Spinout

Spinout

Year: 1966

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Norman Taurog

ComedyRomanceMusicSong and danceDazzling vocal performances and musicals

With the swagger of Elvis and the pedal floored, charismatic band frontman and aspiring racer Mike McCoy is torn between a dazzling marriage to a wealthy heiress and the chance to pilot her father's prized car in a high‑stakes race, delivering nonstop musical comedy and high‑octane thrills. The story rides a fast‑track of slapstick mishaps and catchy tunes as Mike races against time, love, and his own ambition.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Spinout (1966)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Spinout (1966). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s

The events unfold in a breezy mid-1960s era where rock and roll, car culture, and youth romance drive the story. The pace is upbeat and musical, reflecting the period's entertainment-driven sensibilities. Road races, parties, and social maneuvers define the temporal vibe.

Location

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara, California, serves as the backdrop for the serenade that kicks off the plot and the ensuing road-race excitement. The coastal city setting provides a bright, vacation-like atmosphere suitable for Mike's carefree lifestyle and the social whirl surrounding the three women pursuing him. The action unfolds across social gatherings, hotels, and event venues that frame the film's lighthearted tone.

🏖️ Coastal city 🎬 Film setting 🥂 Social scene

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:57

Main Characters – Spinout (1966)

Meet the key characters of Spinout (1966), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mike McCoy (Elvis Presley)

A charismatic lead singer and part-time race car driver who cherishes a carefree single life. His charm and confidence pull him into a tangled love triangle as three women pursue marriage, forcing him to weigh freedom against commitment.

🎶 musician 🏎️ racer 😎 carefree

Cynthia Foxhugh (Shelley Fabares)

A spoiled heiress determined to secure Mike's hand. She embodies wealth and social positioning, using her charm and status to advance her marriage plans.

🎀 heiress 💄 stylish 🤑 spoiled

Diana St. Clair (Diane McBain)

An author of books about men who becomes entangled with Mike, ultimately plotting to marry him after declaring him the 'perfect American male.' Her pursuit reveals a sharp, calculating side under a cultured exterior.

📚 author 🕵️‍♀️ schemer

Les (Deborah Walley)

The band’s drummer who initially reads as a tomboy, then reveals her feminine side by attending the party in an evening dress. She embodies independence and culinary charm that wins a match with Lt. Tracy Richards.

🥁 drummer 👗 tomboy-to-femme

Phillip Short (Warren Berlinger)

Howard Foxhugh's nervous employee who secretly admires Cynthia and ends up marrying her to fulfill a fan's dream, moving the plot toward comic misdirection.

👔 nervous 💼 corporate

Howard Foxhugh (Carl Betz)

A wealthy father who orchestrates Mike's detour to serenade his daughter and who uses the racing setup as a chance to influence marriages within the circle.

👔 wealthy 🕴️ schemer

Lt. Tracy Richards (Will Hutchins)

A police officer who becomes the kind-hearted husband to Les, attracted by her cooking and charm. He represents stability and warmth amid the film's comic chaos.

👮 officer 🍳 foodie

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:57

Major Themes – Spinout (1966)

Explore the central themes of Spinout (1966), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Love vs Freedom

The film juxtaposes Mike's carefree bachelor life with the pull of commitment from three very different women. Each pursuit reveals different facets of love, from material desire to genuine affection. The result is a humorous exploration of what it means to settle down without losing yourself.

🎤 Celebrity Life

Mike's fame as a touring rock star affects his relationships and priorities. The band and the entertainment world press him into a choice between stability and spontaneity, highlighting the rigors and charm of mid-60s showbiz.

🏁 Racing as Escape

Racing serves as both a thrill and a metaphor for control. Mike's skill behind the wheel mirrors his desire to steer his own life, resisting entanglements while chasing personal victory.

😂 Comedy of Mistakes

The farcical situation of marrying three women to three different men creates circumstances where misunderstandings drive the humor. It uses witty setups to poke fun at romance standards and social expectations.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:57

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Unlock the Full Story of Spinout

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Spinout Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Spinout, 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.

Spinout Summary

Spinout Timeline

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

Spinout Timeline

More About Spinout

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