Summer Rental

Summer Rental

Year: 1985

Runtime: 87 min

Language: English

Comedy

When air traffic controller Jack Chester's fateful mistake sends him on a forced sabbatical, he hopes to reboot with his family at a luxurious summer retreat. But things take a drastic turn when they're relegated to a humble beachside hut, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of their vacation and each other.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Summer Rental 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 – Summer Rental (1985)
Trace every key event in Summer Rental (1985) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Jack Receives Paid Leave

Jack Chester, faced with the stress of air traffic control blunders, is unexpectedly awarded a five-week paid leave. This break becomes a much-needed opportunity for him to reconnect with his family away from the pressures of his job.

2

Family Trip to Citrus Cove

Jack, along with his wife Sandy and children Jennifer, Bobby, and Laurie, embark on a long-awaited summer vacation from Atlanta to the scenic Gulf Coast resort town of Citrus Cove, Florida. Their excitement for the getaway is palpable as they anticipate relaxation and family bonding.

Citrus Cove, Florida
3

Denied Access at the Restaurant

Upon their arrival in Citrus Cove, the Chester family faces a setback when they are denied entry at an upscale seafood restaurant by Al Pellet, the smug local sailing champion. This public embarrassment drives them to seek refuge in a quirky pirate ship-themed restaurant called The Barnacle.

Upscale seafood restaurant
4

Nightmare Accommodation

Following a mix-up regarding their rental property's address, the Chester family is left scrambling for somewhere to sleep. They end up in a shabby beach shack filled with foot traffic, a far cry from the restful vacation they imagined.

Late at night Beach shack
5

Al's Control and Complications Arise

After the original landlord falls ill, Al Pellet seizes the opportunity to complicate the Chester family's vacation plans. His interference leads to increased tensions as the family struggles to enjoy their time away.

6

Jack's Sailing Injury

An accident during a sailing mishap involving Al leaves Jack with an injury that hampers his ability to fully enjoy his vacation. This situation causes him to seek help from Scully and bond with their eclectic neighbors, the Sanders.

7

Confrontation with Al

As tensions mount, Al Pellet demands that the Chester family vacate the beach shack after their two-week rental period expires. In a bid to maintain their place, Jack realizes he must take decisive action.

8

Jack Issues a Challenge

In a desperate move to safeguard their vacation, Jack challenges Al to a high-stakes sailing regatta. The terms are high: if Jack wins, they can stay for two more weeks, but if Al wins, the Chester family must leave.

Citrus Cove
9

Jack's Kids Join the Adventure

As the Chester kids adjust to their surroundings, they find new excitement by assisting Jack and Scully in revitalizing The Barnacle. Their involvement gives them a sense of purpose and a break from monotony.

The Barnacle
10

Preparation for the Regatta

With the regatta on the horizon, Angus, Scully's right-hand man, plays a crucial role in obtaining the correct sail dimensions. The family rallies together to prepare for the competition, uniting them in a common goal.

11

Laurie's Whimsical Adventure

Laurie, Jack's adventurous youngest daughter, seeks thrills and engages with a mystical character named Yorku. Together, they explore playful fantasies in the shadowy cellar of The Barnacle, adding a layer of whimsy to their vacation.

The Barnacle
12

The Regatta Begins

Finally, the day of the regatta arrives, setting the stage for a nail-biting competition between Jack and Al. The stakes are high, as the outcome could alter the fate of the Chester family’s vacation.

Citrus Cove
13

An Unexpected Triumph

Against the odds, and with some luck on their side, The Barnacle achieves an unforeseen victory during the regatta. A sudden gust of wind and Jack's oversized trousers become pivotal in this dramatic conclusion.

Citrus Cove
14

Family Unity and Celebration

With Jack's victory secured, the Chester family and their friends come together in a moment of joy and celebration. The experiences of their chaotic yet memorable vacation strengthen their bonds.

15

Reflecting on the Adventure

As their vacation comes to an end, Jack and his family reflect on the wild experiences they encountered in Citrus Cove. The trip not only provided needed rest but also strengthened their family ties in unexpected ways.

Citrus Cove

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:24

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