Roxanne

Roxanne

Year: 1987

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Fred Schepisi

ComedyRomance

A spirited transgendered sex worker unexpectedly finds joy and purpose when a young girl is left in her care. As they form an unlikely and heartwarming bond, they navigate the complexities of love, family, and identity. The film explores themes of acceptance and belonging in a tender and offbeat comedy.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Roxanne 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!

Roxanne (1987) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Roxanne (1987), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In this delightful romantic comedy, C.D. Bales portrayed by Steve Martin serves as the fire chief in a quaint town nestled in the Pacific Northwest. C.D. is not just your ordinary chief; he’s exceptionally witty, acrobatic, and possesses a remarkable array of skills. However, he harbors a deep sensitivity about his extraordinarily large nose, which becomes a source of conflict throughout the film. His heart belongs to the enchanting Roxanne Kowalski, played by Daryl Hannah, who happens to be an astronomer captivated by the charming yet not-so-bright fireman, Chris Rick Rossovich.

In a clever twist reminiscent of the classic play, C.D. wrestles with insecurity regarding his appearance, particularly since surgery is off the table due to a perilous allergy to anesthetics. His love for Roxanne is expressed through heartfelt letters which he cunningly allows Chris to pass off as his own. The tension escalates when Roxanne receives a letter from Chris claiming he has left both the town and her for another woman. As the truth unravels, Dixie, C.D.’s friend and god-sister, spills the beans that it was in fact C.D. who authored the letters, not Chris.

When C.D. visits Roxanne’s home, their confrontation intensifies; she accuses him of tricking her, while he argues that she seeks a partner who fits an ideal of perfection. Ultimately, there is a cathartic resolution where C.D. and Roxanne confront their feelings, leading to a heartfelt moment of reconciliation. Roxanne boldly confesses her affection for not only C.D. but also his unique nose, insisting that those with flatter noses lack intrigue.

Alongside this romantic journey, the film also features C.D.’s humorous struggles with the clumsiness of his volunteer fire crew — a group that Chris has been brought in to train — and the exciting appearance of a new comet that Roxanne eagerly awaits to observe. Adding to the charm of the town is a cafe owner, Shelley Duvall, who serves as a friendly face to both C.D. and Roxanne, further enriching the tapestry of this whimsical tale.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 13:43

Unlock the Full Story of Roxanne

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

Roxanne Timeline

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

Roxanne Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Roxanne

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Roxanne

More About Roxanne

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

Similar Movies to Roxanne

Discover movies like Roxanne 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.