| Director | Stanley Donen |
|---|---|
| Genre | drama film, romantic comedy |
| Runtime | 111 min |
| Country | United Kingdom, United States |
| Budget | $5.1 million |
| Box office | $12 million |
In 1966, English architect Mark Wallace and his wife Joanna fly to France (when he thinks he forgot his passport, his wife hands it to him casually) then drive to Saint-Tropez to meet Mark's longtime client, Maurice Dalbret. Joanna complains that Mark is constantly at Maurice's beck and call, and Mark points out she enjoys the luxuries his hard work provides. They reflect on previous trips.
In 1954 Mark and Joanna cross paths on a ferry leaving England. Mark is studying European architecture, while Joanna is travelling with her choir to a festival in Menton. When the ferry arrives in Dieppe, Mark panics thinking he lost his passport; helpful bystander Joanna finds it in his backpack. When the choir's van runs off the road, Mark stops to help. He travels with the girls to Abbeville, intending to pair off with the beautiful Jackie, but after everyone else catches chickenpox, Joanna attaches herself to Mark. Mark tries to ditch Joanna, suggesting they travel separately. After hitching a ride with a slick driver in an Alfa Romeo, Joanna returns to join Mark, telling him that she loves him. He warns her that he does not intend commitment. At the Mediterranean, they stay in cheap hotels, spending their days at the beach, and Joanna proves to be an adaptable and ideal companion. At the end of their week, Mark asks Joanna to marry him.
In 1957 the Wallaces have been married for two years. They travel by car with Mark's former girlfriend from the University of Chicago, Cathy Seligman, her husband, Howard Maxwell-Manchester, and their demanding young daughter, Ruthie. In a tantrum Ruthie tosses away the car keys, causing a long delay as the adults search the nearby brush, until Joanna orders Ruthie to disclose where she threw the keys. A pedantic Howard suggests that Joanna resents Ruthie, who represents the child she wishes she had. After Ruthie says that Cathy called Joanna a "suburban English nobody," Mark insists they leave the Maxwell-Manchesters and continue travelling by themselves. Mark asks Joanna sardonically whether she really wants a Ruthie of their own.
In 1959 the Wallaces travel as a married couple on a limited budget, driving a rundown MG. When Joanna announces she is pregnant, Mark attempts enthusiasm. After the car catches fire, the Wallaces pull into a luxury hotel they can ill afford, the Domaine Saint-Just. To save money, they sneak in sparse food, only to find at checkout the seasonal price includes charges for breakfast and dinner. While they push the burnt-out car for disposal, a Bentley S1, belonging to wealthy couple Maurice and Françoise Dalbret, causes them to crash the MG into a barn. Maurice pays off the barn's owner, and the Wallaces travel with the Dalbrets. At the end of the trip Maurice hires Mark's architectural services.
The birth of Caroline results in Joanna's staying home and Mark's traveling alone to France. He has a one-night stand with a driver named Simone while he writes to Joanna lying about his activities and claiming to "miss" her.
In 1963, Joanna and young Caroline accompany Mark to a project for Maurice. Parenthood causes travel complications and strain in the marriage, with Mark admonishing Joanna that he never wanted a child. The two consider separating, and Joanna bitterly reflects that he never really wanted anything else. At the Dalbret property, Joanna meets Françoise's brother, David, who seduces her. When Mark confronts them, Joanna confesses she is in love with David. David gives her the choice to leave Mark for him; however, she returns to Mark, missing his sense of humor.
In the present, the Wallaces discuss divorce. Mark remains engrossed in work, paying little attention to Joanna. At a party at the Dalbret's new house, designed by Mark, David again approaches Joanna; Mark is jealous until David announces his engagement. When Maurice again demands a consultation with Mark, Mark and Joanna sneak out of the party. While driving away, they admit to one another that despite their frequent unhappiness and past unfaithfulness, they love one another and could never be apart.
At the France–Italy border, Mark believes he has lost his passport, but Joanna once again playfully provides it for him.