Directed by
George Roy Hill
Made by
Orion Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of A Little Romance (1979). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the enchanting City of Light, where the Eiffel Tower reaches skyward, Lauren King (played by Diane Lane), a 13-year-old American girl, lives a life filled with privilege alongside her mother and stepfather in Paris. Despite her comfortable existence, she yearns for excitement and adventure. Meanwhile, across the Seine, Daniel Michon (portrayed by Andrew Duncan), a French teen with a keen eye for cinema and sharp street smarts, navigates life with his taxi-driving father, understanding that love mirrors the artistry of film.
Their destinies intertwine at the stately Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, where Lauren’s mother reignites an old flame with the mysterious movie director George de Marco (played by Arthur Hill). Within this emotional whirlwind, fate brings Daniel and Lauren together unexpectedly, setting off a chain of events that will transform their lives. They soon encounter Julius Santorin (brought to life by Broderick Crawford), an eccentric elder whose enthralling tales about love capture Lauren’s imagination, introducing her to the romantic lore of the Venetian Bridge of Sighs.
Intrigued by Julius’ enchanting stories, Daniel and Lauren hatch a plan to journey to Venice, where couples can seal their love with a kiss under its iconic bridges while church bells toll. With a financial windfall from a horse race, the duo lacks the adult supervision required to cross the border, prompting them to seek help from Julius. His wisdom and resourcefulness guide them through a series of misadventures as they pursue their dream. Along the way, they befriend American tourists Bob and Janet Duryea (played by Sally Kellerman and David Dukes), unwittingly igniting an international search for Lauren, who has been reported missing by her family.
As their adventure unfolds, unexpected events jeopardize Daniel and Lauren’s budding relationship. A dinner in Verona with the Duryeas takes an alarming turn when Bob discovers his wallet has gone missing. Meanwhile, Julius’ enigmatic behavior stirs suspicion, particularly when he offers to pay for their meal, complicating their dynamic and threatening to derail their romantic aspirations.
With their escape route cut off, the trio launches into a daring bicycle race through the enchanting streets of Verona, desperate for freedom. However, when Julius begins to struggle, Lauren persuades Daniel to go back for him, leading them to find him collapsed from fatigue. As Daniel helps Julius recover, the latter reveals a tangled web of deceit, admitting not only to taking Bob’s wallet but also the money meant for their train tickets, leaving Lauren feeling profoundly betrayed. Upset further by the news of her impending return to the U.S., her bittersweet wish to steal one last kiss with Daniel beneath the Bridge of Sighs serves as a poignant reminder of their fleeting, magical journey.
In the mesmerizing city of canals, they initially find solace at St. Mark’s Basilica, only to have their peace shattered by another encounter with the Duryeas, forcing them back into hiding. Resourceful as ever, Julius shelters them in a cinema, giving them his last funds and promising to return just before sunset. However, while Lauren and Daniel are engrossed in the film, Julius bravely surrenders to authorities, determined to protect his friends despite being assaulted by an inspector. Time is running out as they drift into slumber, only to be stirred awake with moments to spare. A gondola awaits, enabling Lauren and Daniel to steal that cherished kiss beneath the ringing bells of the Bridge of Sighs as the sun sets.
As reality looms, Lauren readies herself for the heartbreaking journey home. Across the street, Daniel waits to say goodbye to his beloved. With her stepfather’s reluctant consent, Lauren relishes a final, meaningful moment with Daniel, vowing to resist the pressures of conformity that surround them. Departing, she catches sight of Julius bidding her farewell from a nearby bench. Feeling a surge of emotion, she rushes to him, cherishing their shared memories before their paths diverge once more.
As Lauren’s car pulls away, Daniel and Lauren share a poignant glance, longing etched on their faces. In an impulsive gesture of defiance, Daniel leaps into the air, encapsulating their love within the timeless atmosphere of the ancient stones that bear witness to their moment.
Track the key events of A Little Romance (1979) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Lauren's Life in Paris
In the enchanting City of Light, 13-year-old Lauren King lives a life of privilege with her mother and stepfather. Despite the allure of Paris, she yearns for adventure and excitement beyond her comfortable existence.
Daniel's Life Across the Seine
Across the Seine, Daniel Michon navigates life as a French teenager with a passion for cinema. He learns about love through the lens of film, all while helping his taxi-driving father.
Meeting at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
At the stately Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, Lauren’s mother rekindles an old flame with movie director George de Marco. This emotional encounter sets the stage for Lauren and Daniel's destinies to intertwine.
Encountering Julius Santorin
Lauren and Daniel meet Julius Santorin, an eccentric elder who captivates Lauren with his enchanting stories about love. His tales introduce them to the romantic lore of the Venetian Bridge of Sighs.
Planning the Journey to Venice
Intrigued by Julius' stories, Lauren and Daniel decide to journey to Venice, dreaming of sealing their love with a kiss under its iconic bridges. They strategize how to venture across the border.
Financial Windfall
After a financial windfall from a horse race, the duo realizes they lack adult supervision for their trip. They turn to Julius for help, preferring not to confront their families over the excursion.
Meeting the Duryeas
While on their journey, Lauren and Daniel befriend American tourists Bob and Janet Duryea. Unbeknownst to them, their disappearance sparks an international search as Lauren’s family reports her missing.
Dinner in Verona
Their adventure takes them to Verona, where dining with the Duryeas leads to an alarming moment when Bob discovers his wallet is missing. Tensions rise as Julius's strange behavior complicates their dynamics.
Bicycle Race for Freedom
In a daring attempt to escape suspicion, the trio launches into a thrilling bicycle race through the streets of Verona. Their freedom is short-lived as Julius begins to struggle, prompting a turning point for the group.
Betrayal Revealed
After rescuing Julius, he reveals he took Bob’s wallet and the money meant for their train tickets, leading to Lauren's feelings of betrayal. She finds her wish of returning home becoming a bitter reality.
Hiding in St. Mark's Basilica
In Venice, Lauren and Daniel find temporary solace at St. Mark’s Basilica, only to be confronted by the Duryeas once again. They have to hide, fearing their adventure could be cut short.
Julius' Sacrifice
While Lauren and Daniel enjoy a film in their hiding spot, Julius bravely surrenders to authorities to protect them. His selfless act highlights the depth of their friendship.
The Bridge of Sighs Kiss
With time running out, Lauren and Daniel wake just in time for a gondola ride that grants them a cherished kiss beneath the ringing bells of the Bridge of Sighs. It's a bittersweet moment that encapsulates their fleeting romance.
Heartbreaking Goodbye
As Lauren prepares to return home, she shares a final meaningful moment with Daniel, promising to resist conformity that threatens to pull them apart. Their goodbye is filled with longing and love.
Final Glance
As Lauren's car pulls away, she and Daniel share a poignant glance filled with unspoken emotions. In a final defiant gesture, Daniel leaps into the air, immortalizing their love against the timeless backdrop of the city.
Meet the characters that bring A Little Romance (1979) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lauren King
Lauren is a 13-year-old American girl, filled with dreams and aspirations beyond her privileged upbringing. She embodies curiosity and a yearning for adventure, finding herself caught in the whirlwind of young love. Her emotional journey reflects resilience and the longing for deeper connections.
Daniel Michon
Daniel is a perceptive French teen with a flair for cinema and street smarts. He demonstrates a passion for art and romance, guiding Lauren through their adventures with charm and resourcefulness. His character embodies the youthful spirit of adventure and the complexities of budding relationships.
Julius Santorin
Julius is an eccentric elder who serves as a mentor to Lauren and Daniel. With his enchanting tales and wisdom about love, he plays a pivotal role in their lives, representing the connection between past and present. His character adds depth to the narrative, embodying the idea that adventure often comes with sacrifice.
Bob Duryea
Bob Duryea is an American tourist whose encounter with the central characters brings conflict to the storyline. His practical nature and concerns for his family create tension, illuminating the tension between adventure and responsibility. His character serves as a counterpoint to the young lovers' carefree spirit.
Janet Duryea
Janet Duryea is Bob's partner, providing a grounding presence in contrast to the adventurous impulses of the younger characters. Her concern for Lauren’s safety reflects parental instincts, emphasizing the theme of protection amid the thrill of youthful escapades.
Uncover the settings of A Little Romance (1979), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie is set in a contemporary context that reflects the late 20th century, showcasing a blend of youthful adventure and romance amidst the vibrant cultures of Paris, Venice, and Verona. This period captures a sense of exploration, freedom, and teenage yearnings against a backdrop of artistic expression and personal discovery.
Location
City of Light, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, Bridge of Sighs, Venice, St. Mark's Basilica, Verona
The story unfolds in the enchanting City of Light, Paris, known for its romantic ambiance and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Key scenes occur at the majestic Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a symbol of elegance and historic grandeur. The Bridge of Sighs in Venice adds a touch of magic, where couples share passionate kisses, while St. Mark's Basilica stands as a marvel of architecture, embodying the city's rich history. Verona also plays a significant role, offering a picturesque backdrop for the characters' emotional journeys.
Explore the core themes of A Little Romance (1979). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Young Love
The powerful theme of young love is at the heart of the story, as Lauren and Daniel embark on a romantic journey filled with passion and innocence. Their adventure through enchanting cities symbolizes the purity and intensity of adolescent emotions, highlighting the bittersweet nature of first love and the fleeting moments that define it.
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Adventure
Adventure permeates the narrative as Lauren and Daniel navigate their way through various challenges, driven by their desire for freedom and romance. Their daring bicycle chase and journey to Venice capture the essence of youthful spontaneity, as they push boundaries and confront life's uncertainties, chasing dreams despite obstacles.
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Friendship
Friendship plays a vital role in the story, particularly through the mentorship of Julius, who guides the young lovers on their journey. The bond they form highlights the importance of camaraderie and shared experiences in overcoming challenges, demonstrating that true friendship can inspire courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
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