What Is If Ever I See You Again About?
The premise of If Ever I See You Again in 319 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling world of New York’s advertising agencies, Bob Morrison has turned the art of the commercial jingle into a comfortable livelihood. A widower raising two young children, he lives a life marked by steady rhythm and the predictable cadence of deadline‑driven creativity. Yet behind the catchy melodies lies a restless yearning; the constraints of pleasing executives and fitting music into thirty‑second spots have begun to feel like shackles on his larger musical ambitions.
The film gently contrasts Bob’s polished, pragmatic existence with the more arcane aspirations of his old college friend David Miller, who has devoted years to a classical dream despite modest earnings. Their divergent paths highlight a central tension: the lure of artistic purity versus the security of commercial success. Adding to the pressure is the demanding presence of Lawrence, a client whose eccentric tastes serve as both challenge and catalyst, pushing Bob to question whether the jingles he composes truly reflect his own voice.
Compelled by this inner discord, Bob accepts a chance to travel to Los Angeles, hoping the glamour of Hollywood will open the door to film scoring—a realm where his compositions could breathe more freely. The journey also brings an unexpected brush with his past: a chance encounter with Jennifer Corly, the college sweetheart who vanished after their romance stalled. Now a painter living on the coast, she embodies the artistic freedom Bob craves, and their meeting hints at whether old sparks might ignite anew amidst the sun‑lit uncertainty of the West Coast.
The tone of the story is warm and wistful, blending humor with heartfelt introspection as Bob navigates the thin line between duty and desire. As he stands at the crossroads of career and love, the film invites viewers to consider how far one will go to reclaim creativity, reconnect with a lost love, and reshape the rhythm of a life that has long played to someone else’s beat.
What Happens in If Ever I See You Again?
The complete story of If Ever I See You Again, from the first scene to the last, in 577 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Bob Morrison is a successful composer of TV commercial jingles who has built a comfortable life in New York City for himself and his two young children. Yet he chafes at bending his music to the whims of executives like Lawrence, whose tastes can be eccentric or abrasive. He secretly envies his old friend David Miller, a man who has sacrificed financial comfort for years to chase a classical dream and is now poised for a Carnegie Hall triumph, still happily married despite the years of hard work. Bob himself is a widower in the shadows of his past, with the death of his wife implied rather than shown, and he has never quite gotten over his college girlfriend, Jennifer Corly — a relationship that began with a spark, then fizzled when she wasn’t ready for a serious commitment and dated someone else.
When Bob and his loyal assistant Mario fly to Los Angeles for a single day to meet two film producers who might hire him for a film score, he discovers that Jennifer is now living in Malibu. He calls her and visits her at her home just before he must return, and he finds her transformed into a painter who remains strikingly beautiful and unmarried, still exuding a quiet magnetism that draws him in. She seems to be intrigued by him again, and she even kisses him goodbye at the airport. The encounter rekindles old feelings, and he realizes he’s fallen in love with her all over again.
Back in New York, just before Christmas, Bob’s mounting frustrations finally push him toward dissolving their jingle-writing business with his partner, a decision that would leave Mario without work. Yet, before he can tell Mario, the younger man steps forward with a heartfelt speech praising Bob for everything he has done, leaving Bob overwhelmed with guilt and unsure how to proceed. In a twist of fate, the producers reveal they are seriously considering hiring him, but they want him to come to Los Angeles to record the final audition. He agrees, though his preference is to stay in New York and work from there.
Upon arriving in California, he calls Jennifer and invites her to his session and to dinner, only for her to turn him down at first. The mood shifts when David Miller unexpectedly appears at the studio to play the piano accompaniment, lifting Bob’s spirits. Jennifer arrives soon after, having changed her mind, and the two reconnect. Bob confesses that the love song recorded years ago was written with her in mind, and their renewed closeness seems to promise a new future. They share a private, intimate moment, but Jennifer pulls back, explaining that while she loves him, she’s not a forever person.
not a forever person
As he absorbs the moment, Bob learns that the job is secured and that he’ll be able to work from New York after all, a development that should have him celebrating. Instead, he returns to New York with a mix of relief and heartbreak, preparing to mark the holidays with his family and friends. The season’s warmth returns when Jennifer unexpectedly reappears at a children’s Christmas party he hosts, signaling a renewed possibility for their future together. In a move that feels both earned and hopeful, Bob and Jennifer decide to give their relationship another chance, balancing the pull of memory with the promise of a life they can shape together in the city they love.
If Ever I See You Again Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Bob's NYC success and envy of David's Carnegie Hall breakthrough” to “Jennifer returns to the party and reconciles”. 12 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Bob's NYC success and envy of David's Carnegie Hall breakthrough
Bob Morrison is a wealthy NYC jingle composer with two young kids. He enjoys success but resents having to tailor his music to executives' whims. His old friend David is about to perform Carnegie Hall, a milestone that underscores the payoff of years of sacrifice.
When:Present day, NYC Where:New York City
- 2
Trip to Los Angeles to meet film producers
Bob and his assistant Mario fly to Los Angeles for a one-day meeting with two movie producers who might hire him for a film score. The trip sets up a clash between commercial work and his artistic ambitions.
When:One-day trip Where:Los Angeles
- 3
Jennifer in Malibu; a brief reunion that ends at the airport
In LA, Bob learns Jennifer Corly is living in Malibu and he seeks her out. He visits her at home and they share a moment, but Jennifer kisses him goodbye at the airport, hinting at unresolved feelings.
When:Day trip to LA Where:Malibu, California
- 4
Holiday crisis: closing the jingle business
Back in NYC just before Christmas, Bob and Steve decide to close down their jingle-writing business. Mario gives a grateful speech thanking Bob for everything he’s done, leaving Bob feeling guilty and unsure about his future.
When:Just before Christmas Where:New York City
- 5
Producers’ offer and the LA final audition
The producers signal they’re serious about hiring him but require him to come to Los Angeles to record the final audition. Bob reluctantly agrees, hoping to balance the opportunity with his preferred New York base.
When:Shortly after Christmas Where:New York City / Los Angeles
- 6
Jennifer invited to the session; she declines
From the recording plans, Bob calls Jennifer and invites her to attend the session and have dinner. She declines, leaving Bob feeling uncertain about their future.
When:Before the session Where:Los Angeles
- 7
David arrives; Jennifer changes her mind
David unexpectedly arrives to play piano at the session, lifting Bob’s spirits. Jennifer arrives later, having reconsidered and decided to reconnect with him.
When:Session night Where:Los Angeles
- 8
Confession of the old love song
Bob confesses that he wrote the love song recorded years ago with Jennifer in mind, reigniting their emotional connection. They spend time together, sharing a deeper moment.
When:During final audition night Where:Los Angeles
- 9
A brief, bittersweet romance and a breakup
Bob and Jennifer make love, but she breaks up with him, saying she loves him but is not a 'forever person' and cannot change. The moment marks a painful turning point for Bob.
When:Same night Where:Los Angeles
- 10
Job secured; a NYC-based future
Bob learns that he got the film score job and will be able to work from New York City, meaning he will not have to return to California. The outcome aligns with his preference to stay close to home.
When:Shortly after the audition Where:New York City
- 11
Heartbroken return to NYC for the holidays
Bob returns to New York and prepares to celebrate the holidays with his family and friends. He is emotionally uncertain, carrying the weight of the breakup with Jennifer.
When:Christmas season Where:New York City
- 12
Jennifer returns to the party and reconciles
During a children's Christmas party, Jennifer unexpectedly appears, having reconsidered the breakup. Bob and Jennifer reconcile, ending the story on a hopeful note.
When:Christmas party Where:New York City
Who Are the Main Characters in If Ever I See You Again?
9 characters, among them Bob Morrison (Joseph Brooks), Jennifer Corly (Shelley Hack) and David Miller (Kenny Karen): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- BM
Bob Morrison (Joseph Brooks)
Played by Joseph Brooks
A successful, moneyed composer of TV jingles who is frustrated by executives' meddling. He longs for artistic integrity, envy-friendly of his pianist friend David, and he falls in love with Jennifer again. His choices are driven by work, family, and a desire to find a life where he can live in New York while pursuing music on his own terms.
- 🎼 Music
- 💼 Career
- ❤️ Romance
- JC
Jennifer Corly (Shelley Hack)
Played by Shelley Hack
A former college flame who has become a Malibu painter. She is beautiful, independent, and not a 'forever person' at heart, yet she reconnects with Bob and is torn between love and a need for personal space. Her decisions reveal a wary optimism about romance and a desire to live authentically.
- 🎨 Art
- ❤️ Romance
- DM
David Miller (Kenny Karen)
Played by Kenny Karen
Bob's old friend, now a married classical pianist on the cusp of a Carnegie Hall breakthrough. He embodies quiet dedication and personal fulfillment through artistry, contrasting with Bob's commercial pressures. His success proves the payoff of persistence and authentic pursuit of one's craft.
- 🎵 Music
- 🧭 Friendship
- M(
Mario (Jimmy Breslin)
Played by Jimmy Breslin
Bob's loyal assistant who openly thanks Bob for his guidance, highlighting the impact of mentorship and the emotional cost of career decisions. His gratitude and goodwill contrast with Bob's guilt when contemplating layoffs.
- 🎬 Industry
- 🙏 Gratitude
- SW
Steve Warner (Jerry Keller)
Played by Jerry Keller
Bob's business partner in the jingle venture, who shares in the company's highs and impending upheaval. He represents the practical side of entrepreneurship and the personal bonds that tie colleagues together.
- 💼 Business
- 🤝 Partnership
-
Lawrence (George Plimpton)
Played by George Plimpton
The eccentric and sometimes rude executive who pushes Bob toward corporate conformity. He embodies the friction between artistic impulse and commercial demand, serving as a foil to Bob's creative aspirations.
- 💼 Boss
- 🎭 Drama
- YM
Young Morrison (Michael Decker)
Played by Michael Decker
The younger Bob, glimpsed in flashbacks, illustrating the roots of his ambition and the early choices that shaped his current life. These moments highlight a trajectory from promising student to commercially successful composer.
- 👶 Young
- 🕰️ Past
- YC
Young Corly (Julie Gordon)
Played by Julie Gordon
Jennifer's younger self, shown in memory as the romantic history that informs her current reticence about commitment and the complexity of returning to past loves. Her character underscores the theme of reconciling history with present desires.
- 👶 Young
- 🕰️ Past
-
Child (Peter Billingsley)
Played by Peter Billingsley
One of Bob's two children who anchors his personal life and holiday celebrations. Their presence underscores Bob's motivation to balance business with family and a hopeful future.
- 🧒 Child
- 👪 Family
Where and When Is If Ever I See You Again Set?
If Ever I See You Again is set in New York City, Malibu and Los Angeles. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
New York City, Malibu, Los Angeles
The story unfolds across three recognizable locations: Bob's fast-paced New York City advertising world, Jennifer's sunlit Malibu residence, and the film industry's orbit around Los Angeles. New York City serves as the corporate hub where jingles and executives shape careers. Malibu provides a romantic counterpoint and artistic atmosphere where Jennifer pursues painting. Los Angeles frames the film's industry milieu as Bob navigates a high-stakes audition and career transition.
- 🌆 New York City
- 🏖️ Malibu
- 🏙️ Los Angeles
What Are the Themes of If Ever I See You Again?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love Rekindled, Ambition vs. Happiness and Memory & Forgiveness.
-
01
Love Rekindled
A central thread is Bob rediscovering his love for Jennifer after years apart. The couple's reunion is tempered by unresolved pasts and personal boundaries, highlighting how time can both heal and complicate romance. The narrative uses shared history and heartfelt moments to argue that true connection can endure despite distance and pride. Yet Jennifer's admission that she is not a 'forever person' introduces ambiguity about lasting commitment.
-
02
Ambition vs. Happiness
Bob's success in commercial music brings wealth and status but also tension with his artistic soul and personal life. His struggle with corporate control and the decision to close down his jingle business tests his priorities. The LA audition serves as a turning point between chasing prestige and seeking a life aligned with his heart. Ultimately, he discovers happiness may lie outside constant hustle and relocation.
-
03
Memory & Forgiveness
The past with his deceased wife casts a quiet weight over Bob's choices and his relationship with Jennifer. He grapples with guilt and the obligation to forgive himself for past missteps. The story leans on reconciliation, especially at the Christmas party, to affirm that forgiveness can lead to a renewed chance at happiness. The ending suggests that letting go of old wounds allows true healing and a second chance.
What Kind of Film Is If Ever I See You Again?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A reflective and nostalgic romance film that follows a midlife composer yearning for artistic fulfillment and a second chance at love, blending moments of romantic hope with underlying melancholy.
- nostalgic
- reflective
- romantic
- yearning
- melancholic
- hopeful
- creative frustration
- second chance romance
- midlife reflection
- widower
Quiz
How well do you remember If Ever I See You Again? Test yourself on the story.
