Star Spangled Girl

In a Los Angeles neighborhood, Andy Hobart struggles to keep their two-man underground newspaper, the Nitty Gritty, afloat. He survives by stealing food and laundry and endures pressure from creditors, especially their landlady Mrs. MacKaninee and their printer, Mr. Karlson.

To appease Mrs. MacKaninee, Andy accompanies her on motorcycling, waterskiing, and surfing. These outings highlight the desperate, offbeat lengths they go to keep their living situation and the paper intact. The bizarre routine underscores the unstable foundation of their operation.

Norman Cornell, talented but nerdy, lives with Andy and writes the entire newspaper, helping to keep the operation afloat. His focus on the work defines the early rhythm of their days and creates a fragile partnership. The two men rely on his writing to prop up their radical venture.

A perky Southern swimmer, Amy Cooper moves into the bungalow across from them to train for the Olympics. Her arrival introduces new tensions and possibilities into the makeshift household. Norman notices her immediately, setting the stage for the conflict to come.

Norman becomes infatuated with Amy, neglecting his writing as the obsession deepens. His distraction threatens the newspaper and Andy's control over the situation. The bond between the men and their new neighbor intensifies the stakes.

Norman launches grand, misguided gambits to win Amy's affection, driving her to distraction. His antics interfere with her routine and the paper's functioning, testing Andy's patience. Amy's irritation grows as the situation spirals.

Norman's missteps unintentionally get Amy fired from her day job, creating a new point of crisis. The loss forces Andy to rethink how to keep Amy in the mix for the newspaper. The flat's eye on the prize becomes more complicated.

To stabilize the situation, Andy hires Amy as a secretary, hoping she will help keep Norman focused and keep the newspaper writing. This arrangement binds her more closely to the two men and the operation. The dynamic shifts as Amy becomes a functional part of the team.

Amy finds herself physically attracted to Andy and likes the way he smells, even as she despises his radical, conservative stance. She remains engaged to another swimmer, creating a tense undercurrent. The attraction forces difficult choices about loyalty and desire.

Amy convinces Andy to kiss her to see how it feels, but Norman walks in at the moment of truth. The moment exposes the competing loyalties and leaves the trio in a delicate balance. The kiss becomes a pivot point for the relationships involved.

Feeling unwanted when Andy seems indifferent, Amy decides to go back to Florida to marry another swimmer. The prospect of a fresh start pulls her away from the bungalow and its chaotic politics. The looming departure threatens to end the triangle for good.

Andy is startled to discover that Amy's distinctive smell lingers in the room even after she has left. He rushes after her, hoping to win her back and restore some sense of normalcy. In a final push, she comes back to him, and the love triangle resolves with a reunion.