The Man in the Moon

The Man in the Moon

Year: 1991

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Mulligan

DramaRomance

Two sisters share an incredibly close bond that is challenged by the arrival of a new love interest. As one sister develops feelings for him, their relationship becomes strained, leading to feelings of betrayal and isolation for the other. Unexpected events force them to confront their feelings and ultimately rediscover the strength of their sisterhood, deepening their understanding and connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Man in the Moon (1991)

Trace every key event in The Man in the Moon (1991) 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

Dani’s summer freedom at the creek

Dani, a 14-year-old, escapes chores to skinny dip at the neighbor's creek. She enjoys the lazy heat of summer until a new neighbor, 17-year-old Court Foster, shows up and harshly kicks her out. The encounter seeds a tense first impression between them.

Summer 1957 Creek behind the Trant house
2

Marie Foster returns with her sons

Abigail hosts an old friend, Marie Foster, who has moved back with her three sons, revealing Court and his brothers. Dani learns that the newcomer is the boy she met at the creek, and curiosity mixes with unease. The arrival sets the stage for soon-to-be complicated family dynamics.

Early Summer 1957 Trant household
3

Dani and Court grow closer in town

Dani accompanies Court to town for groceries and begins to thaw toward him. They start sharing small talk and harmless outings, and Dani starts to develop a crush. The uneasy air from the creek melts as familiarity grows.

Mid Summer 1957 Town and nearby creek
4

Maureen’s breakup and Dani’s questions about kissing

Maureen breaks up with her boyfriend Billy after he pressures her to have sex following a dance, leaving emotional fallout in the family. Dani asks for her sister's advice on kissing, signaling a shift toward her own romance. Maureen's split calls up a mix of sisterly care and new boundaries.

After the dance, Summer 1957 Dance and Trant home
5

Dani and Court share a kiss for the first time

Dani and Court go swimming again and grow closer. Their affection deepens and they share Dani's first kiss. The moment marks a turning point in their awkward attraction.

Late Summer 1957 Trant's creek
6

Thunderstorm and Dani’s injury; punishment at home

A thunderstorm forces Dani to hurry home where her mother Abigail is injured tripping on a root. Dani's father, Matthew, races her to the hospital for treatment, delivering a separate blow when he administers a belt whipping. The family atmosphere tightens with fear and tension.

That night, Summer 1957 Trant residence and hospital
7

Court apologizes and rekindles friendship

Court brings food to the Trant house the next day and apologizes for the night before, insisting they remain friends. Dani accepts his gesture, and their bond continues in small, everyday moments. The possibility of romance lingers beneath the surface.

The next day, Summer 1957 Trant house
8

Dani and Court’s families meet; Maureen notices

Court comes over to meet Maureen, and Dani senses instant love at first sight between them. Maureen is initially reluctant but gradually returns his affections. The family dynamics begin to shift as romance enters the household.

Shortly after, Summer 1957 Trant dinner scene
9

Dani’s father encourages closer ties

Dani's father suggests inviting Court over again so the two families can know each other better. Court and Maureen's attraction grows as Dani watches. The stage is set for a secret romance that will complicate the sisters' bond.

A few days later, Summer 1957 Trant house
10

Maureen and Court consummate; Dani learns the truth

Maureen and Court begin a clandestine romance, eventually consummating their feelings in a field. Dani returns to care for her mother at the hospital and is blindsided when she discovers them together later. The revelation deepens Dani's sense of betrayal and isolation.

Over the next few days, Summer 1957 Field near Court's farm
11

Tragedy strikes as Court is injured

Dani returns home after Court's accident, and the mood shifts from romance to tragedy. Court is found severely injured in the field after an accident with the disc harrow. His mother is inconsolable as the family braces for bad news.

Day of accident, Summer 1957 Court's farm field
12

Court dies; funeral and aftershocks

Court succumbs to his injuries and his death shatters the household. Maureen hides her sorrow at first, while Dani mourns in her own way. After the funeral, Dani consoles Maureen on the porch as the summer ends, signaling a fragile reconciliation.

After the accident, end of Summer 1957 Court's farm and porch at the Trants

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Man in the Moon

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