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Let Them Chirp Awhile (2008) Plot Summary & Timeline

Let Them Chirp Awhile (2008) movie poster

Let Them Chirp Awhile is a 2008 comedy film directed by Jonathan Blitstein, running 1 hour 31 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 253 words (about 1 minute to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Let Them Chirp Awhile.

to read the plot summary
1 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
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Let Them Chirp Awhile (2008) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Let Them Chirp Awhile About?

The premise of Let Them Chirp Awhile in 272 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the restless rhythm of New York City, a young screenwriter wanders the streets that pulse with ambition and uncertainty. Bobby carries a notebook full of half‑finished ideas, the most outlandish of which imagines a chorus of chatty pigeons delivering the moral of his story. The city itself feels like a character—a collage of cafés, cramped apartments, and endless billboard promises—providing both inspiration and a relentless whisper that something better should be happening right now.

When a casual favor turns into the unexpected responsibility of caring for a friend’s dog, Bobby sees a chance to prove himself, not just to the friend but to the part of himself that still believes he can be trusted with something important. At the same time, his relationship with a budding musician, Scott, offers a fragile sanctuary where creative doubts are aired over coffee and late‑night jam sessions. Their conversations drift between humor and melancholy, hinting at a deeper bond forged by shared insecurities and the pressure to make a mark before the city’s lights dim.

Surrounding them is a circle of peers who embody the same restless yearning—a playwright whose success feels both enviable and inexplicably hollow, and a cohort of artists hustling to translate their passions into something tangible. The tone of the film balances witty banter with the quieter moments of self‑reflection, capturing the uneasy blend of hope and anxiety that defines a generation chasing ambition in a metropolis that never sleeps. As Bobby and Scott navigate these overlapping worlds, the story promises a quirky, heartfelt exploration of identity, friendship, and the stubborn quest to turn a wild idea into a lasting legacy.

Full plot

What Happens in Let Them Chirp Awhile?

The complete story of Let Them Chirp Awhile, from the first scene to the last, in 253 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

In the bustling city of New York, two aspiring artists, Bobby and Scott, find themselves in a creative standstill. Plagued by self-doubt and a constant drive for perfection, their artistic ambitions are seemingly frozen in time. The underlying tension between them is evident as they each struggle to establish their careers—Bobby as a dedicated writer and Scott as an emerging musician. Their competitive spirits often clash, ultimately stifling the progress they could achieve together.

On the personal front, Bobby’s love life is no less complicated. He’s entangled in a tumultuous relationship with a young New York University student, but his insecurities regarding their age disparity inhibit him from fully engaging in the romance. Matters are further tangled when Bobby reconnects with an ex-girlfriend, Deirdre, who plans to head to Los Angeles. When Deirdre asks him to look after her dog during her absence, Bobby devises an enticing proposition that unexpectedly leads him into an awkward situation at a clothing store.

As the narrative deepens, Bobby’s artistic journey encounters a significant obstacle: he shares a promising screenplay idea with Scott, only to discover that their mutual friend, Hart, a playwright, has stolen it for his latest production. This play, titled “Death of a Banker,” features Anthony Rapp and dives into themes of identity and redemption in the wake of the September 11 attacks. With its off-Broadway debut looming, Bobby grapples with feelings of betrayal and a new wave of creative blockage, immersing himself further into the chaos of his challenges both personally and professionally.

Timeline

Let Them Chirp Awhile Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Bobby and Scott's Artistic Struggles” to “New Beginnings”. 15 events name a place, across 2 locations.

  1. 1

    Bobby and Scott's Artistic Struggles

    In the vibrant city of New York, Bobby and Scott find themselves at a creative impasse. Both aspiring artists, their contrasting ambitions lead to a competitive spirit that ultimately hampers their potential to succeed together.

    Where:New York City

  2. 2

    Bobby's Tumultuous Relationship

    Bobby navigates a complicated romantic relationship with a young New York University student. His insecurities about their age difference create barriers that prevent him from fully committing to the relationship.

    Where:New York City

  3. 3

    Reconnection with Deirdre

    Bobby unexpectedly reconnects with his ex-girlfriend, Deirdre, who plans to move to Los Angeles. This reunion stirs unresolved feelings in Bobby as he contemplates the impact of her departure.

    Where:New York City

  4. 4

    The Dog-Sitting Proposition

    While preparing for Deirdre's absence, Bobby is asked to take care of her dog. This seemingly simple request leads him into a series of humorous and awkward situations, revealing layers of complexity in his character.

    Where:Clothing Store

  5. 5

    Sharing the Screenplay Idea

    In an attempt to overcome his creative block, Bobby shares a promising screenplay idea with Scott. This moment represents his desire to collaborate but also sets the stage for future conflict and betrayal.

    Where:New York City

  6. 6

    Betrayal by Hart

    Bobby's excitement turns to dismay when he discovers that their mutual friend, Hart, has stolen his screenplay idea for a new play. This betrayal intensifies Bobby’s feelings of self-doubt and creative blockage.

    Where:New York City

  7. 7

    Emergence of 'Death of a Banker'

    Hart's play, titled 'Death of a Banker,' dives into poignant themes of identity and redemption. The production gains momentum, spotlighting the ethical dilemmas around creative ownership and personal integrity.

    Where:New York City

  8. 8

    Off-Broadway Debut

    As the off-Broadway debut of Hart's play approaches, Bobby grapples with a mix of anxiety and betrayal. The looming performance serves as a catalyst for his personal and artistic turmoil.

    Where:New York City

  9. 9

    Identity and Redemption Themes

    The play 'Death of a Banker' explores significant themes that resonate with the audience, particularly in the context of the September 11 attacks. This narrative backdrop deepens the stakes for Bobby, challenging his own understanding of identity.

    Where:New York City

  10. 10

    Creative Block Deepens

    In the wake of these events, Bobby's creative block worsens, reflecting his inner turmoil. The pressures of his personal relationships become intertwined with his artistic ambitions, complicating his path forward.

    Where:New York City

Show the other 5 events of Let Them Chirp Awhile
  1. 11

    Confrontation with Scott

    The tension between Bobby and Scott escalates as their competitive spirits clash. This confrontation not only highlights their individual insecurities but also jeopardizes their friendship and collaborative efforts.

    Where:New York City

  2. 12

    Bobby's Moment of Reflection

    As Bobby contemplates the impact of recent betrayals and creative obstacles, he reaches a critical moment of introspection. This reflection allows him to reconsider his relationships and artistic identity.

    Where:New York City

  3. 13

    A Push Towards Collaboration

    Motivated by his struggles, Bobby seeks to reconnect with Scott in hopes of reigniting their artistic collaboration. This attempt signifies his desire for personal growth and the importance of partnership in the face of challenges.

    Where:New York City

  4. 14

    Resilience Amid Setbacks

    Despite the turmoil, Bobby begins to find resilience within himself, inspired by the themes of redemption explored in Hart's play. This newfound strength may lead him to reclaim his artistic voice.

    Where:New York City

  5. 15

    New Beginnings

    By the end of the narrative, Bobby understands that creative conflicts can lead to personal evolution. Embracing change, he prepares to embark on a new artistic journey, open to collaboration and growth.

    Where:New York City

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Let Them Chirp Awhile?

4 characters, among them Bobby, Scott and Deirdre: who each one is and the part they play in the story.

  • B

    Bobby

    Bobby is a dedicated writer who struggles with self-doubt and the pressure of perfectionism. His journey is fraught with personal and professional challenges, including a complicated love life and a betrayal that leaves him creatively blocked. Bobby's character embodies the trials of aspiring artists trying to find their voice amidst chaos.

    • ✍️ Writer
    • 🎨 Aspiring Artist
  • S

    Scott

    Scott is an emerging musician who shares a competitive relationship with Bobby. His ambition often clashes with Bobby's, contributing to a creative standstill that hinders both their artistic pursuits. Scott represents the youthful drive and common pitfalls of aspiring talent in the city.

    • 🎸 Musician
    • 🎼 Ambitious
  • D

    Deirdre

    Deirdre is Bobby's ex-girlfriend who re-enters his life at a moment of uncertainty. She adds complexity to Bobby's romantic life and serves as a reminder of his past. Deirdre's decision to move to Los Angeles creates a mix of nostalgia and opportunity for Bobby.

    • 💔 Ex-Girlfriend
    • 🌏 Relocating
  • H

    Hart

    Hart is a playwright and mutual friend of Bobby and Scott. His betrayal in stealing Bobby's screenplay idea represents the competitive and often ruthless nature of the artistic world. Hart's character sheds light on the blurred lines of friendship and ambition in the creative landscape.

    • 🎭 Playwright
    • 🔄 Betrayer
Setting

Where and When Is Let Them Chirp Awhile Set?

Let Them Chirp Awhile is set in New York City. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

New York City

New York City is a vibrant and bustling metropolis known for its rich cultural tapestry and dynamic arts scene. It's a place where countless artists, writers, and musicians converge, all striving to make their mark in the competitive landscape. Famous landmarks and hidden gems alike offer endless inspiration, making it a melting pot of creativity and ambition.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🎨 Art Hub
Themes

What Are the Themes of Let Them Chirp Awhile?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Relationships and Ambition.

  1. 01

    Identity

    The film explores the theme of identity through Bobby's struggles with self-doubt and the competitive dynamics with Scott. As they each pursue their artistic goals, their individual identities become mired in comparison and insecurity. The play within the film, 'Death of a Banker,' further delves into issues of self-discovery and the complexities of personal growth.

  2. 02

    Relationships

    Relationships are central to the narrative, particularly Bobby's complicated entanglement with his romantic interests. The film highlights the impact of personal relationships on his self-esteem and creative drive, especially as he navigates issues related to age and past connections. The tension between Bobby and Scott also exemplifies how friendships can be strained in the pursuit of success.

  3. 03

    Ambition

    Ambition drives the narrative as both Bobby and Scott grapple with their artistic aspirations. Their desire for success leads to intense rivalry, which ultimately hampers their progress. The story reflects the pressures faced by emerging artists in New York City as they seek recognition while battling their inner demons and external challenges.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Let Them Chirp Awhile?

Whimsical in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Whimsical
Pacing
Steady
Story
Moderate
Intensity
Low

A quirky, low-key comedy set in New York that follows the creative frustrations and romantic entanglements of struggling artists, balancing moments of awkward humor with a reflective tone on ambition and identity.

  • quirky
  • bittersweet
  • anxious
  • reflective
  • quirky humor
  • creative block
  • artistic rivalry
  • betrayal
  • self-discovery
  • romantic insecurity

Quiz

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FAQ

Let Them Chirp Awhile Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Let Them Chirp Awhile, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Let Them Chirp Awhile about?

In the restless rhythm of New York City, a young screenwriter wanders the streets that pulse with ambition and uncertainty. Bobby carries a notebook full of half‑finished ideas, the most outlandish of which imagines a chorus of chatty pigeons delivering the moral of his story.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Let Them Chirp Awhile take place?

Let Them Chirp Awhile is set in New York City. New York City is a vibrant and bustling metropolis known for its rich cultural tapestry and dynamic arts scene. It's a place where countless artists, writers, and musicians converge, all striving to make their mark in…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Let Them Chirp Awhile?

The story follows Bobby, Scott, Deirdre and Hart.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Let Them Chirp Awhile?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Identity, Relationships and Ambition.

The themes explained

Who directed Let Them Chirp Awhile?

Let Them Chirp Awhile (2008) was directed by Jonathan Blitstein and runs 1 hour 31 minutes.

Jonathan Blitstein’s films

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