In While You Were Sleeping, Lucy Moderatz works as a token collector for the Chicago Transit Authority.
Sandra Bullock plays Lucy, who works at a Chicago ‘L’ station. After she rescues Peter Callaghan from the tracks, his family mistakenly believes she is his fiancée because of a misunderstanding at the hospital. Peter remains in a coma, and Lucy becomes involved with his family while developing feelings for his brother Jack.
The job places Lucy at the center of the film’s opening incident and gives the story a distinctly urban Chicago setting. Her lonely routine also contrasts with the warm, crowded Callaghan family household she enters.
Jon Turteltaub directed the 1995 film, written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow. Bill Pullman plays Jack Callaghan, while Peter Gallagher portrays Peter. The movie is often remembered for blending mistaken identity with a family-centered romantic plot.