Starstruck

Starstruck

Year: 1982

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Gillian Armstrong

ComedyDramaMusic

A modern musical comedy. A Sydney teen tries to make it as a rock singer, with help from her odd 14-year-old cousin.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Starstruck 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 – Starstruck (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Starstruck (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Sydney, Australia, Sydney Opera House, Local pub

Set in Sydney, Australia, the story unfolds around a working-class pub and a televised talent scene. The action spans the local club circuit, a high-profile talent show, and iconic locations near the Sydney Opera House on New Year’s Eve. The city’s nightlife and blue-collar venues shape Jackie’s rise from barmaid to star.

🎭 Australian city setting 🏙️ Urban nightlife 📍 Sydney landmarks

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:24

Main Characters – Starstruck (1982)

Meet the key characters of Starstruck (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jackie Mullens (Joey Kennedy)

Sydney teenager and pub waitress whose dream of becoming a pop singer drives the plot. She begins with a quirky stage persona and grows through setbacks, learning the cost of chasing fame while staying true to her voice. Her resilience and willingness to adapt help her seize a life-changing opportunity on New Year’s Eve.

🎤 Protagonist

Robbie

Guitarist for The Wombats and Jackie’s love interest. He values artistic integrity and initially disapproves of Jackie’s changes to fit mainstream tastes, providing a counterpoint to her evolving image. He supports her journey while navigating the pressures of fame and romance.

🎸 Musician

Pearl

Jackie’s hardworking mother and pub owner who bears the family’s financial burden. Her loyalty and grit keep the pub afloat even as danger from Lou and economic crisis loom. She becomes the emotional center of the film, balancing optimism with realism.

👩 Mother

Lou

Jackie’s father figure who returns to rebuild his life with Pearl but disappears with the pub’s money. His actions trigger the crisis that forces Jackie to fight for her future and the family business, embodying unreliable opportunity and the fragility of trust.

💸 Antagonist

Terry Lambert

TV host who lures Jackie with glamour and then exposes her to manipulation, influencing her decisions and public image. His charisma masks a less benevolent agenda, serving as a cautionary example of showbiz influence.

🎭 Authority

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:24

Major Themes – Starstruck (1982)

Explore the central themes of Starstruck (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎤 Fame

Jackie’s drive to become a singing star drives the plot, using a small club audience and a big TV moment to launch her career. The film explores the double-edged nature of fame, showing how image and media pressure can steer a young artist away from her authentic sound. Her ultimate plan to crash the New Year’s Eve show turns vulnerability into triumph and saves the family pub.

💸 Money & Survival

Financial precarity threatens Pearl and the pub after Lou’s betrayal. The Wow! Show competition offers a lifeline, turning the prize into salvation for both family and dream. The story links personal economics to ambition, emphasizing resilience and teamwork as keys to recovery.

💞 Relationships

Jackie’s relationships complicate her path, with Robbie as a supportive love interest and Terry exerting influential, manipulative pressure. Misread signals and humbling setbacks test loyalty, but forgiveness and staying true to oneself triumph in the end. The narrative underscores authentic connection over glamorous illusion.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:24

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Unlock the Full Story of Starstruck

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

Starstruck Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Starstruck, 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.

Starstruck Summary

Starstruck Timeline

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

Starstruck Timeline

More About Starstruck

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Starstruck: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Starstruck (1982) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Starstruck (1982) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Starstruck (1982) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow