Can a freeway traffic sign guide your romantic destiny?

Entertainment · Published 2 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1991, Steve Martin starred as a weatherman seeking magic in a superficial Los Angeles. Between Shakespearean remixes and eccentric art reviews, he finds himself receiving cryptic, personalized advice from a highway traffic sign. This satirical comedy explores whether love can survive the shallow rhythms of the city.

Written by and starring Steve Martin, L.A. Story follows Harris K. Telemacher, a television weatherman with a Ph.D. in arts and humanities. Despite his academic credentials, Harris feels trapped in an undignified role, navigating a city he perceives as shallow—from pretentious coffee orders to bizarre freeway etiquette. He seeks escape through roller-skating through art galleries and frequenting Shakespearean references, drawing inspiration from plays like A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Tempest.

The plot's central whimsy arises when Harris's car breaks down on a freeway, leading him to notice a traffic condition sign displaying messages seemingly intended only for him. These cryptic signs offer guidance as Harris navigates a complex romantic web involving Sara, a journalist from London, and SanDeE, an aspiring spokesmodel. His personal life is further upended when he discovers his girlfriend, Trudi, has been unfaithful with his agent for three years.

Directed by Mick Jackson, the film was a box office success, grossing $28 million during its theatrical run after an opening weekend of $6.6 million. While critics offered generally positive reviews—including a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—the film's legacy is also tied to its depiction of Los Angeles. In 2008, L.A. Times writers ranked it as the 20th best film set in the city from the preceding 25 years, noting its ability to communicate an inherent truth about the L.A. experience.

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