Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing is a 1973 American comedy-drama film directed by Alan J.

Walter Elbertson is a young, shy asthmatic who lacks direction in his life and the confidence to tackle his future.

His father, in an effort to instill some spirit into his son, sends him on a biking holiday in Spain.

Walter goes to Spain but finds the bike riding torturous due to his asthma and lags behind the rest of the group.

Lila, who has shown signs of illness at various points along the way, confesses to Walter that she has not long to live.