The One and Only (1978) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in two locations: Columbus, Ohio (a midwestern college campus where the romance begins) and New York City (the urban setting where Andy pursues his showbiz dreams). The contrast between these settings emphasizes the clash between traditional midwestern values and the glamor of show business.

• columbus ohio
• new york city
• college
• setting
• showbiz

The movie is set in 1951, capturing the postwar American atmosphere. This era is significant because it reflects the early television and Broadway boom that Andy dreams of joining, while also framing the traditional norms around romance and success that Mary's family represents.

• 1951
• 1950s
• postwar
• era
• time period

Andy Schmidt embodies relentless ambition, with his pursuit of fame often overriding responsibility to his marriage and family. The story critiques showbiz ego while demonstrating how unchecked ambition can strain relationships. Despite this, the film takes a hopeful tone by ultimately rewarding his drive with professional success.

• ambition
• fame
• showbiz
• career
• andy schmidt

The film explores how characters adopt performative personas, the Lover, wrestling gimmicks, stage dreams, creating a gap between image and reality. The title itself hints at this theme, as Andy pursues fame that often rests on illusion rather than pure talent. The wrestling persona inspired by Gorgeous George exemplifies this performative nature.

• illusion
• performance
• persona
• wrestling
• fame
• showbiz

Mary's parents represent traditional midwestern values and worry about her financial future as Andy chases fame. The tension between love and responsibility tests the couple's loyalty, with Mary's family serving as a counterpoint to Andy's individualistic pursuit of stardom. The family dynamic grounds the story in real-world concerns.

• family
• loyalty
• marriage
• money
• parents
• mary crawford

Andy Schmidt is the protagonist, portrayed by Henry Winkler. He is a remarkably conceited young man convinced of his talent and destined for fame. He marries Mary quickly to secure a partner, then chases Broadway and Hollywood dreams while often ignoring the consequences for those around him. His character drives both the comedic and emotional arcs.

• andy schmidt
• henry winkler
• protagonist
• fame
• ambition

Mary Crawford, played by Kim Darby, is a hopeful midwestern girl who marries Andy despite his arrogance. She loves Andy but finds herself torn between supporting his dreams and coping with financial strain, parental concerns, and uncertainty about her own future. She represents the grounded perspective that contrasts with Andy's ambitions.

• mary crawford
• kim darby
• wife
• support
• marriage

Milton Miller, played by Hervé Villechaize, is a little person with a big ego who seeks validation as a ladies' man and actor. He becomes Andy's friend and ally in showbiz schemes, using wrestling as a vehicle for attention. Milton represents the outsider chasing fame in the same way Andy does, providing both comedic support and thematic parallel.

• milton miller
• hervé villechaize
• friend
• wrestling
• showbiz

Mary's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Crawford, played by William Daniels and Polly Holliday. Her father is a stern, traditional presence representing midwestern moral values. Her mother is protective and practical, constantly worried about money and Mary's future. Together they represent the conventional stability that conflicts with Andy and Mary's reckless pursuit of fame.

• mrs crawford
• mr crawford
• parents
• family
• traditional values

The One and Only is a romance comedy from 1978 with hopeful tone despite its themes of struggle and ego. It balances emotional weight from marital strain and financial desperation with comedic elements from Andy's exaggerated personality and wrestling gimmick. The ending is happy, with Andy achieving fame and resolving the central conflict.

• comedy
• romance
• tone
• ending
• 1978