Media Class
Overboard (1987)
[movie lesson]
Getting Started

“Overboard" is a 1987 romantic comedy film. The movie tells the story of a wealthy and snobbish woman named Joanna Stayton who falls off her yacht and develops amnesia. Before her amnesia, she had hired Dean Proffitt to build a closet for her on her yacht. When she didn’t like the job he did, she refused to pay him and pushed him overboard.

Later, Dean sees her on the TV news and discovers she is in the hospital with amnesia. No one comes to claim her, so Dean decides to seek revenge on Joanna for not paying him for the work he had done on her yacht. He takes advantage of her amnesia and convinces her that she is his wife and the mother of his four rowdy children. Joanna, who Dean now calls "Annie," believes that she is a poor housewife , is forced to adapt to a completely different lifestyle, including performing household chores and caring for the children.

As time passes, Joanna slowly begins to adjust to her new life, and she becomes a kind and caring person. She also starts to develop a bond with Dean and the children. However, when Joanna's memory returns, she is shocked to discover the truth about her new life and the deception that Dean has played on her.

Joanna returns to her wealthy lifestyle but soon realizes that she misses Dean and the children. Dean also misses her so he takes a friend’s boat and chases down her yacht. They reunite and, of course, live happily ever after.

Comprehension Questions
  1. Why was Dean on Joanna's yacht?
  2. Joanna didn't want to pay Dean, what did she do instead?
  3. How does Dean find Joanna again?
  4. How does Dean take advantage of  Joanna's Amnesia?
  5. How is "Annie's" lifestyle different from "Joanna's"?
  6. What unexpected thing happens as "Annie" takes care of her new family?
  7. Why do you think Joanna can't go back to her previous life?
Discussion
  1. Have you encountered situations where your first impression of someone turned out to be completely wrong? Share an example, if comfortable.
  2. What might contribute to inaccurate first impressions?
  3. Do you believe people deserve second chances, even after making significant mistakes? Why or why not?
  4. Can a relationship built on a lie ever lead to true love?