Quadrophenia

Quadrophenia

Year: 1979

Runtime: 120 mins

Language: English

Director: Franc Roddam

DramaMusicSong and danceLegendary musicians and stardomTeen friendship and coming-of-age

Based on The Who’s 1973 rock opera, the film follows Jimmy, a disaffected 1960s teenager stuck in a dead‑end job who seeks identity through the London Mod scene, dressing in sharp suits and cruising on his scooter. As he navigates love, rivalry and class tension, his quest for belonging drives the drama.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Quadrophenia 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 & Setting – Quadrophenia (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Quadrophenia (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1964

Set in 1964, a year marked by post-war Britain and a surge in youth subcultures. The period is defined by scooter culture, fashion, and rough-and-tumble street scenes that frame the mods and rockers’ rivalry. A bank holiday weekend becomes the catalyst for escalating confrontations and a search for identity.

Location

London, Brighton

The story moves between the urban setting of London and the seaside town of Brighton, which becomes the battleground for mod and rocker clashes. Brighton's promenades, clubs, and dance halls provide the kinetic backdrop for social tension and ritualized fights. The film uses this dual urban-coastal setting to contrast aspiration with the raw energy of youth subcultures.

🎭 1960s youth culture 🏖️ Seaside city backdrop

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:59

Main Characters – Quadrophenia (1979)

Meet the key characters of Quadrophenia (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jimmy Cooper (Phil Daniels)

A teenage mod disillusioned with his parents and his dull post-room job, Jimmy is driven by a need for status, excitement, and acceptance. He indulges in amphetamines, partying, and scooter culture, often stepping toward risk to prove himself. His arc traces the collision between desire for belonging and the consequences of glamourized rebellion.

🎭 Identity 🛵 Subculture 💊 Substance abuse

Ace Face (Sting)

Ace Face is the flamboyant mod idol who embodies wealth, charm, and status to Jimmy. He wields influence and uses charisma to maintain his position within the scene. Beneath the swagger, Ace Face reveals the hollowness of fame when his ordinary job undermines his legendary image.

🎭 Idol 🛵 Subculture 💫 Fame

Kevin (Ray Winstone)

Jimmy’s childhood friend who is part of the rival rockers. Kevin becomes a target of aggression, highlighting how personal ties complicate loyalties during the escalating clashes. His injury and the associated revenge mood intensify Jimmy’s internal conflict.

🥊 Rivalry 🤝 Friendship

Steph (Leslie Ash)

Jimmy’s love interest who navigates her own social circle and romantic options. She initially plans to ride with another mod but remains a focal point of Jimmy’s yearnings. Her evolving relationship with Dave adds a layer of emotional complexity to the group dynamics.

💃 Romance 🧭 Choice

Dave (Mark Wingett)

A close mod friend of Jimmy who becomes entangled in the group’s plans and its romantic tensions. He represents steady loyalty within the circle, even as the group’s actions pull them apart. Dave’s presence anchors the social group and intensifies Jimmy’s rivalry-driven decisions.

👬 Friendship ⚡ Conflict

Chalky (Phil Davis)

A member of Jimmy’s circle, Chalky provides a pragmatic counterpoint to Jimmy’s impulsiveness. He participates in the ride, the parties, and the skirmishes, illustrating how peer pressure fuels collective behavior. Chalky’s character helps show the group’s shared ethos and its limits.

👥 Friendship 🛵 Subculture

Spider (Gary Shail)

One of Jimmy’s circle who participates in the drug-running and schemes around obtaining blues. Spider embodies the moral ambiguities of the subculture’s thrill-seeking side. His actions contribute to the film’s tension and the consequences that follow.

🕷️ Crime 🧪 Drugs

Danny (Daniel Peacock)

A friend in Jimmy’s wider circle who shares the collective energy of the mod scene. Danny’s presence reinforces the ensemble feel of the group and the shared pursuit of excitement, even as dangers rise. His moments reflect the everyday youth experience within the subculture.

👬 Friendship 🛵 Subculture

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:59

Major Themes – Quadrophenia (1979)

Explore the central themes of Quadrophenia (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Identity

Identity in Quadrophenia is performative, with Jimmy striving to become a recognized 'face' in the mod scene. The film tracks how appearance, status, and group belonging shape self-worth and choices. Beneath the bravado, personal dissatisfaction and family tension drive Jimmy toward increasingly risky behavior.

⚡ Rebellion

The mods vs. rockers conflict serves as a larger canvas for youthful rebellion. The seaside riots and restless energy reflect a craving for autonomy and recognition beyond parental or societal expectations. The weekend trip becomes a crucible where youthful bravado tips into violence.

💔 Disillusionment

Admiration for icons like Ace Face dissolves into disillusionment as reality intrudes—wealth and glamour aren’t what they seem. Jimmy’s experiences force a confrontation with his own fantasies, leading to isolation and self-doubt. The culminating crash of his cherished scooter marks the collapse of naive ideals.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:59

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Quadrophenia

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

Quadrophenia Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Quadrophenia, 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.

Quadrophenia Summary

Quadrophenia Timeline

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

Quadrophenia Timeline

More About Quadrophenia

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

Similar Movies to Quadrophenia

Discover movies like Quadrophenia 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.