Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) and Danny (John Travolta) met and fell in love during the summer. Fall came. She moved away. He went back home. Sandy hooks up with a group of girls called the Pink Ladies. One group member, Rizzo (Stockard Channing) dislikes her because she's "Sandra Dee". One night during a pep rally, Rizzo surprises Sandy by springing Danny on her. He goes to that same school. Danny is glad to see her, but he acts cool and indifferent. Sandy is hurt. Danny comes around to trying to patch things up with Sandy and finds that she's dating a jock. Danny works hard to become an athlete and impress her. Because of his efforts, she agrees to go to a nationally-televised school dance with him. There is a dance contest which Danny and Sandy seem likely to win. However, Danny ends up winning with another girl. Sandy leaves upset. A few days later, Sandy and Danny are on a date at the drive-in. He wants to go steady, but when he tries to put a move on her, she walks away. Near the end of the year, Kenickie (Jeff Conaway), a member of Danny's gang, is set to race against a rival out on Thunder Road. However, Kenickie is accidentally injured, so Danny drives. Sandy, sits in background and worries about Danny while he wins the race. She realizes that she really wants to be with him, so she asks Pink Lady, Frenchie (Didi Conn), to help her. The end of the school year arrives, and with it a carnival day for the seniors. Danny is amazed when Sandy shows up looking really, really hot. There is a future for Danny and Sandy.