On Moonlight Bay

On Moonlight Bay

Year: 1951

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Roy Del Ruth

ComedyRomanceFamilyMusical

Set in Indiana before World War II, a lively young woman and her exuberant family find joy in their close-knit community. A budding romance develops when she encounters a charming college student, and their shared love of music intertwines with their growing feelings for one another. Their story unfolds against the beautiful scenery of small-town America, showcasing the seamless blend of cherished traditions and emerging modern ideas.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – On Moonlight Bay (1951)

Explore the full timeline and setting of On Moonlight Bay (1951). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1915

The story unfolds around the year 1915, a period marked by significant social changes and the impending realities of World War I. During this time, traditional gender roles were being questioned, especially as women sought more independence and participation in society. The era's tension and excitement greatly influence the characters' lives and decisions.

Location

Indiana

The movie is set in the quaint Midwestern town of Indiana, known for its charming neighborhoods and serene environment. This picturesque backdrop plays a significant role in the lives of the Winfield family as they navigate the challenges of life and love. The setting evokes a sense of nostalgia and community, capturing the essence of early 20th-century American life.

🏡 Town 🌳 Neighborhood

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

Main Characters – On Moonlight Bay (1951)

Meet the key characters of On Moonlight Bay (1951), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

George Winfield (Leon Ames)

George Winfield is portrayed as a steadfast banker who embodies the traditional patriarchal figure within the family. Initially resistant to change, he ultimately learns to embrace love and acceptance, particularly regarding his daughter's budding romance. His character arc emphasizes the notion of adaptability in the face of shifting dynamics.

🏦 Banker 👨‍👧 Father

Alice Winfield (Doris Day)

Alice Winfield is a loving and supportive mother who strives to maintain harmony within her family. She represents the nurturing aspect of the household, often mediating between her husband and children. Her gentle guidance demonstrates the vital role of maternal influence in shaping family dynamics.

👩‍👧‍👦 Mother 💕 Supportive

Margie Winfield (Ellen Corby)

Margie is a spirited tomboy, whose character embodies the conflict between personal desires and societal norms. Her evolving relationship with Bill symbolizes her transition into womanhood as she battles external expectations. Margie's journey of self-discovery is central to the narrative's emotional core.

⚾ Tomboy 💖 Romantic

William Sherman

William Sherman is the charming and unconventional new neighbor who captivates Margie's attention. His progressive views challenge traditional ideals, sparking a romantic connection that forces Margie to reevaluate her aspirations. Bill serves as a catalyst for Margie's growth and embodies the complexities of youthful love.

💘 Heartthrob 🎓 Student

Wesley Winfield

Wesley is Margie's playful younger brother, whose mischievous antics create both challenges and moments of levity within the family. His actions inadvertently influence familial dynamics, particularly in their father’s acceptance of Margie's relationship. Wesley's character adds a layer of youthful exuberance to the narrative.

👦 Mischief 🤪 Playful

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

Major Themes – On Moonlight Bay (1951)

Explore the central themes of On Moonlight Bay (1951), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love

Love emerges as a central theme in the film, showcasing the complexities of young romance in the face of societal expectations. Margie's relationship with Bill reflects the struggle between personal desires and family pressures, illustrating how love can inspire growth and acceptance. Their journey emphasizes the importance of genuine connections amidst life's challenges.

⚖️ Societal Expectations

The theme of societal expectations is prevalent throughout the movie, particularly in Margie's struggle to conform to the ideals of femininity. As she grapples with the pressure to abandon her tomboyish ways, viewers witness a critique of social norms that dictate personal choices. This theme resonates with contemporary discussions about identity and self-acceptance.

🎓 Coming of Age

The coming-of-age theme is encapsulated in Margie's transformation from a carefree girl to a young woman navigating societal demands. Her relationship with Bill catalyzes this development, as she learns to balance her individuality with the expectations placed upon her. This journey highlights the challenges faced by adolescents in their pursuit of maturity and self-discovery.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Nostalgic small-town stories like On Moonlight Bay

Heartwarming tales of youth and first love in idyllic, bygone communities.If you liked the charming, heartwarming setting of On Moonlight Bay, explore other movies that capture the idyllic spirit of small-town America and coming-of-age journeys. These films share a comforting, wholesome feel, gentle pacing, and a focus on family, first love, and community.

nostalgicheartwarmingwholesomecomfortingidyllicsentimentalcheerful

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a linear, straightforward narrative centered on a young person's journey toward maturity. Conflicts are often personal and manageable, such as parental expectations or the anxieties of first love, and are resolved in a way that reinforces community bonds and personal growth, leading to a satisfying, happy conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared nostalgic atmosphere, focus on relatable, lighthearted coming-of-age arcs, and their depiction of a serene, close-knit community setting. They provide a consistently comforting and hopeful viewing experience.

Uplifting musical romances like On Moonlight Bay

Joyful musicals where song and dance drive a sweet, optimistic love story.Fans of the cheerful romance and memorable songs in On Moonlight Bay will enjoy similar films from the golden age of cinema. These movies are known for their steady pacing, light tone, and stories where music beautifully complements a happy, satisfying love story.

romanticcheerfulupliftingmusicalcharmingoptimisticfeel-good

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a charming courtship where the protagonists' connection is often expressed or deepened through music. A light conflict, such as a family misconception or a rival suitor, provides a brief hurdle, but is quickly resolved, allowing the story to culminate in a celebratory, harmonious finale often featuring a grand musical number.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their primary genre as musicals with a strong romantic core, a consistently Light tone, and a Low intensity that prioritizes charm and entertainment over drama. They share a specific mid-century aesthetic and a predictable, comforting story structure.

Unlock the Full Story of On Moonlight Bay

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

On Moonlight Bay Summary

Read a complete plot summary of On Moonlight Bay, 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.

On Moonlight Bay Summary

On Moonlight Bay Timeline

Track the full timeline of On Moonlight Bay with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

On Moonlight Bay Timeline

On Moonlight Bay Spoiler-Free Summary

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On Moonlight Bay Spoiler-Free Summary

More About On Moonlight Bay

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about On Moonlight Bay: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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