What Is That Thing You Do! About?
The premise of That Thing You Do! in 315 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the spring of 1964, a modest suburb of Pittsburgh buzzes with the electric hum of new guitars and the promise of a musical revolution. The era’s hopeful optimism drifts through diners, school hallways, and garage rehearsals, painting the world with a glossy, almost cinematic sheen. Within this backdrop, a group of teenagers discovers that the right chord can capture more than a moment—it can echo far beyond the streets they call home.
At the heart of the band is Guy Patterson, a eager drummer whose restless beats hint at ambitions larger than his small‑town life. He shares the stage with Jimmy Mattingly, the confident rhythm guitarist whose swagger balances youthful bravado with a hidden yearning for artistic freedom, and Lenny Haise, the lead guitarist whose quiet intensity fuels the group’s creative spark. Their dynamic is further colored by the presence of Tina Powers, Guy’s on‑and‑off girlfriend whose own aspirations clash with the whirlwind of fame, and Faye Dolan, the supportive girlfriend of Jimmy whose optimism steadies the group’s morale. Overseeing the whole operation is the shrewd manager Mr. White, whose practical eye for opportunity keeps the band’s foot on the gas while reminding them of the price of success.
The film’s tone swings between the sun‑splashed joy of teenage discovery and the more nuanced anxieties that accompany sudden attention. It captures the clash between the comforting familiarity of hometown life and the dazzling, unpredictable world of rock‑and‑roll stardom. As the boys experiment with sound and style, their camaraderie becomes a mirror for the era’s larger cultural shift—where dreams can launch a career, but also demand sacrifices that test the bonds of friendship and love.
Through witty dialogue, spirited musical interludes, and a vivid period soundtrack, the story invites viewers to feel the exhilaration of a band on the cusp of greatness, while gently reminding us that every ascent begins with a single, imperfect beat.
What Happens in That Thing You Do!?
The complete story of That Thing You Do!, from the first scene to the last, in 474 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film chronicles the rise of a rock band from Erie, Pennsylvania, emerging just before the British Invasion that followed the success of The Beatles. Guy Patterson, portrayed by Tom Everett Scott, is a talented drummer with dreams of jazz music, currently stuck in a superficial relationship with Tina Powers. When the group’s usual drummer, Chad, suffers an injury, rhythm guitarist Jimmy Mattingly and lead guitarist Lenny Haise, played by Tom Hanks and Charlize Theron, respectively, invite Guy to step in for a talent show at Gannon College, hoping to snag the $100 prize.
During rehearsal in a garage, they craft a ballad titled “That Thing You Do,” suggested by Jimmy’s girlfriend, Faye Dolan; she proposes the quirky name “The Oneders,” though it is frequently mispronounced as the “oh-NEE-ders.” At the talent show, Guy kicks up the tempo, making it a danceable hit, earning the band not only the prize but also their first gig at a local pizza place.
After a fan requests a record, Guy’s Uncle Bob helps them cut a vinyl of their song, which Faye sells at their performances. Their big break arrives when talent scout Phil Horace spots them, buys a record, and convinces Guy at the appliance store that he can help them achieve radio play and bookings in larger cities. Despite Jimmy’s fears about giving up his music rights, the band signs with Horace, setting their sights on a bigger stage.
Success follows as their single climbs the Billboard charts and they begin touring across the Midwest with other Play-Tone artists. However, personal strife ensues—Tina, unimpressed by Guy’s new fame, leaves him for her dentist, while Jimmy finds himself entangled in an affair with actress Diane Dane.
Amidst the chaos, the band is called to Hollywood to perform on The Hollywood Television Showcase, where they also learn about an upcoming film project. However, the pressures begin to unravel the band, leading to significant betrayals and breakups, especially when Jimmy walks away from the recording session, frustrated with the constraints placed on his music. Lenny’s absence during this critical time is felt, as he gets sidetracked with a Play-Tone secretary and ends up marrying her in Las Vegas.
In the studio, Guy’s talent shines as his unplanned drumming captures the interest of jazz great Del Paxton, leading to an impromptu jam session between the two. After the tour and various heartbreaks, Guy and Faye confess their love, facing an uncertain but hopeful future together. The epilogue paints a vivid picture of their lives in Los Angeles, as they marry, start a family, and Guy shares his passion for jazz composition by founding a music conservatory. Meanwhile, Jimmy moves on to create a new band with commercial success, Lenny finds a new path in casino management, and the original bassist earns military honors, beginning a new chapter in construction.
That Thing You Do! Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Guy Joins the Band” to “New Chapters for Band Members”. 11 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Guy Joins the Band
Guy Patterson, an aspiring jazz drummer, is unexpectedly recruited to fill in for the injured drummer Chad. This turns out to be a pivotal moment, leading him down a path he never anticipated.
Where:Erie, Pennsylvania
- 2
Creating 'That Thing You Do'
During a rehearsal, Guy and the band craft their hit song 'That Thing You Do' after a suggestion from Jimmy’s girlfriend, Faye Dolan. This catchy tune sets the stage for their early success.
Where:Garage
- 3
Talent Show Triumph
The band performs at a local talent show, where Guy kicks up the tempo of their song, making it a danceable hit. Their energetic performance not only wins them the competition but also secures their first gig.
Where:Gannon College
- 4
Uncle Bob's Support
After receiving fan requests for records, Guy's Uncle Bob offers to help cut a vinyl of their hit single. This homemade record becomes a hit at their performances, increasing their popularity.
Where:Erie, Pennsylvania
- 5
Meeting Phil Horace
While working at an appliance store, Guy catches the attention of talent scout Phil Horace. He convinces the band to sign a record deal, promising them radio play and bookings in larger cities.
Where:Appliance Store
- 6
Billboard Success
The band's single rapidly climbs the Billboard charts, marking the beginning of their music career. They embark on a tour across the Midwest, increasing their exposure and fan base.
Where:Midwest
- 7
Tina Leaves Guy
As Guy's fame rises, his girlfriend Tina becomes increasingly disillusioned and eventually leaves him for her dentist. This personal turmoil begins to affect Guy's focus on his music.
- 8
Hollywood Television Showcase
The band is invited to perform on 'The Hollywood Television Showcase', marking their transition to a national audience. Here, they also learn about a potential film project that could elevate their status.
Where:Hollywood
- 9
Personal Strife and Conflicts
Tensions rise within the band as Jimmy becomes frustrated with the creative constraints imposed on them. This culminates in him walking away from a recording session in a fit of anger.
Where:Recording Studio
- 10
Lenny's Marriage
Amidst the mounting pressure, Lenny, one of the band members, gets sidetracked and marries a Play-Tone secretary in Las Vegas. His absence is felt as the band deals with internal struggles.
Where:Las Vegas
Show the other 4 events of That Thing You Do! Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Jazz Jam with Del Paxton
In an unexpected encounter, Guy's drumming talent catches the attention of jazz legend Del Paxton. This leads to a spontaneous jam session, proving that Guy's passion for jazz remains strong.
Where:Recording Studio
- 12
Revelation of Love
After experiencing numerous heartbreaks during their tumultuous journey, Guy and Faye finally confess their love for each other. This moment offers hope amid the chaos surrounding them.
- 13
Epilogue: Moving Forward
The film concludes with a glimpse into the lives of the band members, showcasing how they have all moved on. Guy and Faye marry, start a family, and pursue their passion in music, while the others find their own paths.
Where:Los Angeles
- 14
New Chapters for Band Members
As life progresses, Jimmy creates a successful new band, while Lenny pursues a career in casino management. These diverging paths highlight the different directions their lives have taken post-band.
Who Are the Main Characters in That Thing You Do!?
4 characters, among them Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott), Jimmy Mattingly (Tom Hanks) and Faye Dolan (Charlize Theron): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott)
Played by Tom Everett Scott
Guy Patterson is an ambitious drummer with a passion for jazz, caught in a superficial relationship that stifles his true potential. He transforms from a struggling artist to a rising star, characterized by his determination and creativity, despite facing emotional challenges.
- 🥁 Drummer
- 🌟 Aspiring Musician
- 💔 Heartbroken
-
Jimmy Mattingly (Tom Hanks)
Played by Tom Hanks
Jimmy Mattingly is the rhythm guitarist and a key figure in the band who faces internal conflicts regarding fame and artistic integrity. His character is driven yet conflicted, reflecting the complexities of navigating relationships and success in the music industry.
- 🎸 Guitarist
- 💔 Troubled
- 🌟 Ambitious
-
Faye Dolan (Charlize Theron)
Played by Charlize Theron
Faye Dolan is the supportive girlfriend of Jimmy who inspires the band’s hit song. She embodies optimism and passion, navigating her own journey of love and ambition amid the chaos surrounding the band’s rise to fame.
- 💕 Supportive
- 🎤 Inspiration
- 🌟 Romantic
- TP
Tina Powers
Tina Powers is Guy's girlfriend who struggles to accept his new fame, ultimately leading to the end of their relationship. Her character represents the personal sacrifices and emotional turmoil that come with a partner's rising celebrity status.
- 💔 Jealous
- 💅 Superficial
- 💼 Unfulfilled
Where and When Is That Thing You Do! Set?
That Thing You Do! is set in Erie, Pennsylvania and Hollywood (1960s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1960s
The movie takes place in the early 1960s, a transformative time in music history marked by the emergence of rock and roll. This era saw significant cultural changes, particularly with the British Invasion following The Beatles' success, reshaping the music landscape in America.
Where
Erie, Pennsylvania, Hollywood
Erie, Pennsylvania, is where the band first comes together, representing the humble beginnings of their musical journey. It is known for its vibrant local community and supports various musical endeavors. In contrast, Hollywood serves as the glamorous backdrop for the band's rise to fame, symbolizing the entertainment industry's allure, pressures, and eventual challenges.
- 🎸 Music
- 🎬 Film Industry
What Are the Themes of That Thing You Do!?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heartbreak, Fame and Music.
-
01
Heartbreak
Heartbreak and personal struggles play a crucial role in the narrative as characters navigate relationships that are tested by fame. Guy experiences a painful breakup with Tina, while Jimmy's affair leads to complications, showcasing the emotional toll that success can bring.
-
02
Fame
The pursuit of fame is a driving force for the characters, highlighting both its allure and the pitfalls that come with it. The band’s journey from obscurity to national recognition illustrates the highs and lows of chasing one's dreams in the music industry.
-
03
Music
Music serves as the heart of the film, deeply intertwined with the characters' identities and aspirations. The creation of the song 'That Thing You Do' is a pivotal moment that launches their careers, symbolizing the joy and unifying power of music.
What Kind of Film Is That Thing You Do!?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
An upbeat and charming journey with a 1960s rock band experiencing the thrilling highs and manageable lows of sudden fame, filled with catchy music and lighthearted fun.
- fun
- upbeat
- energetic
- optimistic
- charming
- nostalgic
- music band
- sudden fame
- coming of age
- one hit wonder
Quiz
How well do you remember That Thing You Do!? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch That Thing You Do!
Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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