Roller Boogie

Roller Boogie

Year: 1979

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

DramaComedyMusic

On Venice Beach, a classically trained musician named Terry discovers the vibrant world of roller skating and meets the charming Bobby. After a daring rescue, she finds herself drawn to him, and together they begin training for the local roller derby competition. However, their passion for skating is threatened when a ruthless developer targets their beloved skate park. Terry and Bobby must team up with their friends to protect their community and save the day.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Roller Boogie 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!

Roller Boogie (1979) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Roller Boogie (1979), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Bobby James, played by Jim Bray, and his group of friends—Phones, Hoppy, Gordo, and others—enjoy their daily skate to work along the scenic boardwalk of Venice, California. Meanwhile, in the posh surroundings of Beverly Hills, we find Terry Barkley, portrayed by Linda Blair, a gifted flautist cruising in her stylish Excalibur Phateon. Accompanying her is her pretentious friend Lana, a character brought to life by Kimberly Beck.

During a skate on the boardwalk, Bobby encounters Terry and attempts to charm her, but she remains distant and dismissive. Fate brings them together again at a local skating rink known as Jammer’s, where Bobby’s heroic actions during a minor crisis impress Terry. Grateful, she asks him to teach her how to skate for an upcoming Roller Disco contest. A romantic couples skate ensues, filled with flirtation, but Terry still keeps her guard up.

The following day proves to be challenging for both Terry and Bobby as they face criticism from their respective peers and family members. Frustrated, Terry heads to the beach, where she finds Bobby and tries to impress him with her skating skills. They share a passionate moment, but when Bobby jokingly suggests he should be paid for more than skating lessons, Terry responds with a stinging slap before storming off.

Back at home, Terry confronts her mother, Beverly Garland, about her conflicting aspirations—should she pursue her dream of playing the Classical Flute at Julliard, or should she abandon that for a chance at the roller disco contest? The tension escalates, prompting Terry to contemplate running away. The next day, she reaches out to Bobby to apologize and invites him to breakfast. He agrees to skate with her, but under one condition: it’ll be a paid arrangement where he calls the shots.

As they work together, the friendship blossoms into something deeper, but trouble looms as Jammer’s faces a takeover by a ruthless developer. Determined to save their skating rink, Bobby and Terry approach Terry’s father, a lawyer, but he brushes them off. Chaos ensues at an extravagant outdoor event where Terry performs, leading to an embarrassing fall that disrupts the party. Once again at odds with her father, Terry finds herself in a world of disapproval as she grapples with choices regarding her future and friendships.

The skaters uncover a recording that provides evidence to support their cause, and with a thrilling chase through Venice, they make their way to the police just in time. The mobsters are apprehended, paving the way for the Boogie Contest. With anticipation in the air, Terry and Bobby take the floor to showcase their hard-earned routine, ultimately emerging victorious.

As the sun sets over the beach, a bittersweet farewell unfolds between Terry and Bobby. They promise to keep in touch as she embarks on her journey to New York City and he sets his sights on the Olympics, leaving behind memories of a summer filled with dreams and newfound love.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:45

Unlock the Full Story of Roller Boogie

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

Roller Boogie Timeline

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

Roller Boogie Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Roller Boogie

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Roller Boogie

More About Roller Boogie

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

Similar Movies to Roller Boogie

Discover movies like Roller Boogie 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.