No Small Affair

Sixteen-year-old Charles Cummings begins his day by focusing on his passion for photography at a San Francisco pier. His concentration is interrupted by an arguing couple, reminding him of his principle to avoid capturing people in his photographs.

Upon returning home, Charles meets his mother’s boyfriend, Ken, leading to a sarcastic exchange that highlights Charles's struggle with authority. His mother, Joan, urges him to show respect towards their guests, setting the tone for familial tensions.

Later, while developing film, Charles stumbles upon a beautiful image of a woman, Laura Victor, taken during the earlier argument. Captivated by her striking beauty, he makes enlargements of her photo for his bedroom, initiating his obsession with her.

Charles's older brother Leonard arrives to introduce his fiancée, Susan. Leonard invites Charles to join them in North Beach, which leads to Charles’s first steps into a nightlife full of opportunities and unexpected encounters.

Using Leonard's ID, Charles sneaks into a nightclub where he discovers Laura performing as a lead singer. Excited to see her again, he begins taking pictures of her but faces a confrontation with the bouncer, marking the beginning of his quest to know Laura.

The next day, Charles returns to the club to find Laura arguing with her boyfriend, Scott. In a moment of determination, he decides to follow her out, leading to a series of interactions that deepen his fascination with her.

After following Laura to an aquarium, Charles attempts to win her over by sharing his photographs and offering to expand her portfolio. However, Laura is preoccupied with her own issues, leaving Charles feeling discouraged yet hopeful.

In an effort to support Laura, Charles organizes a group from Leonard's bachelor party to attend her band's performance, ensuring the club is lively. His plan not only boosts Laura's confidence but also strengthens their bond through shared experiences.

In a humorous twist, Laura and Charles sneak into a wedding reception to enjoy free food, resulting in a confrontation with the bride's father. Charles cleverly convinces Laura to sing for the guests, further showcasing her talent and captivating the audience.

Determined to help Laura thrive, Charles spends his savings to promote her with ads on 150 taxi cabs. Although the public response is enthusiastic, the absurd inquiries lead to complications that Laura finds infuriating.

Laura confronts Charles after discovering the controversial ad featuring her, demanding he rectify the situation. Their relationship hits a rocky point as misunderstandings arise, leaving both feeling hurt over the unexpected fallout.

Laura receives news from Jake that Charles's campaign has attracted significant interest, leading to her re-hiring at the club. Excited about her breakthrough, she prepares for a performance, though she feels the absence of Charles.

At Leonard and Susan's wedding, Charles discovers Laura's note tucked away in the ring box. In a bold move, he interrupts the ceremony to express their shared feelings, showcasing the intensity of their emotional connection.

Later in the day, Charles rushes to Laura's loft, where they share an emotional embrace. He is grateful for the role he played in her success, but confusion arises when Laura refers to him as just a friend before their fateful goodbye.

As Laura leaves for Los Angeles, she reassures Charles about his future, sealing their relationship with a passionate farewell kiss. Although uncertainty about future love looms, their journey together has instilled in Charles a newfound confidence.