Gregory’s Girl

Gregory’s Girl

Year: 1980

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: English

Director: Bill Forsyth

ComedyRomanceUnderdogs and coming of ageRelationship comedyCrude humor and satire

This has to be the match of the day… A teenager falls hard for the female soccer player who has replaced him on the team and attempts to pursue her.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Gregory’s Girl (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Gregory’s Girl (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:43

Main Characters – Gregory’s Girl (1980)

Meet the key characters of Gregory’s Girl (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gregory Underwood (John Gordon Sinclair)

Gregory is a schoolboy who plays on his football team and is absorbed by his early romantic feelings for Dorothy. He shifts from center forward to goalkeeper when Dorothy proves herself, which tests his confidence and loyalty to friends Andy and others. He navigates jealousy and awkward dating attempts as he grows into a more self-aware young man.

⚽️ Football 💘 Romance 🧭 Coming-of-age

Dorothy (Dee Hepburn)

Dorothy arrives as a skilled footballer who quickly earns a place on the team, displacing Gregory as centre forward. She embodies competence and charm, prompting Greg to pursue her while also triggering the girls’ orchestrated dating dynamics. Her presence catalyzes both athletic and romantic developments in the story.

⚽️ Football 💪 Talent 👭 Friendship catalyst

Susan (Clare Grogan)

Susan is Dorothy’s friend who reveals that the group’s dating plans are a coordinated effort among the girls. She confesses the scheme and helps shape Gregory’s dating experience, later sharing in the romantic outcomes. She represents the social intelligence of the group and the playful manipulation of teen romance.

👭 Friendship 💬 Social dynamics 💖 First romance

Carol (Caroline Guthrie)

Carol is Dorothy’s friend who initially sets up the date scenario, guiding Gregory toward the chip shop and toward new companions. She demonstrates how the girls collaborate to influence the boys’ romantic pursuits and maintain social balance within their circle.

👭 Social dynamics 💬 Social planning 🍟 Social outing

Madeleine (Allison Forster)

Madeleine is Gregory’s precocious 10-year-old sister who offers dating advice and comments on her brother’s romantic adventures. Her observations provide an innocent, sometimes blunt perspective on romance, highlighting how younger siblings perceive mature relationships and the idea of honesty.

🧠 Clever 👧 Sibling dynamics

Andy (Robert Buchanan)

Andy is Gregory’s friend who experiences jealousy as Gregory gains new dating traction. He embodies the awkward, aspirational side of adolescence and the competitive edge that comes with seeking attention from peers. He also participates in the broader social misadventures surrounding football and romance.

⚽️ Football 😒 Jealousy 🤝 Friendship

Margo (Carol Macartney)

Margo is another friend drawn into the social web surrounding Dorothy and Gregory. She contributes to the group dynamics and the evolving dating narratives, illustrating how a circle of friends shapes individual choices through shared plans and responses.

👧 Friend 👀 Observant

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:43

Major Themes – Gregory’s Girl (1980)

Explore the central themes of Gregory’s Girl (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚽️ Sports & Competition

The plot centers on a school football team and a talent-driven trial that shakes up the lineup. Dorothy’s arrival proves she can play at a high level, causing Gregory to reassess his own role. The team dynamics shift as Gregory moves from centre forward to goalkeeper, highlighting how competition can redefine friendships and status. The athletic setting underlines the independence and confidence that come with proving oneself on the field.

👭 Friendship & Social Dynamics

A web of girl friendships drives much of the social plot, with Madeleine steering Gregory’s dating efforts from the sidelines. The women in Gregory’s world arrange and influence romantic encounters, illustrating a communal approach to romance. Dorothy, Carol, Margo, and the others cooperate in steering events, revealing a bond that shapes the male protagonists’ choices. The line between friendship and manipulation blurs as plans unfold.

💘 Young Love & Self-Discovery

Gregory’s attraction to Dorothy sets off a journey of first experiences and misadventure in romance. He imagines dating Dorothy but ends up dating Susan after a sequence of miscommunications, kisses, and second chances. The story explores naive idealism, experimentation, and the awkward learning process of growing up. Through these small romances, Gregory uncovers what he values in relationships and himself.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:43

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Gregory’s Girl Summary

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Gregory’s Girl Summary

Gregory’s Girl Timeline

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Gregory’s Girl Timeline

More About Gregory’s Girl

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