The In Crowd

The In Crowd

Year: 1988

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Mark Rosenthal

DramaRomanceMusic

An ambitious senior from the rock‑and‑roll generation lands a spot on a hit teen dance television show, catapulting him to instant fame. As he navigates his new celebrity world, he contends with adoring fans, jealous rivals, estranged friends, and discovers the girl of his dreams — his dance partner.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The In Crowd (1988)

Trace every key event in The In Crowd (1988) 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

Del steps in as Vicky's stand-in dancer

Dugan misses the show, leaving a spot for Vicky's partner. Del slips onto the sound stage and seizes the chance to dance with Vicky, startling everyone with his unexpected talent. The crowd and Del's friends realize he has real rhythm and charisma.

Day of the missed show Sound stage, Philadelphia
2

Del joins the In Crowd

Del's surprising performance earns him a place among the In Crowd, the show's featured dancers. Perry, the host, expects Del to accompany Vicky on their next outing. The two form an uneasy alliance as Del becomes part of the popular circle.

Soon after Rehearsal room / TV studio
3

Outing with Vicky and Tiny's approval

Del picks up Vicky at her home, and Tiny, her father, approves of the smart, college-bound partner. Del contrasts with Dugan’s rough image, easing Tiny’s worries for a moment. The evening outing deepens the tension between Del, Vicky, and her secret romance.

Evening Vicky's home
4

Vicky runs off with Dugan

During another outing, Vicky slips away with Dugan while Del waits. He drives her home to quiet Tiny’s suspicions and to keep up appearances. The pattern repeats, revealing Vicky’s loyalty to Dugan over Del.

Same week Outing venue
5

Del withdraws from the secret romance

There are several more outings, and each time Vicky chooses Dugan over Del. He feels used and refuses to be part of her hidden romance any longer. The rift between the trio grows wider as trust erodes.

Over several evenings City outings
6

Del and Vicky reconcile; Hollywood plans revealed

Del and Vicky eventually make up and Del discovers their plan to run off to Hollywood. He vows to help them pursue stardom, even as he recognizes the risk and the upheaval it could bring. The alliance endures, but the situation remains precarious.

Reconciliation moment Del's home
7

Perry's show is canceled; In Crowd's last dance

Perry's show is canceled, forcing the In Crowd to perform one final wild dance. Del watches the closing chapter of this era unfold with mixed pride and melancholy. The end of the show era marks a turning point for everyone involved.

End of the show era Philadelphia TV studio / sound stage
8

Del borrows a Cadillac to rescue Vicky

Del borrows Gail’s father’s Cadillac to drive to where Vicky and Dugan plan to meet. He wants to intervene and guide them toward a safer path, even as the urge to help them flee grows stronger. The plan pushes Del toward a reckless action.

Evening Gail's neighborhood and roads
9

Tiny confronts the escape; the crash

Tiny confronts the couple as they try to flee, and Del ends up colliding with Tiny's police car. Vicky escapes on Dugan's motorcycle, slipping away into the night. The confrontation leaves Del facing the consequences of his actions.

Night City streets / near Tiny's police car
10

Del is grounded; a rock awakening arrives

Back home, Del is grounded in his room while the dust settles from the night’s events. Gail arrives with a rebellious musical influence and a new look, signaling a shift in Del’s social world. The moment pairs a personal consequence with a cultural awakening.

Post-escape night Del's room
11

Gail brings a new rock image and music

Gail appears wearing a leather headband and a bold new style, embodying rock's edge. She places Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited on the turntable and introduces Del to a music world that feels dangerous and exciting. The listening session marks a turning point in Del’s outlook.

Moment of introduction Del's room
12

A new era dawns for Del

The sequence closes with Del standing at a crossroads between the old crowd and a bolder, rock-influenced identity. The romantic entanglements remain unresolved, but the new music and style signal a personal reinvention. Del’s world shifts as he navigates love, loyalty, and self-discovery.

After final events Philadelphia

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:20

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The In Crowd

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