Group Marriage

Group Marriage

Year: 1973

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Stephanie Rothman

ComedyDrama

Chris’s relationship with boyfriend Sandor deteriorates, leading her into an affair with parole officer Dennis. Dennis brings the pair to dinner with his former girlfriend Jan. During a beach picnic Jan meets lifeguard Phil, who later sleeps with Chris and joins the household. Phil introduces lawyer Elaine, and the six eventually form a group marriage that draws media scrutiny and sparks prejudice and conflict.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Group Marriage 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!

Timeline – Group Marriage (1973)

Trace every key event in Group Marriage (1973) 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

Car-lot clash and meeting Dennis

Chris and her friend Judy work at a car rental lot and clash with her boyfriend Sandor. Both try to enter the same car as Dennis, a parole officer, also chases it, leading to a tense moment on the lot. Chris accidentally hits Dennis during the heated exchange.

daytime car rental lot
2

Dennis stays over after the confrontation

Dennis is invited to spend the night at Chris and Sandor's place, where the air is charged with unresolved attraction. The proximity intensifies emotions, and the night ends with lingering tension rather than a simple resolution. Chris and Dennis feel drawn to each other despite the complications.

that night Chris and Sandor's apartment
3

Dinner with Dennis's ex Jan

Dennis invites Chris and Sandor to a dinner with his ex-girlfriend Jan. During the evening, Jan and Sandor are attracted to each other and end up in bed alongside Chris and Dennis. The scene sets the stage for a broader, nontraditional arrangement among the four.

evening Dennis's home
4

A four-way night of passion

Jan and Sandor continue the attraction, and the group expands to include Chris and Dennis in a shared, intimate encounter. Jealousy and shifting loyalties begin to surface as boundaries blur. The household starts to reorganize around this new dynamic.

same evening Dennis's home
5

Beach picnic and Phil's arrival

At a beach picnic, Jan meets lifeguard Phil Kirb, who later becomes a romance and a new housemate. Phil sleeps with Chris and soon moves into the group household. His arrival marks a turning point in the evolving relationship network.

beach picnic beach
6

Elaine joins the group

Phil brings in Elaine, a lawyer, to join the household as the sixth member. There is initial friction because Elaine represents Phil's ex-wife, but affection and compatibility prevail. The group expands again, adding another professional perspective.

after Phil's arrival home
7

Media scrutiny and resolve to stay together

The six-person group becomes the subject of media attention and public criticism. Despite the pressure, they decide to stay true to their arrangement and support one another. The household grows more cohesive as they weather the public gaze.

early period after Elaine joins home and surrounding media
8

Chris announces pregnancy

Chris reveals she is pregnant, though she is unsure who the father is. The announcement raises questions about paternity, responsibility, and the group's future. It intensifies the emotional stakes for everyone involved.

midpoint home
9

Car is firebombed

Unknown assailants firebomb the group’s car, signaling hostility from the outside world. The attack injects fear into the household and tests their commitment. They must decide how to respond while maintaining their bonds.

after pregnancy announcement outside the home
10

Proposal for a group wedding

Elaine suggests that the entire group tie the knot in a group wedding to formalize their arrangement. The idea rekindles debate about practicality but reinforces their shared commitment. They weigh tradition against their evolving family.

post-attack home
11

Jan leaves the group

Jan grows uncomfortable with the ongoing arrangement and ultimately leaves after a period of strain. She has sexual relations with a man outside the group, signaling the limits of the polyamorous experiment. The others continue with the plan, adjusting to her absence.

late home
12

Ending wedding and reconciliation

In the finale, Jan returns for a wedding involving Chris (heavily pregnant), Elaine, Sandor, Phil, Dennis, and Judy. Rodney and Randy, the gay neighbors, also marry each other. The ceremony closes the film with a sense of communal commitment despite ongoing complexities.

ending wedding venue
13

Dennis and Ramon subplot

A parallel thread follows Dennis trying to find a job for ex-con Ramon, who keeps getting into fights. Dennis struggles to help while Ramon battles recruitment and legal trouble. The subplot adds social commentary within the broader group narrative.

throughout city and offices
14

Rodney and Randy offer running commentary

The gay neighbors Rodney and Randy provide a running commentary on the group’s happenings, offering humor and external perspective. Their insights mirror public opinion and underscore the film's social themes. Their presence frames the story as much as it follows the central ensemble.

throughout neighbors' house

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:16

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Group Marriage

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

Group Marriage Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Group Marriage, 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.

Group Marriage Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Group Marriage

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Group Marriage

More About Group Marriage

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Group Marriage: 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 Group Marriage