Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon

Year: 1976

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Bogdanovich

Comedy

During the 1920s in Hollywood, lawyer Leo Harrigan and his friend Buck Greenway abandon their legal careers to join a group of unconventional filmmakers. Leo finds an unexpected talent for directing, while Buck’s charisma leads him to become a popular leading actor. However, their burgeoning success is complicated by a fierce competition for the affections of the captivating actress Kathleen Cooke, threatening to derail their partnership and ambitions.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Nickelodeon 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 – Nickelodeon (1976)

Trace every key event in Nickelodeon (1976) 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

Trial in Chicago

In 1910 Chicago, attorney Leo Taylor Harrigan finds himself hiding in an alley after an enraged client pursues him. This marks the beginning of his chaotic journey through the world of motion pictures, highlighting the intense environment in which he operates.

1910 Chicago, Illinois
2

Encounter with H.H. Cobb

While observing the motion picture industry, Leo notices H.H. Cobb, the owner of the Kinegraph Company, engaged in a discussion about the challenges faced by independent filmmakers. Leo sees a potential opportunity to pitch himself for a job but struggles to get a word in amidst the chaos.

Kinegraph Company Office
3

Joining Kinegraph

After a serendipitous encounter, Leo impresses Cobb with his ideas about a movie script and is hired as a scenarist for $15 per scenario. This marks Leo's entry into the world of film, opening up new possibilities for him.

Kinegraph Company Office
4

Meeting Kathy

Leo experiences love at first sight when he sees actress Kathy Cooke trip on a streetcar. However, their time together is brief as Kathy is heading to New York for a tour, building a bittersweet connection between them.

Streetcar in Chicago
5

Kathy’s Tour Begins

Upon arriving in New York, Kathy meets Buck Greenway, and they instantly connect. Their brief encounter leads to a suitcase mix-up, setting off a chain of events that intertwine their fates.

New York City
6

Buck's New Opportunity

After performing in a stage production of The Clansman, Buck is offered a job in a movie studio, revealing the hidden opportunities in the industry. However, he soon finds himself entangled with the Patents Company thugs.

Theater, New York
7

Leo's Journey to Cucamonga

With no news from his production unit in California, Cobb sends Leo to Cucamonga to steer the ship as the new scenarist. This transition signifies the challenges faced in the chaotic backdrop of early filmmaking.

Cucamonga, California
8

Director's Disappearance

Upon reaching Cucamonga, Leo discovers that the film unit is without a director after their last one vanished with the payroll. Leo takes on the responsibility of directing, despite his inexperience.

Saloon in Cucamonga
9

Balloon Incident

During a filming session involving a hot air balloon, chaos ensues when Dobie loses control, causing the balloon to ascend unexpectedly. Kathy is pulled into the basket by Buck, leading to an adventurous escapade that captivates everyone.

Ostrich Farm, Cucamonga
10

Kathy and Buck's Wedding

In a pivotal moment, Kathy and Buck get married at an ostrich farm while Leo directs the final scene of Romeo's Balloon. Their marriage complicates Leo's feelings, igniting jealousy and conflict within the group.

Ostrich Farm, Cucamonga
11

Tuttle's Muddle Screening

On Christmas Day 1913, the group attends a screening of Tuttle's Muddle, which features unauthorized clips of Buck and Kathy that infuriate them. This event encapsulates the challenges of navigating fame in the film industry.

Christmas Day, 1913 Hollywood, California
12

Confrontation with Cobb

After viewing the upsetting film, the group confronts Cobb, demanding better wages, but instead, they are cheerfully discharged. This dismissal deepens the resentment towards Cobb and highlights the cutthroat nature of the industry.

Cobb's Hotel Suite
13

Stealing Equipment

Frustrated with their situation at Atlantic Pictures, Leo, Buck, and Frank steal cameras to produce their own film, The Half-Breed Kid. This risky venture illustrates their determination to take control of their careers amidst challenges.

Atlantic Pictures Studio
14

Premiere of The Clansman

On February 8, 1915, the group attends the premiere of D.W. Griffith's epic film, The Clansman, which later becomes known as The Birth of a Nation. They confront Cobb again and grapple with their reservations about the film industry.

February 8, 1915 Movie Theater
15

Final Reflection

As they drive past a glass-walled stage, the group reflects on their journey and the tumultuous journey through Hollywood. This poignant moment captures their mixed emotions about fame, success, and the film industry.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

Unlock the Full Story of Nickelodeon

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

Nickelodeon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Nickelodeon, 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.

Nickelodeon Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Nickelodeon

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Nickelodeon

More About Nickelodeon

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

Similar Movies to Nickelodeon

Discover movies like Nickelodeon that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.