Who's That Girl (1987) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Simon Worthington orchestrated Nikki's release and transfer because he knows she has the key to the safe deposit box containing evidence of his crimes. By having his future son-in-law Loudon bring Nikki to him, Simon intends to keep her close and potentially recover or control the evidence before it can be used against him.

Foreshadowing: Simon's vague description of the task as "charitable" hints at his ulterior motives from the start.

• simon worthington
• operation prisoner shuttle
• loudon trott
• motive
• cover-up

Johnny stored incriminating photos and financial records documenting Simon's criminal activities in a bank's safe deposit box. He gave Nikki the key before his murder, making her the only person who can access proof of Simon's wrongdoing.

Foreshadowing: Johnny's decision to give Nikki the key rather than keep it himself suggests he anticipated danger.

• safe deposit box
• evidence
• simon worthington
• blackmail
• photos
• financial records

Simon Worthington is the real murderer. When Johnny attempted to blackmail him with the evidence, Simon had Johnny killed and planted his body in Nikki's car trunk to frame her for the crime.

Foreshadowing: The film establishes early that Simon is a powerful, ruthless businessman capable of such an act.

• johnny murder
• simon worthington
• frame
• johnny killing

Nikki wants a gun because she was wrongfully convicted for Johnny's murder and intends to find the real killer and get revenge. The gun represents her pursuit of justice on her own terms after the justice system failed her.

Foreshadowing: Her fierce determination and refusal to simply return to Philadelphia show she's not content with just serving her sentence.

• gun
• harlem
• nikki
• revenge
• murder revenge

Nikki sees an opportunity to escape the situation when Loudon is incapacitated. She takes his wallet, clothes, and car to gain financial resources and mobility while evading both the police tracking her and Simon's control over her situation.

Foreshadowing: Her impulsive nature and survival instincts were established during her mall shoplifting incident.

• nikki
• loudon
• steal
• hospital
• escape
• wallet

Murray serves as a comedic anchor and eventual symbol of Nikki and Loudon's unconventional relationship. Their shared bond with the cougar during the chase sequences highlights their compatibility and shared nurturing qualities, contrasting with Loudon's affluent but emotionally constricted life.

Foreshadowing: The unusual addition of a wild animal to an otherwise urban chase sets the whimsical tone early.

• murray
• cougar
• animal
• bond
• comedy
• nikki
• loudon

Nikki discovers the evidence linking Simon to Johnny's murder in the safe deposit box. She realizes Loudon is about to marry into the family of the man who destroyed her life. She interrupts the wedding not just to expose Simon but also because she's fallen in love with Loudon and wants him to know the truth about what he's marrying into.

Foreshadowing: Their growing chemistry throughout the film builds toward this emotional confrontation.

• wedding interruption
• expose simon
• love confession
• loudon wendy

Loudon realizes his feelings for Nikki are genuine after their chaotic adventure together. More importantly, he cannot in good conscience marry into the Worthington family now that he knows Simon murdered Johnny and framed Nikki. His confession of love and choice to board the bus with Nikki represents his rejection of his previous life and values.

Foreshadowing: Throughout the film, Loudon shows increasing discomfort with Simon's manipulations and growing genuine concern for Nikki.

• loudon choice
• love
• nikki
• wedding
• abandon
• simon truth

As a condition of her early release from prison, Nikki is required to return to her hometown of Philadelphia to complete her parole. This forces her back to the place where her life with Johnny began and where she must face the consequences of her past.

Foreshadowing: The film's ending returns Nikki to Philadelphia, completing her circular journey.

• parole
• philadelphia
• prison
• release
• condition

The police believe Nikki was involved in Johnny's murder and are hoping she'll lead them to the evidence that could help solve the case. They're tailing her to see if she'll contact the real killer or lead them to the proof they need.

Foreshadowing: Her every move being watched adds tension to her attempts to clear her name.

• police
• tracking
• nikki
• evidence
• johnny case

Nikki discovers the incriminating evidence against Simon Worthington, photos and financial records proving his criminal activities and confirming he killed Johnny. This evidence is what allows her to expose Simon and interrupt Loudon's wedding.

Foreshadowing: The entire film builds toward recovering this evidence as the key to clearing Nikki's name.

• safe deposit box
• evidence
• expose
• simon
• photos
• records