Surrender

Surrender

Year: 1987

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

Director: Jerry Belson

Comedy

A witty romantic comedy follows a wealthy novelist scarred by money‑hungry ex‑wives and girlfriends. To discover whether the woman he truly loves cares for him or his fortune, he masquerades as a destitute, struggling writer, leading both of them into a chaotic, hilarious pursuit of genuine affection.

Surrender (1987) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Surrender (1987) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the glittering world of Los Angeles’ literary elite, a weary but charming novelist finds himself caught between the sparkle of success and the sting of past betrayals. Sean Stein has built a fortune on best‑selling stories, yet two bitter divorces and a palimony suit have left him convinced that every smile hides a hidden agenda. The film opens amid a dazzling charity gala where the night’s frivolity spirals into a far‑crazier spectacle, setting a tone that mixes upscale sophistication with slapstick chaos and hints at the absurd lengths people will go to protect—or expose—their true selves.

Enter Daisy Morgan, a quick‑witted commercial artist whose own creative spark is matched only by her longing for an honest connection. When their paths cross in the most unexpected of circumstances, Sean sees in her the possibility of love untainted by his wealth. Yet his cynicism pushes him toward a wild experiment: he will pretend to be a struggling, penniless writer, enlisting the help of his fast‑talking attorney, Jay Bass, to stage an elaborate ruse. The plan is both a test of Daisy’s heart and a comedic venture that promises plenty of misunderstandings, witty repartee, and the kind of romantic hijinks that keep the audience guessing.

Complicating the affair is Daisy’s current relationship with Marty, a self‑absorbed, indecisive lawyer whose fear of commitment fuels a fragile partnership. While Marty flirts with change, the triangular dynamic creates fertile ground for humor and tension, as each character navigates the fine line between desire and practicality. The film’s tone remains light‑hearted and self‑aware, delighting in the parody of high‑society romance while probing the genuine question of whether love can truly rise above material concerns.

Against this backdrop of upscale parties, artistic ambition, and cleverly crafted deception, the story invites viewers to wonder how far someone will go to prove their worth beyond a bank account, and whether a shared laugh can eclipse the shadows of past heartbreaks.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:36

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Romantic Comedies of Deception like Surrender

Characters who test love through elaborate pretenses and humorous misunderstandings.This list features movies like Surrender where love and laughter are intertwined with clever deceptions. If you enjoyed the witty ruse and the pursuit of genuine affection amidst chaos in Surrender, you'll find similar charming and hilarious romantic comedies here.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically revolve around a central character who fabricates an identity or situation to win over or test their love interest. The narrative thrives on the tension of the deception, the close calls of being discovered, and the eventual climax where the truth comes out, forcing a reevaluation of the relationship based on honesty.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a core narrative device of romantic deception used for comedic and emotional effect. They blend the lightheartedness of comedy with the relatable anxieties of trust and authenticity in relationships, creating a specific, engaging viewing experience.

Movies about Wealthy Protagonists Seeking Authenticity like Surrender

Affluent characters disguising their wealth to find love and genuine connection.Discover films similar to Surrender, where rich characters go undercover to find real love. If you liked the premise of a wealthy novelist pretending to be poor to test his relationship in Surrender, explore these other stories exploring trust, wealth, and authenticity.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist who feels isolated or distrustful due to their wealth. They intentionally step into a simpler, less privileged life, leading to a culture clash and personal growth. The conflict arises from maintaining the lie while developing real feelings, culminating in a revelation that tests the foundation of the new relationship.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a central theme of wealth as a barrier to intimacy and the desire to find authentic connection beyond material possessions. They combine a cynical view of fortune-seeking with an optimistic belief in true love, creating a specific thematic and emotional blend.

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Surrender Summary

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Surrender Summary

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Surrender Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Surrender

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Surrender

More About Surrender

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