How to Beat the High Cost of Living

How to Beat the High Cost of Living

Year: 1980

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Scheerer

ComedyCrime

Jane, Elaine, and Louise, three friends struggling with the pressures of suburban life and financial hardship, find themselves at a breaking point. Jane faces an unexpected pregnancy with a partner who lacks resources, Elaine is navigating a difficult divorce, and Louise is desperately trying to keep her business afloat. Feeling trapped and seeking a way out, they devise a risky plan to steal from a local mall, hoping for a temporary escape from their overwhelming circumstances and a chance to reclaim control of their lives.

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Timeline – How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980)

Trace every key event in How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980) 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

Jane's Divorce

Jane experiences the emotional turmoil of her recent divorce, navigating the complexities of single motherhood. Her newfound freedom is overshadowed by challenges such as managing relationships and caring for her children, leading to feelings of isolation and distress.

Eugene, Oregon
2

Financial Struggles Begin

As Jane deals with her divorce, she confronts mounting financial pressure, especially as her children require dental care. This financial strain makes her life increasingly chaotic, particularly after learning about her unexpected pregnancy, which adds to her worries.

Eugene, Oregon
3

Elaine's Marriage Collapse

Elaine faces a traumatic upheaval when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. This sudden change leads her to grapple with overdue bills, as her financial situation deteriorates and she becomes overwhelmed by credit card debt.

Eugene, Oregon
4

Elaine's Night with Police

Desperate and stressed, Elaine has a dangerous night of drinking that culminates in an embarrassing encounter with Officer Jack. Though she struggles with vulnerability due to Jack's marital status, their chemistry begins to develop against her better judgment.

Eugene, Oregon
5

Louise's Court Order

Louise learns that her ex-husband, Albert, has filed a court order against her regarding their shared debt. Faced with the realization that her past mistakes could jeopardize her future, she resolves to take action to alter her financial fate.

Eugene, Oregon
6

Yard Sale Scheme

In a bid to improve their dire situations, Jane, Elaine, and Louise decide to hold a yard sale. They gather their belongings, and Elaine even considers selling her ex-husband's possessions to raise money, demonstrating their desperation to overcome their hardships.

Eugene, Oregon
7

The Cash Ball Idea

Elaine is inspired by a clear cash ball at a nearby mall, believing it could be the key to a much-needed financial windfall. She concocts a daring plan with Jane and Louise to extract the cash using unconventional methods, hoping to change their fortunes.

Mall in Eugene, Oregon
8

Practice Heist Goes Awry

During their practice run for the heist, Jane attempts an armed robbery at a local Safeway store, but her inexperience is exposed when the cashier mistakes her weapon for a toy. This mishap highlights the absurdity of their situation and instills further tension among the friends.

Medford, Oregon
9

The Heist Commences

On the fateful night of the heist, the women split up to execute their parts at the mall. With Jane and Louise maneuvering beneath the cash ball and Elaine managing the lighting controls, they need to work seamlessly to avoid detection by mall security.

Mall in Eugene, Oregon
10

Elaine’s Performance

When their plan starts to falter due to noise, Elaine seizes the moment to launch an impromptu performance art piece, drawing attention away from her friends. As she critiques the high costs of living, a light pole accidentally falls, releasing a shower of banknotes in a chaotic scene.

Mall in Eugene, Oregon
11

Chase and Escape

In the midst of the chaos created by Elaine's performance, Jane and Louise seize the opportunity to grab bags filled with cash. They make a hasty escape towards a river, but their glee is short-lived when they capsize their canoe, putting their lives in peril.

River near Eugene, Oregon
12

Reunion by the River

As dawn breaks, the trio gathers by the riverbank, reflecting on the consequences of their reckless actions. Feelings of regret and disappointment surface, leading to a heated argument about their ill-fated heist and the repercussions it has wrought.

Riverbank near Eugene, Oregon
13

The Floating Bag

In a moment of unexpected unity, Louise spots a floating bag drifting downstream, prompting the women to jump into the water to retrieve it. This brief spark of camaraderie offers a glimmer of hope amid their struggles, even as their futures become uncertain.

River near Eugene, Oregon
14

Different Paths Ahead

Following their tumultuous experience, the three friends choose divergent paths in life. Jane marries Robert, Louise rekindles her romance with Albert and pursues her entrepreneurial dreams, while Elaine finds solace in her relationship with Jack, reigniting her former luxurious lifestyle.

Eugene, Oregon

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 22:26

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Characters, Settings & Themes in How to Beat the High Cost of Living

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