meeting in Atlantic City

C.C. Bloom and Hilary Whitney first meet in Atlantic City when they are both just 11 years old. Despite their differing backgrounds, they quickly establish a deep and lasting friendship.

Atlantic City
2

Promises to Write

After spending a memorable time together, C.C. and Hilary part ways but make a heartfelt promise to write to each other. They begin a long-standing correspondence, sharing their dreams and ambitions over the years.

3

Different Paths

As the years go by, C.C. pursues her passion for performing arts, while Hilary goes on to study law. Their lives take different trajectories, but their bond remains strong through their letters.

4

Hilary's Arrival in New York

Hilary arrives in New York City after breaking free from her structured life. She reunites with C.C., and the two friends support each other through their struggles as they navigate their new circumstances.

New York
5

C.C.'s Big Break

C.C. gets the opportunity to audition for a new stage director, marking the start of her career as an actress. However, her newfound success is complicated by her growing feelings for the director, who is interested in Hilary.

6

The Fight Over John

After C.C.'s big musical debut, tensions rise when Hilary spends the night with John, causing a significant rift between the two best friends. This incident ignites jealousy and misunderstandings that challenge their friendship.

7

Hilary's Family Crisis

Hilary is called to San Francisco to care for her ailing father, further complicating her relationship with C.C. During this time, she meets a man who ultimately becomes a significant part of her life.

San Francisco
8

Marriage and Heartbreak

After her father's passing, Hilary marries Michael Essex, deepening the divide between her and C.C. In a moment of desperation, C.C. proposes to John, but their relationship faces challenges as well.

9

C.C.'s Broadway Debut

C.C. opens her first Broadway show, a raunchy production that draws attention and mixed reviews. Hilary and Michael attend the opening night, leading to an unforgettable reunion fraught with tension.

Broadway, New York
10

The Big Fight

Following the show, C.C. and Hilary's friendship deteriorates after a significant fight at Bergdorf's. Each friend is left contemplating their life without the presence of the other, creating an emotional chasm.

Bergdorf Goodman
11

Return of Unread Letters

As time passes, C.C.'s attempts to reconnect with Hilary through letters go unanswered, reflecting their growing distance. C.C. struggles with the loss of her friend while she navigates her career and personal issues.

12

C.C.'s Nightclub Gig

After parting ways with John due to their conflicting needs, C.C. finds herself performing in a sleazy nightclub. Meanwhile, Hilary faces her own challenges when she discovers Michael with another woman.

13

Reconciliation

Hilary seeks out C.C. and they come to terms with their jealousy and misunderstandings. During this reunion, C.C. learns that Hilary is pregnant, prompting them to support one another once more.

14

The Birth of Victoria

C.C. helps Hilary through her pregnancy, but when a major opportunity arises in her career, she leaves to pursue it. Nevertheless, she returns to support Hilary during the birth of her daughter, Victoria Cecilia.

15

Caring for Hilary

After Hilary becomes ill, C.C. steps up to care for her best friend, demonstrating the strong bond they still share. This period of nurturing reinforces the true meaning of friendship for both women, even amid hardship.

16

Ending and Legacy

Following Hilary's tragic passing, C.C. becomes the guardian of her daughter, Victoria. As she reflects on her journey, C.C. begins to share the story of her and Hilary's enduring friendship with her, keeping their memories alive.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Beaches

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Beaches. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Beaches

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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