My One and Only (2009) Plot Summary Explained

Ann leaves Dan after discovering his infidelity. As the wife of a society bandleader, she had built her life around him, and his betrayal shatters that foundation. Rather than stay in a broken marriage, she chooses to take her two teenage sons and start fresh, believing she can still attract a wealthy partner who will provide the lifestyle she desires.

• ann Devereaux
• divorce
• Dan Devereaux
• infidelity
• leaving husband

Ann has been accustomed to a comfortable lifestyle as a society bandleader's wife. When she leaves Dan, she doesn't plan to downgrade financially, she expects to find another man who can provide the same or better standard of living. Her belief in her enduring charms drives her optimism that wealthy bachelors will readily welcome her.

• wealthy husband
• seeking partner
• social status
• financial security

George is characterized as the cynical, observant son, an aspiring writer. He documents their misadventures in a notebook both as a creative outlet and as a way to process the chaotic situations his mother's decisions put them in. His writing serves as a narrative device that helps him make sense of their unpredictable life on the road.

• George Devereaux
• writer
• notebook
• observations
• aspiring writer

George initially views Ann as selfish and impractical, focusing on how her impulsive decisions affect his and Robbie's stability. However, as the journey progresses and he witnesses her resilience in the face of repeated romantic failures, financial struggles, and the challenges of single motherhood, he begins to see her strength and the deep love beneath her seemingly self-centered exterior.

• George
• Ann
• perception
• realization
• mother-son relationship
• growth

The family experiences a gradual decline in living standards. They start with optimism in their baby-blue Cadillac, but as the search for a wealthy partner proves difficult, Ann can only afford increasingly modest accommodations. The contrast between her dreams and their reality forces everyone to confront the financial consequences of leaving her husband.

• financial struggle
• accommodations
• money
• poverty
• lifestyle change

Robbie is described as the flamboyant, more idealistic older brother who dreams of fame. His aspirations represent a contrast to George's pragmatic outlook. The road trip exposes both brothers to new experiences, and Robbie's dreams of performing suggest he inherited some of his mother's bold, aspirational nature.

• Robbie Devereaux
• fame
• spotlight
• acting
• dreams
• aspirations

Beyond the comedic escapades and romantic failures, both sons learn resilience, adaptability, and the true strength of their family bond. They discover that stability isn't about perfect circumstances but about sticking together through challenges. The journey teaches them self-reliance and helps them see their mother as a complex, courageous person rather than just an inconvenience.

• life lessons
• resilience
• self-reliance
• family bonds
• growth
• adaptation

Ann's optimism and belief in her charms remain unbroken throughout the journey. Each failed romantic encounter doesn't deter her, she simply moves on to the next potential suitor. This persistence reflects both her denial about aging out of the dating market and her determination to secure a stable future for her sons through a new marriage.

• romantic failures
• persistence
• dating
• suitors
• optimism
• resilience

While Ann starts the journey seeking a wealthy man to rescue her from her problems, the experience gradually transforms her. She learns to stand on her own, discovers her inner strength, and realizes she can forge a new future without depending on a man. By the end, she has become more self-reliant and genuinely focused on her sons' wellbeing rather than just finding a provider.

• transformation
• growth
• self-discovery
• independence
• Ann Devereaux

The baby-blue '53 Cadillac Coupe de Ville convertible represents the family's attempt to maintain appearances even as their circumstances change. It symbolizes both their initial optimism and their refusal to completely give up the lifestyle Ann was accustomed to. The car is their mobile home and a visual reminder of who they were versus who they are becoming.

• Cadillac
• car
• symbol
• status
• journey
• road trip

As teenagers, the sons have limited power to oppose their mother's decisions. They accompany her partly out of necessity and partly because they share her hope for a better future. Robbie's excitement about adventure and George's curiosity as an observer both fuel their willingness to participate in this unconventional family quest.

• George
• Robbie
• family dynamic
• acceptance
• teenage sons
• support

The shared experiences, both humorous and challenging, create stronger bonds between Ann and her sons. Living through unstable situations, adapting to new schools, meeting quirky characters, and surviving financial hardships together forces them to rely on each other. The adversity reveals their loyalty and love for one another.

• family unity
• bonding
• adversity
• challenges
• love
• togetherness