Dream a Little Dream

Dream a Little Dream

Year: 1989

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Marc Rocco

DramaComedyRomance

Two small-town friends unexpectedly discover a pair of magical sunglasses that transport them into the world of Hollywood dreams. Suddenly, their ordinary lives are intertwined with the dazzling and often unsettling realities of Tinseltown. As the line between fantasy and nightmare blurs, the pair must find a way to reclaim their lives and navigate the complexities of a world where dreams can quickly turn into a dangerous illusion.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dream a Little Dream 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!

Dream a Little Dream (1989) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Dream a Little Dream (1989), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

As Bobby Keller embarks on a fateful night drive through a shortcut, he unexpectedly crosses paths with Lainie Diamond, the girl he’s recently grown fond of. At the same time, the elderly professor Coleman Ettinger is immersed in a quest with his wife Gena to master the art of meditation in their serene backyard sanctuary, aiming to unite their minds for an eternal bond. However, destiny takes a twist when Bobby’s reckless actions lead to a collision with Lainie, leaving both high schoolers unconscious and triggering a surreal series of events that merges the consciousness of two distinct pairs: Coleman and Gena find themselves ensnared in the bodies of Bobby and Lainie.

Upon awakening in Bobby’s bedroom, Coleman is met with bewilderment and confusion. His best friend Dinger and parents are anxiously inquiring about his condition, but “Bobby” is lost, having completely detached from his own identity. Attempting to regain control over this unusual situation, Coleman adopts the persona of Bobby Keller, exploring his new environment with a blend of curiosity and desperation. He becomes increasingly fixated on reuniting with Gena, only to face mounting frustration as he struggles to grasp the bizarre reality that has enveloped him.

As Coleman succumbs to sleep, his subconscious conjures a dreamscape where he encounters the real Bobby Keller, who is caught in a limbo partially shaped by Coleman’s own psyche. The trapped Bobby delivers a grave warning: Gena, who was initially skeptical of her husband’s “dream state” theory, has found herself ensnared alongside Lainie in a shared dream, running the risk of being eternally lost within its convoluted pathways. With time slipping away to avert this looming disaster, Bobby implores Coleman to devise a way to rescue Gena before she forgets him entirely and goes missing forever in the dream’s depths.

In his new identity as Bobby, Coleman faces a complicated dilemma. The real Bobby claims to hold the key to reversing their peculiar situation but hesitates to provide assistance, finding comfort in the dreamlike existence he’s come to inhabit. This otherworldly realm, spawned from the chaos of his troubled teenage years, has become more enchanting than the harsh realities of the world he once lived in. Meanwhile, Coleman’s time is running short; he must traverse a complicated landscape of generational divides, navigate the dynamics of high school cliques, and confront personal fears to effect meaningful change in Bobby’s life.

Matters become even more critical with the looming threat of Joel, Lainie’s aggressive boyfriend, whose violent outbursts pose a serious risk to the fragile equilibrium. Bobby’s connections with his family and friends also require healing, alongside his tense relationship with Lainie, who has her own grievances with her counterpart. For Coleman to succeed in this intricate rescue mission, he must skillfully orchestrate a blend of elements while persuading Lainie to replicate the meditation experiment that might just save both Gena and Bobby’s relationship.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 20:10

Unlock the Full Story of Dream a Little Dream

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

Dream a Little Dream Timeline

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

Dream a Little Dream Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Dream a Little Dream

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Dream a Little Dream

More About Dream a Little Dream

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dream a Little Dream: 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 Dream a Little Dream

Similar Movies to Dream a Little Dream

Discover movies like Dream a Little Dream 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.