Logo What's After the Movie

Continental Divide 1981

When cynical journalist Ernie Souchak is roughed up by corrupt cops, his editor sends him to Wyoming to lay low. There, he finds love with ornithologist Nell Porter, but their romance is put to the test when Ernie's Chicago roots keep pulling him back. Can this unlikely couple find a way to reconcile their differences and be together?

When cynical journalist Ernie Souchak is roughed up by corrupt cops, his editor sends him to Wyoming to lay low. There, he finds love with ornithologist Nell Porter, but their romance is put to the test when Ernie's Chicago roots keep pulling him back. Can this unlikely couple find a way to reconcile their differences and be together?

Does Continental Divide have end credit scenes?

No!

Continental Divide does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Continental Divide

Explore the complete cast of Continental Divide, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Continental Divide

See how Continental Divide is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Continental Divide stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

64

Metascore

tbd

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

73%

TOMATOMETER

review

54%

User Score

TMDB

61

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Continental Divide Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Continental Divide with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Continental Divide Quiz: Test your knowledge about the 1981 film 'Continental Divide' and its characters, themes, and plot twists.

What is Ernie Souchak's profession?

Awards & Nominations for Continental Divide

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Continental Divide, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Continental Divide and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


39th Golden Globe Awards 1982

Nomination

Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (Actress)

Blair Brown

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Continental Divide

See more

Read the complete plot summary of Continental Divide, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


As the story unfolds, Ernie Souchak, portrayed by John Belushi, a journalist for a Chicago newspaper, is deep into a high-stakes exposé regarding the rampant corruption within city politics. Unfortunately, his investigation is suddenly interrupted when he finds himself at odds with two corrupt police officers working under the influence of a deceitful alderman. The ensuing confrontation leaves Souchak both physically and emotionally battered, ultimately forcing him into the hospital, where he must confront the unforgiving realities of his profession.

In an effort to shield Souchak from further turmoil, his editor makes the decision to send him to the rugged Rocky Mountains. His assignment? To interview the reclusive Dr. Nell Porter, played by Blair Brown, a brilliant expert on the endangered American bald eagle. Reluctantly trading the urban chaos for the serene yet wild landscape, Souchak quickly discovers that his initial interactions with Porter are drenched in friction and distrust. With Porter’s skepticism of outsiders clashing against Souchak’s doubt of her dedication, their relationship seems anything but promising.

However, as they navigate the unrelenting wilderness side by side, these two individuals begin to peel back their emotional layers, revealing their true selves. Souchak gains a newfound admiration for Porter’s unwavering commitment to her work, while Porter finds herself drawn to Souchak’s ability to persist despite adversity.

As their professional respect evolves into something deeper—a romantic relationship—Porter agrees to let Souchak linger in her world, provided he abstains from writing about her significant research. Yet, as they grow closer, Souchak finds himself torn between the ethics of journalism and his affections for Porter. This internal conflict intensifies as he faces a series of life-threatening events, including a back injury, a fierce cougar attack, and a run-in with a former football star who has exchanged the gridiron for the mountain wild.

Upon returning to Chicago, Souchak is haunted by memories of Porter and feels a renewed resolve to seek justice for a “tragic” death related to his initial investigation, forcing the corrupt alderman to vanish under pressure. While his professional life spirals, fate takes an interesting turn when he discovers that Porter will be sharing her findings at a local museum. With a swirl of excitement and anxiety, he decides to attend her lecture, reigniting their chemistry.

Though both are reluctant to part ways once again, reality sets in, revealing that their divergent lives may pose insuperable challenges. In a poignant farewell, as Souchak watches Porter board a train heading back to Wyoming, he experiences a wave of spontaneity, leading him to decide to join her on her journey. Together, they find clarity in their connection, culminating in a commitment to marry and redefine their lives together. With a shared promise to reunite soon, Souchak boards his train back to Chicago, leaving behind their nuptials while they embark on a fresh and thrilling chapter of their lives.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Continental Divide

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Continental Divide. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Trailer #1

Trailer

TV Trailer

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


respectcougarglacier national parktwo word titlenewspaper reporterwildernesssurvivalfemale scientistpoachersnowcoloradocigarette smokingcabinsnowboundbackpackshowermountain lionstretchertentcity country contrasttrain stationnight traininterviewfalling in lovemountainrescueornithologistbird watchingodd couplesaving a lifenewlywedfemale rear nudityfemale nudityloveeaglereporterthin airnewspaper columnisthermitcyniccultural conflictcity boycampingacrophobiaobscene finger gesturetrainchicago illinoisgay slurcorruptionformer athlete

Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.