Rita Boyle (Meg Ryan), a free-spirited graphic designer wannabe, who works as a bartender to support herself, falls in love with and wants to marry Peter Hoskins (Alec Baldwin). At their wedding, the Rita is approached by Julius (Sydney Walker), an elderly man who kisses her on the lips. Through that, their spirits switch places.
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On their honeymoon, Peter finds out that Rita is different than before and she doesn't remember much of their past. Before long Peter concludes that it must be someone else inside Rita's body. He asks her where he can find the real Rita, but gets no answer. Finding refuge in a bar, Peter spots the old man from the wedding and a spark is there, which leads him to think that Rita's spirit is trapped inside the body of that old man.
Returning home, he finds Rita's father (Ned Beatty) in his bedroom, packing Rita's suitcases. He tells Peter that Rita is disappointed in Peter's ideas about her identity and will have the marriage annulled. Peter tries to convince Rita's father his daughter is not really his daughter, but he doesn't listen and leaves. Rita, in the body of the old man, returns to Peter's house, but their relationship remains platonic, because he can't get physical with an old man, despite their love for one another. But when he falls so deeply in love with Rita that he kisses the old man on the lips, he gets determined to undo the body switch.
Peter brings Rita and the old man together and forces them to kiss. Initially nothing happens, until they both realize why they wanted to be each other: the old man wanted to forget his bad health and be young again, and Rita wanted to know how it felt to have had a rich life. They get back into the right body and Peter and Rita continue their marriage happily.
Best part of story, including ending:
It's a romantic story about looks, appearances and true love.
Best scene in story:
When it dawns on Peter that this is not Rita, but someone else in her body.
Opinion about the main character:
Her doubts and second thoughts, but also her free spirit and artistry.
