What Is Almost Summer About?
The premise of Almost Summer in 317 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sun‑soaked suburbs of a California beach town, the senior class at a bustling high school prepares for the most talked‑about event of the year: the student‑body presidential election. The season’s heat mirrors the rising tension as students trade campaign flyers on the boardwalk and whisper about who will wear the power‑laced sash. Beneath the laid‑back surf culture, a competitive undercurrent pulses, promising a mix of teenage drama, humor, and the earnest quest for recognition.
Bobby DeVito is the unofficial king‑maker of the race, a sharp‑tongued junior who has already staked his reputation on the candidacy of his friend Grant Michelson. With a keen eye on the competition, he watches the charismatic and confident Christine Alexander, who flirts openly with senior class president Kevin Hawkins. Bobby’s world is further complicated by his close‑knit bond with his sister Donna, whose own teenage hopes and crushes add a personal stake to the political fray, and his loyal sidekick Dean Hampton, who balances his own ambitions with a budding romance.
When the campaign field unexpectedly narrows, Bobby’s attention shifts to the unassuming Darryl Fitzgerald, a quiet junior whose shy demeanor masks a hidden affection for Christine. The prospect of an underdog stepping into the spotlight intrigues Bobby, while Donna silently roots for the same newcomer, seeing in him a chance for something fresh. Across the hallway, Dean navigates the fickle world of aspiring singers and dates that could either solidify or crumble his own future, underscored by his relationship with the talented Nicole.
The film captures the bright‑lit corridors of high‑school life, where friendships are tested, ambitions flare, and the promise of summer hangs just out of reach. With a tone that swings between lighthearted banter and the earnest struggle for identity, the story invites viewers to wonder how far a group of teenagers will go to claim a title that feels far bigger than a simple school office.
What Happens in Almost Summer?
The complete story of Almost Summer, from the first scene to the last, in 444 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
During a sun-drenched California beach gathering, high school juniors rally behind two contenders for student body president. Bobby DeVito, Bruno Kirby, runs the campaign for Grant Michelson and keeps a keen eye on his rival, Christine Alexander, Lee Purcell, who is seen cuddling with her new boyfriend—the senior class president, Kevin Hawkins, Tim Matheson.
Donna, Bobby’s sister, Donna Wilkes admires a lesser-known junior named Darryl Fitzgerald, John Friedrich who has a crush on Christine. The next day, Bobby and his friend Dean Hampton, Thomas Carter, discover that Christine had Grant suspended and is running uncontested. With only two weeks until the vote, Bobby and Dean desperately seek a replacement candidate due to their substantial bets against Christine.
While working in the attendance office, Bobby encounters Darryl, who comes in late and needs a note. Bobby sees Darryl’s anonymity as an opportunity to challenge Christine. Despite initial resistance, Darryl is convinced when Bobby highlights that running for office is a way to gain attention from popular girls like Christine.
Minutes later, at the school assembly introducing the candidates, Darryl delivers a speech, making a positive impression on his classmates. Later that day, Christine and Kevin argue about their future plans after Kevin fails to secure a college football scholarship. Donna, meanwhile, excitedly plans for the senior prom, anticipating Darryl’s victory.
Bobby guides Darryl through campaign preparations, turning him into a skilled candidate. During a hangout, Bobby informs Darryl about Donna’s feelings, but Darryl is hesitant due to her involvement in his campaign, confessing he likes Christine.
Dean faces relationship issues with his aspiring singer girlfriend, Nicole, who goes on a date with a record producer. Christine challenges Darryl to a debate, accusing him of being Bobby’s puppet. Donna overhears and confronts Bobby, who admits revealing her feelings to Darryl. Enraged, Donna throws food at Bobby, sparking a cafeteria food fight. Despite disagreements, Darryl accepts Christine’s debate challenge.
Bobby insists Darryl can’t beat Christine, but Darryl asserts his independence. At the debate, Dean interrupts, reporting police on campus arresting Duane Jackson. Darryl intervenes, quoting California law and exposing the illegal search. On election day, Donna questions Darryl’s motives. Bobby and Christine call a truce, reminiscing about their past.
Darryl wins the election, but Donna declines his prom invitation, sensing a change in him. Darryl later apologizes to Bobby, who reveals the staged police bust. Darryl admits the truth to his classmates, declines the presidency, and leaves, unaware they support him. Donna visits Darryl, dressed for prom, and insists they go, as the students appreciate his honesty.
At the prom, Darryl is touched by classmates’ support, Dean reunites with Nicole, and Bobby and Christine share a kiss.
Almost Summer Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Beach gathering and candidate dynamics” to “Prom night resolutions”. 15 events name a place, across 11 locations.
- 1
Beach gathering and candidate dynamics
During a sunny California beach gathering, two juniors are positioned as frontrunners for student body president. Bobby DeVito bets on Grant Michelson's campaign while quietly sizing up Christine Alexander, who is cuddled with her new boyfriend, Kevin Hawkins. Donna also spots Darryl Fitzgerald, a lesser-known junior, as a possible dark horse.
When:Day 1, daytime Where:California beach
- 2
Christine suspends Grant and runs uncontested
The next day at school, Bobby and Dean discover that Christine had Grant suspended and is running uncontested. With only two weeks until the vote, they realize they need a replacement candidate to counter Christine.
When:Next day Where:School
- 3
Replacement candidate idea
While working in the attendance office, Bobby encounters Darryl needing a note. He sees an opportunity in Darryl's anonymity to challenge Christine and, after some persuasion, Darryl agrees to run to gain attention from popular girls.
When:Later that day Where:Attendance office, School
- 4
Darryl's assembly debut
At the school assembly introducing the candidates, Darryl delivers a speech that makes a positive impression on his classmates. His unexpected performance positions him as a credible contender and shifts the campaign momentum.
When:During assembly Where:School auditorium
- 5
Personal conflicts and prom plans
Christine and Kevin argue about their future after Kevin fails to secure a football scholarship. Donna meanwhile excitedly plans for the senior prom, hoping Darryl's victory will make it memorable.
When:That day Where:School
- 6
Campaign training and independence
Bobby guides Darryl through campaign preparations, turning him into a capable candidate. Darryl begins to show independence, subtly resisting being merely Bobby's puppet.
When:Campaign training montage Where:Various locations around school
- 7
Love triangle complications
During a hangout, Bobby tells Darryl about Donna's feelings, but Darryl hesitates due to his campaign responsibilities. He confesses that he actually likes Christine, complicating the love triangle.
When:Evening Where:Hangout spot
- 8
Debate challenge issued
Christine challenges Darryl to a debate and accuses him of being Bobby's puppet. The confrontation foreshadows a tough, independent race.
When:Before debate Where:School debate stage
- 9
Cafeteria confrontation and fallout
Donna overhears the confrontation and confronts Bobby. He admits that he revealed her feelings to Darryl, which enrages Donna and triggers a cafeteria food fight.
When:Lunch period Where:School cafeteria
- 10
Debate engagement
Darryl accepts Christine's debate challenge despite the tension. The campaign pushes forward with high stakes and a strong test of his leadership.
When:Debate day Where:School debate venue
Show the other 5 events of Almost Summer Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Debate interrupted by police revelation
During the debate, Dean interrupts by reporting police on campus arresting Duane Jackson. Darryl intervenes, quoting California law to expose an illegal search, gaining sympathy from classmates.
When:Debate night Where:School debate venue
- 12
Election day tensions
On election day, Donna questions Darryl's motives. Bobby and Christine call a truce and reflect on the past as Darryl wins the election.
When:Election day Where:School
- 13
Truth revealed and presidency declined
Darryl wins the election but immediately contemplates the truth about the staged police bust. He ultimately declines the presidency and leaves, unaware that his classmates actually support him.
When:Post-election Where:School
- 14
Prom invitation and resolve
Donna visits Darryl, dressed for prom, and persuades him to go, arguing that his honesty earned their respect. Darryl agrees, setting the stage for prom night.
When:Prom prep night Where:Donna's house
- 15
Prom night resolutions
At the prom, Darryl is touched by the support from his peers; Dean reunites with Nicole; Bobby and Christine share a kiss, signaling a bittersweet but hopeful ending to the school upheaval.
When:Prom night Where:Prom venue
Who Are the Main Characters in Almost Summer?
12 characters, among them Kevin Hawkins (Tim Matheson), Christine Alexander (Lee Purcell) and Darryl Fitzgerald (John Friedrich): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Kevin Hawkins (Tim Matheson)
Played by Tim Matheson
The popular senior class president and Christine's boyfriend, who dreams of a college football scholarship. He becomes a focal point of the campaign drama as alliances shift and loyalties are tested. Despite confidence, he faces the practical limits of his ambitions when scholarship prospects fade.
- 🗳️ Ambitious
- 🏈 Athlete
- 💬 Charismatic
- CA
Christine Alexander (Lee Purcell)
Played by Lee Purcell
Grant Michelson's former opponent turned girlfriend of Kevin, Christine drives events by challenging Darryl and maneuvering the debate. She embodies competitive intelligence and concern with status among peers, even as she faces the consequences of her actions.
- 🎯 Ambitious
- 🎭 Calculated
- 💬 Persuasive
- DF
Darryl Fitzgerald (John Friedrich)
Played by John Friedrich
A quiet junior who is convinced to run for student body president as a way to gain attention from the popular crowd. He grows into an independent voice, ultimately choosing honesty over victory and revealing the truth behind the staged bust.
- 🧭 Honest
- 🌟 Underdog
- 🕊️ Genuine
-
Bobby DeVito (Bruno Kirby)
Played by Bruno Kirby
A schemer who bets heavily on Christine's opponent and trains Darryl for campaign life. He manipulates situations to his advantage, but an ongoing arc of honesty and reconciliation reveals his more complex loyalties.
- 🎲 Gambler
- 🎭 Mischievous
- 💬 Persuasive
- DH
Dean Hampton (Thomas Carter)
Played by Thomas Carter
Kevin's friend who balances campaign drama with his own relationship issues, including a singer girlfriend and the pressures of status and popularity on campus. He acts as a foil to the more calculating personalities and provides social throughline for the group.
- 🎵 Music lover
- 🧭 Loyal friend
- 🎭 Supportive
- M(
Meredith (Donna Wilkes)
Played by Donna Wilkes
Bobby's sister who admires Darryl and is quick to reveal feelings in the heat of the moment. Her expectations for prom and romance add emotional stakes to the campaign and relationships on campus.
- 💖 Sisterly
- 🥂 Prom-lover
- 👯♀️ Supportive
- DJ
Duane Jackson (David Wilson)
Played by David Wilson
A junior whose arrest during a campus incident triggers the debate and exposes legal overreach. His presence raises questions about law, authority, and the consequences of campus actions.
- 🚓 Troubled teen
- ⚖️ Involved in controversy
- 🕵️♂️ Catalyst
- NH
Nicole Henderson (Petronia Paley)
Played by Petronia Paley
Dean's aspiring singer girlfriend who navigates dating, romance, and the music industry tropes that echo through campus life. Her ambitions intersect with the other plotlines, adding a layer of music culture to the film.
- 🎤 Singer
- 🎶 Ambitious
- 💬 Social
- DD
Dobba DeVito (Didi Conn)
Played by Didi Conn
A quirky DeVito family member whose presence provides comic relief in the school setting. Her moments lighten the film's tensions while reinforcing family ties.
- 🍳 Funny
- 👪 Family
- 😄 Light-hearted
- F(
Felicia (Karen Lamm)
Played by Karen Lamm
A classmate who contributes to the social dynamic around the campaign, playing into the social club and peer pressure among students. She embodies the social surface of prom culture.
- 🎀 Socialite
- 🫶 Peer pressure
- 🗨️ Charisma
- LO
Lori Ottinger (Sherry Hursey)
Played by Sherry Hursey
A classmate who witnesses the escalation of the campaign and adds to the social network of the high school. Her perspective helps highlight the teen social environment surrounding the candidate drama.
- 🤝 Ally
- 👭 Friend
- 🗯️ Observant
- MA
Mr. Albrecht (William Bogert)
Played by William Bogert
The school administrator who sits at the center of the high school machinery and interacts with the drama surrounding the student body election. He provides a tempered counterpoint to student schemes.
- 🏫 Principal
- 🧭 Authority
- 🗂️ Administrator
Where and When Is Almost Summer Set?
Almost Summer is set in California (Late 1970s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Late 1970s
Set during the late 1970s, the film captures the era's casual teen style, school spirit, and social dynamics. Teen life revolves around prom, sports aspirations, and the politics of student government, reflecting the period's cultural sensibilities.
Where
California
The story unfolds in a coastal California community, anchored by a sun-soaked beach gathering and a busy high school campus. Much of the action moves between the attendance office, the assembly hall, and the prom, all set against the backdrop of a beach town culture.
- 🏖️ Beach setting
- 🏫 Suburban high school
What Are the Themes of Almost Summer?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Power & Politics, Honesty & Integrity and Youth & Social Pressure.
-
01
Power & Politics
The student election becomes a microcosm of influence, with Bobby maneuvering Darryl into the spotlight and Christine using the race to bolster her status. The plot explores how appearances and scheming can override merit, culminating in a controversy that tests friendships.
-
02
Honesty & Integrity
Darryl's honesty and ultimate decision to reveal the truth about the staged bust highlight the value of integrity over spectacle. The story shows how truth can realign loyalties and reshape relationships on campus.
-
03
Youth & Social Pressure
Teenagers juggle crushes, rivalries, and the pressure to fit in with the popular crowd. The campaign drama amplifies peer expectations, forcing characters to choose between personal ideals and social acceptance.
What Kind of Film Is Almost Summer?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A sun-drenched, nostalgic teen comedy that captures the lighthearted drama of a high school election with youthful optimism and a generally upbeat, feel-good atmosphere.
- nostalgic
- lighthearted
- youthful
- optimistic
- sunny
- upbeat
- coming of age
- high school election
- teen romance
- integrity
Quiz
How well do you remember Almost Summer? Test yourself on the story.
