Ginger in the Morning

Ginger in the Morning is a 1974 romantic comedy-drama directed by Gordon Wiles, starring Monte Markham, Susan Oliver, and Mark Miller. The movie revolves around a middle-aged, divorced man named Joe who falls in love with Ginger, a free-spirited hitchhiker.

The movie starts with Joe, a traveling salesman, who is driving through rural America to sell his goods. On his way, he picks up Ginger, who is hitchhiking and wants to escape from her everyday mundane life. After spending the night together, Joe and Ginger part ways. However, their chance meeting leaves a profound impact on their lives.

Joe, who is in his fifties, has been divorced for a few years and is still trying to come to terms with his situation. He is lonely and feels the need for companionship but is scared of getting hurt again. On the other hand, Ginger is a young woman in her twenties, trying to find her place in the world. She is carefree, adventurous and wants to live life on her own terms. However, she is also vulnerable and is dealing with some emotional baggage.

As Joe continues his journey, he cannot stop thinking about Ginger. He regrets not asking for her phone number or any way to contact her. As he drives through the country, he meets a variety of characters who try to convince him that he should forget Ginger and move on with his life. However, Joe cannot stop thinking about her, and after a couple of days, he decides to retrace his steps to try and find her.

Meanwhile, Ginger is also thinking about Joe. She feels drawn to him but is afraid of getting too close. She is worried that he might take advantage of her or want more than she is willing to give. However, when Joe shows up unexpectedly, Ginger is both surprised and delighted. They spend some time together, but their age difference and different ideologies torpedo their budding romance.

The rest of the movie explores Joe and Ginger's relationship as they navigate through their emotional barriers, social stigma, and differences in perspectives. The story is both heart-warming and bittersweet, with a touch of realism. The characters are well-crafted, and the acting is top-notch, with Monte Markham and Susan Oliver delivering excellent performances.

Overall, Ginger in the Morning is a charming, feel-good movie that explores the complexities of relationships and human emotions. It is an underrated gem from the '70s that deserves more recognition. The movie's thematic messages about the importance of seizing the moment and living in the present are still relevant today. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys romantic-comedies or slice-of-life dramas.