The Very Thought of You 1999

Comedy

Romance

Box Office

$98K

Runtime

88 min

Language

English

Directed by

Nick Hamm

Made by

Miramax Films

Where to Watch The Very Thought of You

See current US streaming, rental, and purchase options for The Very Thought of You (1999) via JustWatch.

Google Play Movies

Rent $3.79 Buy $9.99

YouTube

Rent $3.79 Buy $9.99

Streaming availability powered by

Test your knowledge of The Very Thought of You with our quiz!

The Very Thought of You Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Very Thought of You (1999). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

After spending three long years at war, with two years dedicated to the Aleutian campaign and a period in “cold storage” on Attu Island, Army Sergeants Dave (played by Dennis Morgan) and his close friend “Fixit” (Dane Clark) finally receive orders to return to the United States. They take a Thanksgiving pass in Pasadena and pay a visit to Dave’s beloved Caltech, all while awaiting their next deployment in the Pacific Theater.

During their time there, they encounter two young women employed at a parachute factory. Cora (Faye Emerson) instantly attracts Fixit’s attention, while Janet (Eleanor Parker) is a familiar face from Dave’s school days. Aware that Dave has no family in the area, Janet graciously invites him to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with her family.

However, the warm welcome is short-lived as her family does not receive him kindly. Janet’s mother expresses disapproval of her daughter’s relationship with a military man who is often away. This tension is fueled further by Janet’s sister Molly (Andrea King), who is unfaithful to her sailor husband, and her rude brother who has been classified 4-F. Only Janet’s father and younger sister Ellie provide a semblance of warmth, with Ellie noticing the chemistry between Janet and Dave and orchestrating a secret date for them on Thanksgiving morning.

Though their excursion to Mount Wilson causes them to return home late, Janet and Dave find it hard to say goodbye. They ultimately decide to spend the night at Cora’s apartment and drift off to sleep, only to return to Janet’s home at 3 a.m., leading to a slap from her mother.

As Dave prepares to report for duty in San Diego, he finds himself deeply in love with Janet, leading to their quick marriage and a brief honeymoon. Meanwhile, Molly shows her disdain by intercepting Dave’s letters to Janet. In search of independence, Janet moves into Cora’s apartment, where she and Dave plan a quick meeting in San Diego. Sleeping on a beach due to a lack of accommodations, their bond grows stronger.

However, news of war changes everything when Janet discovers she is pregnant, leading to increased hostilities with Molly. But when word arrives that both Dave and Fixit have been injured, the dynamics shift dramatically. Janet’s family begins to soften, with Molly even pleading with her husband Fred (William Prince) for forgiveness, allowing the family to reconcile.

After more months apart, Dave finally returns home to embrace his wife and meet their newborn baby boy, marking a bittersweet closure to a tumultuous journey filled with love and challenges.

The Very Thought of You Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Very Thought of You (1999) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Return from War

After three long years of service, Sergeants Dave and Fixit receive orders to return to the United States. Their deployment included two years in the Aleutian campaign and time spent on Attu Island, which significantly impacted their lives.

United States

Thanksgiving Pass in Pasadena

In Pasadena, they take a Thanksgiving pass, eager to reconnect with their everyday lives. They decide to visit Dave's beloved Caltech, anticipating the joy of being back in familiar surroundings.

Pasadena

Meeting Cora and Janet

During their time in Pasadena, Dave and Fixit meet two young women working at a parachute factory. Fixit is instantly attracted to Cora, while Dave recognizes Janet as a familiar face from his past.

Parachute Factory

Invited for Thanksgiving Dinner

Janet invites Dave to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with her family, knowing he has no family in the area. This gesture highlights Janet's kindness amidst the backdrop of familial tensions.

Thanksgiving Janet's Family Home

Familial Tensions

At dinner, Janet’s family receives Dave coldly, particularly her disapproving mother. The atmosphere is further tense due to her sister Molly's infidelity and her rude brother's 4-F classification, creating an uncomfortable setting for Dave.

Thanksgiving Dinner Janet's Family Home

Secret Date

Despite the hostile family environment, Ellie, Janet's younger sister, sees the chemistry between her sister and Dave. She orchestrates a secret date for them on Thanksgiving morning, allowing them a brief respite from the tensions.

Thanksgiving Morning Mount Wilson

Late Return Home

After their date at Mount Wilson, Janet and Dave find themselves returning home late. Their extended time together leads to lingering emotions and difficulties in saying goodbye.

3 a.m. Janet's Family Home

Love Blossoms

As Dave prepares to report for duty in San Diego, he acknowledges his deep feelings for Janet. Their relationship strengthens, leading them to a quick marriage and a brief honeymoon, embodying the urgency of love during war.

San Diego

Molly's Interference

Molly displays her disdain for Dave by intercepting his letters to Janet, further complicating Janet's relationship with her family. This creates additional tension as Janet strives for her independence.

Cora's Apartment

Finding Independence

In pursuit of independence, Janet moves into Cora's apartment. She and Dave plan a meeting in San Diego, although they are forced to sleep on the beach due to a lack of accommodations, which only deepens their bond.

Beach

Unexpected News

Janet's life takes a sudden turn when she discovers she is pregnant. This news amplifies hostilities with Molly, leading to escalating family dynamics and conflict.

Injury Reports

When news emerges of Dave and Fixit's injuries during combat, the mood within Janet's family shifts dramatically. This brings about a wave of empathy and reconsideration of their harsh judgments.

Family Reconciliation

As the family grapples with the news of the injuries, they start to reconcile. Molly, in particular, pleads with her husband for forgiveness, marking a significant shift in the family's dynamics.

Dave's Return

After enduring months of separation, Dave finally returns home. The reunion allows him to embrace Janet and hold their newborn baby boy for the first time, signifying a bittersweet closure to their tumultuous journey.

Home

The Very Thought of You Characters

Explore all characters from The Very Thought of You (1999). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Dave

Dave is a soldier whose compassionate nature and love for Janet highlight his character. Having spent years in war, he longs for connection and stability. His resilience is tested by family opposition and the harsh realities of life as a military man.

🪖 Soldier ❤️ Love 🌊 Romance

Janet

Janet is depicted as a nurturing figure who navigates family expectations and her love for Dave. She shows strength in the face of adversity and becomes a supporting partner amidst the struggles brought by war. Her journey reflects the challenges many women faced during this time.

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Love Interest 🌼 Family 💪 Resilience

The Very Thought of You Settings

Learn where and when The Very Thought of You (1999) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

World War II era

Set during World War II, the film explores the challenges faced by soldiers returning home after long deployments. This period was marked by significant global conflict, impacting family structures and personal relationships. The emotional strain of war leads characters to confront issues of love, loyalty, and reconciliation against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.

Location

Pasadena, Caltech, Attu Island, Mount Wilson, San Diego

The movie takes place primarily in Pasadena, California, where the characters experience a Thanksgiving gathering filled with tension and family dynamics. Caltech, a prestigious institute, serves as a backdrop for the characters’ emotional connections. Mount Wilson is notable for its scenic beauty, providing a romantic escape. Attu Island, a remote location in the Aleutian campaign, represents the harsh and isolating experiences of war.

🌍 Locations 🏛️ Education

The Very Thought of You Themes

Discover the main themes in The Very Thought of You (1999). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Love & Sacrifice

The theme of love and sacrifice is central to the story, depicting how war affects romantic relationships. Dave’s deep love for Janet drives him to face numerous challenges, including family disapproval and the harsh realities of military life. Their bond is tested through separation and the looming threat of danger during the war.

🏠

Family Dynamics

Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences and decisions. Janet’s family is initially resistant to her relationship with a soldier, contributing to underlying tensions. However, the challenges they face ultimately bring the family closer together, highlighting themes of understanding and reconciliation.

⚔️

War's Impact

The film poignantly illustrates the impact of war on personal lives and relationships. Characters must navigate the emotional turmoil caused by separation and the uncertainty of military service. The consequences of war ripple through their lives, transforming relationships and prompting shifts in family dynamics.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore the mobile app

The Very Thought of You Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of The Very Thought of You (1999). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In search of a fresh breath beyond the predictable rhythm of her Minneapolis routine, Martha impulsively boards a flight to London, a city that thrums with history, rain‑slick streets, and possibilities that feel just out of reach. The moment she steps onto the cobblestones, the film wraps her in a light‑hearted, slightly whimsical tone—one that balances the excitement of a new environment with the quiet yearning of someone looking to rewrite her own story. The capital itself becomes a character, its cafés, music venues, and late‑night walks offering a backdrop that feels both intimate and endlessly adventurous.

Almost immediately, Martha finds herself at the center of three very different attentions. The charismatic music producer exudes a magnetic confidence, his world a blend of pulsing beats and glossy backstage glamour that hints at a life lived on impulse. The sophisticated card player moves through London’s elegant gambling circles with a cool, calculated poise, his conversations as smooth as the shuffle of a deck, suggesting a measured, perhaps guarded heart. Meanwhile, the hopeful actor carries the optimism of rehearsals and auditions, his earnestness lighting up every scene he steps into, promising a devotion that feels as genuine as it is unpredictable. Each man is oblivious to the others’ interest, creating a subtle, breezy tension that fuels the film’s playful romance.

The story unfolds as a charming, unpredictable adventure, inviting viewers to wonder how Martha will navigate this unexpected love triangle while rediscovering herself. The tone remains warm and witty, peppered with moments of tender humor that keep the narrative buoyant. As the city’s iconic skyline glimmers in the background, the film promises a journey where chance encounters may turn into lasting connections, leaving the audience eager to see which melody, gamble, or performance will ultimately win her heart.

Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.