In the Mood

In the Mood

Year: 1987

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: English

Director: Phil Alden Robinson

ComedyRomance

At fifteen, Sonny Wisecarver embarks on an affair with his older neighbor Francine and elopes to marry her, only for a stern judge to annul the marriage. Later, the same judge presides over another case when Sonny becomes involved with a woman in her twenties. The sensational courtroom drama propels Sonny into the national spotlight, turning him into a teenage heartthrob admired by countless young women.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – In the Mood (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of In the Mood (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1944

Set in 1944, during the World War II era in America, the story places a teenage romance under the scrutiny of law and public opinion. The period's social norms and the press’s fascination shape the consequences faced by Sonny and his partners. The timeline emphasizes mobility and sensationalism characteristic of that era.

Location

California, Colorado, Paradise (CA), Northern California, Utah, Nevada

The action travels across multiple U.S. locations, beginning in California and Colorado as Sonny's romance unfolds. The story shifts to a rabbit-farm environment in Northern California and later Paradise, CA, before continuing with train travels to Utah and Nevada. These settings anchor the film's mix of small-town life, legal drama, and media attention during the mid-1940s.

📍 United States 🕰️ 1940s 🗺️ Cross-country setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:26

Main Characters – In the Mood (1987)

Meet the key characters of In the Mood (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sonny Wisecarver (Patrick Dempsey)

A 14-year-old with a bright but reckless romantic streak who quickly dazzles adults and media with his apparent finesse. His impulsive pursuits drive the plot, testing laws, families, and public opinion as he chases romance across towns.

🧒 Youth 💘 Romance ⚡ Impulsiveness

Judy Cusimano (Talia Balsam)

A 21-year-old mother of two who becomes Sonny's first major love interest. Her choice to pursue the relationship despite social constraints highlights the complexities of desire and responsibility.

💖 Romance 👩‍👧‍👦 Family ties ⚖️ Social norms

Francine Glatt (Beverly D'Angelo)

A 25-year-old wife of a decorated soldier who enters a long-running romance with Sonny. Her situation underscores the pull between need, risk, and the consequences of bending rules.

💘 Romance 🔒 Secrecy 🗨️ Social stigma

The Judge (Tom Maier)

The authority figure who annuls Sonny and Judy's marriage and imposes probation and moral training. His decisions set the legal framework for the characters' subsequent actions.

⚖️ Authority 🧭 Judgment 📝 Legal consequences

Mr. Wisecarver (Michael Constantine)

Sonny's father who moves the family away from the immediate fallout, attempting to restore order and guide his son through mounting scrutiny and consequences.

👨‍👦 Family 🛑 Authority 🧭 Guidance

Wendy, the Usherette (Kim Myers)

An usher at the cinema who interacts with Sonny when he tries to linger and later forms part of his memory of the period’s romantic chaos.

🎬 Romance 🕰️ Public spaces 🗨️ Chance encounter

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:26

Major Themes – In the Mood (1987)

Explore the central themes of In the Mood (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Romance

The film centers on Sonny's rapid, impulsive romances with Judy and later Francine, driving the plot and testing boundaries. It portrays how desire collides with social rules and personal risk. The intensity of infatuation is treated with both humor and caution, reflecting how fame can spring from private attractions.

⚖️ Law & Public Scrutiny

A judge's ruling, a parent's authority, and the sensational press frame the lovers as subjects of public investigation. Annulment, probation, and fines show how legal and social systems intervene in private choices. The media's nickname-driven narratives amplify the consequences and public fascination.

🛣️ Freedom & Escapism

Sonny's trains, escapes, and road trips expose a restless urge to break free from constraints. The pursuit of personal liberty leads to new relationships and risk, often ending in mixed outcomes. The journeys highlight the tension between youthful impulse and societal boundaries.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:26

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In the Mood Summary

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In the Mood Summary

In the Mood Timeline

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In the Mood Timeline

More About In the Mood

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In the Mood (1987) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

In the Mood (1987) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

In the Mood (1987) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow