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Drama Cult Classic

A lonesome Beverly Hills socialite and a young drifter spark an unlikely May/December romance on the Malibu coast.

MOMENT BY MOMENT

The only thing they have in common... is each other.

1978 · 01:42:00 · R · Drama / Romance · IMDB TMDB

Trisha Rawlings, a Beverly Hills socialite suffers from loneliness following the separation of her womanizing husband Stu. Strip, a young drifter, became infatuated with her and, develops a May/December relationship with her.

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Quick Answer
What is Moment by Moment about?

Moment by Moment is a 1978 American drama-romance film directed by Jane Wagner about a wealthy Beverly Hills socialite who enters a complicated relationship with a much younger drifter after separating from her husband.

Synopsis

Trisha Rawlings (Lily Tomlin) is a wealthy, middle-aged Beverly Hills socialite suffering from loneliness following a separation from her philandering husband Stu (Bert Kramer). One day at a pharmacy, she meets Vick "Strip" Harrison (John Travolta), a suave young drifter she met briefly in the recent past when he worked as a car valet. He becomes infatuated with her, follows her to her Malibu beach house, hangs around despite her cold demeanor, and offers her pills in an attempt to woo her.

Trisha is initially annoyed by Strip's flirtation but eventually reciprocates his affections, although not quite to the same degree he feels for her. When he leaves her house, she goes after him and they have lunch, officially beginning their rocky relationship. She enjoys spending time with him but the age and class differences make her feel ashamed.

When they attend a photography exhibition together, they run into Stu, which makes the situation uncomfortable. Once they return home, they argue over their relationship. Strip leaves, but Trisha tracks him down and they reconcile.

 
Details & Specs
Director
Jane Wagner
Writer
Jane Wagner
Release
1978
Runtime
1h 42m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Drama, Romance

The SassyFlix Take

Jane Wagner directs Lily Tomlin and John Travolta in a sun-drenched, age-gap romance set against the backdrop of Malibu and Beverly Hills. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a jaded socialite crosses paths with a persistent car valet turned drifter, here’s your answer—awkward flirtations, pill offers, and all.

Why Cult

May/December Romance

Lily Tomlin and John Travolta navigate the highs and lows of a relationship defined by age, class, and emotional baggage.

Malibu & Beverly Hills Setting

The film uses the glamorous and lonely spaces of Malibu beach houses and Beverly Hills to frame its unconventional love story.

Star Power Casting

The pairing of Lily Tomlin as the emotionally distant Trisha and John Travolta as the persistent Strip is as offbeat as it is memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moment by Moment about? +

Moment by Moment follows Trisha Rawlings, a lonely Beverly Hills socialite, as she enters a complicated relationship with a younger drifter named Strip after separating from her husband.

Who directed Moment by Moment? +

Moment by Moment was directed by Jane Wagner.

How long is Moment by Moment? +

Moment by Moment has a runtime of 102 minutes.

What genre is Moment by Moment? +

Moment by Moment is a drama and romance film.

When was Moment by Moment released? +

Moment by Moment was released in 1978.