Terry Taylor is a senior at the conservative Wyndham College for Women, and, under an assumed name, a successful pop songwriter. When her double life is exposed by her publisher, Gary Underwood unknowingly reveals her career, drawing the attention and condemnation of Wyndham’s board of trustees, led by a powerful California State figure Senator Hubert Morrison, who deems Terry’s behavior indecent. The scandal threatens her future at the college, and Terry must confront the pressure of impending expulsion.
To distract herself from this looming crisis, Sue Ann Mobley and Lynne, along with their physical-education instructor Marge Endicott, embark on a Christmas-break ski vacation in Sun Valley, Idaho. The trip brings them into contact with the familiar names from Terry’s life: Gary Underwood and his artist friend Armand, a charismatic duo who spark new romantic possibilities, while Morrison seeks to boost his appeal by courting the youth vote. Lynne’s husband accompanies them, creating a blend of personal loyalties and political ambitions that will test everyone involved.
As the vacation unfolds, the backdrop is alive with performances by The Dave Clark Five, The Animals, and other musical acts, lending energy to the chilly scenery and the social dynamics at play. Gary and Terry find themselves drawn toward each other, their initial publisher-propelled connection evolving into genuine attraction. Meanwhile, Armand and Sue Ann Mobley also form a connection, adding a layer of complexity to the group’s holiday dynamics. The pairings are playful but carry real tension, especially as the adults—led by Morrison—watch from the wings, weighing the costs of scandal against the allure of youth.
Morrison attempts to project confidence by showing off his dancing and charisma, even as a damning newspaper photograph threatens his re-election bid. The vacation becomes a delicate dance between image and reality, as the participants publicly demonstrate their support for Morrison’s platform while privately navigating their evolving relationships. The ensemble works to keep Terry’s secret life from derailing everyone’s plans, balancing preservation of reputation with the pull of romance and freedom.
Ultimately, the trip underscores a larger message about youth, leadership, and the power of media in shaping public opinion. Through musical interludes, intimate conversations, and strategic moves aimed at swaying public perception, the characters navigate the tension between appearances and truth. The result is a nuanced look at how politicians court younger voters, how personal choices ripple through a close-knit circle, and how a single vacation can redefine loyalties while keeping the core questions of integrity, ambition, and affection front and center.
