The Way We Were

Katie Morosky and Hubbell Gardiner are college students from different backgrounds. Katie is Jewish, with strong political opinions which she freely shares, most striking of which is her support of communism. Hubbell is from a reserved, traditional WASP background, who is dubious of politics and politicians. As their paths cross, Katie admires Hubbell's good looks, athleticism and talent at writing. Hubbell is impressed with Katie's commitment to whatever she believes in. Katie does not hide her contempt of Hubbell's friends, and they in turn mock Katie and her passionate political stances. Despite the differences, Hubbell and Katie quietly admire one another. They share a moment after Hubbell sells a story, and at their senior prom they briefly dance before parting ways. The two meet again in New York City near the end of World War II: Katie juggles multiple jobs, and Hubbell is back from active duty as a naval officer in the South Pacific. The unlikely pair fall in love. After President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies, Katie is incensed when Hubbell's friends make disparaging jokes. She rejects Hubbell's indifference towards their insensitivity and dismissive political engagement. Hubbell is frustrated by Katie's bluntness and strong opinions; he ends their relationship, but they eventually reconcile. Hubbell receives an offer to adapt his novel into a screenplay, but Katie is concerned that his talent will be wasted in Hollywood. Despite her apprehensions, they move to Malibu, where Hubbell's studio contract offers an affluent lifestyle. As they are unpacking, we find out that they are now married. As the Hollywood blacklist grows and McCarthyism encroaches on their lives, Katie's political activism resurfaces, potentially jeopardizing Hubbell's reputation and livelihood. Katie and others publicly confront the government over personal privacy and free speech. Her involvement strains the marriage, and Hubbell becomes alienated over Katie's political combativeness. Although Katie is pregnant, Hubbell has an affair with his former college girlfriend. Katie realizes that he is not the man she idealized and will always choose the easiest path. Hubbell is emotionally exhausted and unable to live up to Katie's expectations. After their daughter Rachel is born, the two divorce. Years later, Katie and Hubbell meet by chance in front of the Plaza Hotel in New York City, where Katie is demonstrating to "Ban the Bomb". A taxi interrupts their reunion, but they part with a tender, bittersweet farewell.

Plot from The Way We WereCC BY-SA 4.0