Satisfaction (1988 film)

Satisfaction (released in some international markets as *Girls of Summer*) is a 1988 American comedy-drama directed by Joan Freeman. The cast includes Justine Bateman and Liam Neeson. The film is most remembered today as the first credited big-screen appearance of Julia Roberts. It was released theatrically by 20th Century Fox.

The story follows Jennie Lee, lead singer of the all-girl Baltimore rock band the Mystery. At her high school graduation, Jennie delivers the valedictory speech while her bandmate and bassist Daryle accepts a marriage proposal from her boyfriend Frankie. The band plans to travel to Florida for a summer audition at a nightclub, but obstacles pile up: Jennie’s older brother objects because it might derail her college plans, their keyboardist quits unexpectedly, and drummer Mooch insults a gang member, who retaliates by destroying their van. Jennie claims she borrowed a friend’s van, but with guitarist Billie’s help, she actually steals the gang member’s personal vehicle.

After recruiting a male keyboardist named Nicky, the band heads south. They arrive at the nightclub after closing and fear they missed their chance. Determined not to turn back, they find the owner Martin Falcon’s home address. Letting themselves into his beach house, they discover Falcon is absent but meet his Doberman Pinscher, Hamlet, who becomes friendly after Billie sings to him. Falcon returns drunk, mistakes them for thieves, and then learns they are a day early. With no money or lodging, he offers them the tool shack meant for the summer’s winning band. The next night, their audition earns a roaring crowd response, and Falcon hires them for the season.

The band stands out in the preppy beach town. Mooch refuses to remove her black leather jacket despite the heat. Daryle, now broken up with Frankie, dates a wealthy local and gets the band invited to his parties. Billie, feeling uncomfortable, increases her pill use to cope with depression. Jennie encourages Mooch to spend time with Nicky, who has a crush on her, while Jennie herself begins a relationship with the older Falcon. Falcon tells Jennie he has a music agent friend coming to see the band, but when he learns she might move in with him, he ends things, not wanting her to sacrifice opportunities. Billie nearly overdoses, and Frankie starts a small riot at the club when he s