One Night Stand

One Night Stand

Year: 1984

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: John Duigan

ComedyDramaMusic

When news erupts that a nuclear war has ignited in Eastern Europe, four teenagers attending a late‑night showing in a Sydney theater realize they may have only one night left. Shocked and frantic, they scramble to understand the looming devastation and devise any possible plan to survive the approaching inferno.

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Timeline & Setting – One Night Stand (1984)

Explore the full timeline and setting of One Night Stand (1984). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late Cold War era (1980s)

The film unfolds during a period of heightened US-Soviet tension and fear of nuclear conflict. The events occur around Christmas and New Year’s, with news bulletins announcing missiles and the possibility of a broad-scale strike. The era’s anxiety shapes decision-making, relationships, and the characters’ sense of urgency as they seek safety.

Location

Sydney Opera House, Martin Place railway station, Sydney, Australia

The action is centered in Sydney, primarily inside the iconic Sydney Opera House and its backstage areas, with scenes moving into the underground Martin Place railway station as the city braces for disaster. The Opera House serves as a cultural beacon suddenly thrust into survival mode, linking art and crisis. The surrounding urban landscape becomes a backdrop for tension, shelter, and human connection amid escalating threat. Familiar city locations ground the drama in a tangible, real-world setting.

❄️ Cold War 🎭 Drama 🏙️ Urban Sydney 🇦🇺 Australian setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:04

Main Characters – One Night Stand (1984)

Meet the key characters of One Night Stand (1984), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sam (Tyler Coppin)

A U.S. Navy sailor who has deserted his ship and is hiding in the Opera House. Calm under pressure yet haunted by potential consequences, he becomes a focal point for the group’s tension and emotional connections. His presence catalyzes conversations about loyalty, duty, and fear.

🧭 Rebel 🕊️ Refuge 💬 Charismatic

Sharon (Cassandra Delaney)

An Opera House usherette balancing work, hope, and a wary view of men. She anchors the group with pragmatism and warmth, navigating a tense dynamic with Brendan and forming a complicated connection with Sam.

🎭 Resilient 💬 Social 💖 Romantic arc

Eva (Saskia Post)

Sharon’s friend, quick-witted and empathetic, who seeks connection amid chaos. Eva uses humor and openness to defuse tension and sustain morale as the war news intensifies.

💬 Loyal 😌 Hopeful 🎶 Social

Brendan (Jay Hackett)

A cleaner at the Opera House who overclaims to be a singer. His bravado and charm mask insecurities, and his evolving interactions with Sharon reveal vulnerabilities and desire.

🎭 Comic relief 💪 Brash 🔥 Romantic spark

Tony (David Pledger)

Brendan’s friend, whose flirtatious energy adds tension and competing interests to the group, pushing dynamics toward bonding and conflict.

💬 Social 🤝 Connector 🕺 Party

First Newsreader (Richard Morecroft)

A voice of the broadcast delivering updates that anchor the crisis and shape public perception of the threat.

🗞️ News 🗣️ Authority 🎤 Public voice

Second Newsreader (Helen Panckhurst)

Another broadcaster whose updates reinforce urgency and heighten the sense of danger throughout the night.

🗞️ News 📺 Broadcast 🧭 Context

News Personality (John Krummel)

A media figure whose presence adds to the dramatic tension and communal anxiety as events unfold.

🎙️ Media 🧏 Proximity 🧭 Influence

Frannie (Frankie Raymond)

A minor character whose interactions contribute to the human texture of the night and offer moments of levity.

👥 Supporting 🗨️ Dialogue 🎶 Light moments

Shakespearian Actor (Bernadette Foster)

A performer who adds a theatrical texture to the film, symbolizing art’s endurance amid crisis.

🎭 Artist 🕰️ Timeless 💫 Interruptions

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:04

Major Themes – One Night Stand (1984)

Explore the central themes of One Night Stand (1984), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Romance under crisis

Romantic entanglements form under the shadow of imminent disaster. The looming threat intensifies attraction, jealousy, and vulnerability, revealing how people seek closeness when the world feels unstable.

🧭 Survival & solidarity

Strangers become companions as the group hides, improvises shelter, and shares humor to endure the night. The characters rely on each other for safety and emotional support, highlighting resilience and communal bonds in the face of catastrophe.

🗞️ Media & perception of war

News broadcasts repeatedly frame the crisis, shaping choices and fueling fear. The relentless updates blur the line between reality and spectacle, turning media into both a warning and a soundtrack to their struggle for meaning.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:04

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Unlock the Full Story of One Night Stand

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

One Night Stand Summary

Read a complete plot summary of One Night Stand, 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.

One Night Stand Summary

One Night Stand Timeline

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One Night Stand Timeline

More About One Night Stand

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