The Goodbye Girl

The Goodbye Girl

Year: 1977

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Herbert Ross

DramaComedyRomance

Following a breakup with her boyfriend, unemployed dancer Paula McFadden finds herself sharing a cramped apartment with her daughter and a struggling off-Broadway actor named Elliot Garfield. Elliot is subletting the apartment, creating an unusual and often chaotic living situation as the three navigate their individual challenges and unexpected connections.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Goodbye Girl 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 – The Goodbye Girl (1977)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Goodbye Girl (1977). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film captures contemporary life, reflecting the societal and personal challenges of the late 20th century. Themes such as single parenthood, the struggles of aspiring artists, and the complexities of relationships resonate with the audience, making it relatable across generations.

Location

Manhattan, Seattle

The story unfolds in the vibrant city of Manhattan, known for its bustling life, captivating performances, and diverse culture. It serves as a backdrop for Paula's struggles as a single mother and dancer. The narrative shifts to Seattle, a city famous for its scenic beauty and thriving arts scene, where Elliot's promising film opportunity becomes a turning point in his career.

🏙️ City 🌆 Urban Life

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:36

Main Characters – The Goodbye Girl (1977)

Meet the key characters of The Goodbye Girl (1977), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paula McFadden (Marsha Mason)

Paula is a resilient and passionate dancer grappling with the complications of single motherhood. Her journey from heartbreak to hope illustrates her inner strength and determination to rebuild her life. As she navigates her relationship with Elliot, she learns to confront her fears and vulnerabilities.

💃 Dancer 👩‍👧 Mother ❤️ Resilient

Elliot Garfield (Richard Dreyfuss)

Elliot is an endearing yet neurotic aspiring actor from Chicago who becomes an unlikely presence in Paula's life. His journey through the chaotic world of off-off-Broadway theater showcases his determination and passion. As he strives to balance his career and budding relationship with Paula, he evolves into a more confident individual.

🎭 Actor 🌟 Aspiring ❤️ Affectionate

Lucy McFadden (Quinn Cummings)

Lucy is Paula's spirited 10-year-old daughter, who is observant and wise beyond her years. Concerned about protecting her mother from potential heartbreak, she navigates her own feelings about new relationships with caution. Lucy’s innocence and charm add a delightful dynamic to the story.

👧 Daughter 💖 Innocent 👀 Observant

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:36

Major Themes – The Goodbye Girl (1977)

Explore the central themes of The Goodbye Girl (1977), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love & Heartbreak

The film intricately explores the themes of love and heartbreak, highlighting Paula's emotional struggles after her breakup. As she navigates her feelings for Elliot, the fear of another broken relationship looms large. This theme resonates with many viewers who have faced similar challenges in trusting new partners.

🎭 Artistic Aspirations

Elliot's journey as an aspiring actor underscores the theme of artistic ambition amid adversity. His experiences with theater, both failures and successes, reflect the uphill battles artists face in pursuing their dreams within a competitive environment. This theme sheds light on the resilience required to thrive in the arts.

👩‍👧 Motherhood

Paula's role as a single mother is central to the narrative, showcasing her dedication to her daughter, Lucy. The dynamic between them adds depth, highlighting the challenges and joys of raising a child alone while striving for personal goals. This theme of motherhood adds an emotional layer to the storyline.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:36

Unlock the Full Story of The Goodbye Girl

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

The Goodbye Girl Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Goodbye Girl, 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.

The Goodbye Girl Summary

The Goodbye Girl Timeline

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

The Goodbye Girl Timeline

More About The Goodbye Girl

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

More About The Goodbye Girl

Similar Movies to The Goodbye Girl

Discover movies like The Goodbye Girl that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.