Funny Farm Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

City slicker tries to write a book in the country, accidentally joins a witness protection program for eccentric farm animals, and then fights a mailman for the soul of Vermont.

🍿 Funny Farm: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Move to Redbud

Andy Farmer, a sports journalist, and his wife Elizabeth, a schoolteacher, decide to leave the hustle of New York City for a peaceful life in rural Redbud, Vermont. Andy hopes to finally write his novel, while Elizabeth supports their new adventure. Their initial experiences are far from idyllic, starting with a disastrous moving experience.

Adjusting to Country Life

The Farmers quickly realize that country life is not as serene as they imagined. They encounter a quirky cast of characters, including a mailman who throws mail from his car, a sheriff who can’t drive, and an antique store owner with a unique collection. Andy struggles with writer’s block, while Elizabeth finds unexpected success writing a children’s book.

Marital Strife and the Real Estate Scheme

Tensions rise as Andy’s writing stalls and Elizabeth’s career takes off. The couple decides to sell their farm, but potential buyers are deterred by the town’s eccentricities and the house’s hidden flaws. To entice new buyers, Andy and Elizabeth conspire to create a fabricated ‘Norman Rockwell’ version of Redbud.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Andy Farmer (Chevy Chase): A former sports journalist who moves to the country to write a novel, only to be plagued by the eccentricities of rural life.
• Elizabeth Farmer (Madolyn Smith Osborne): Andy’s wife, who initially supports their move to the country but finds her own success as a children’s book author.
• Sheriff Ledbetter (Kevin O’Morrison): The town’s sheriff who comically cannot drive and relies on taxis for transportation.
• Bud Culbertson (Jack Gilpin): A friendly, helpful local who attempts to welcome the Farmers, but may also be a bit intrusive.
• Crocker (Mike Starr): One of the movers who experiences many difficulties in delivering the Farmers’ belongings.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sheriff Ledbetter: “Remember, Mrs. Farmer. Whenever you buy a house, whatever’s in the ground belongs to you – whether it’s gold or oil… or Claude Musselman.” – The sheriff explains to Elizabeth the unfortunate, but legal, implications of finding a body on their property.
• Andy Farmer: “We’re city people, Elizabeth. We don’t belong here. We’re not farmers, we’re… funny farmers.” – Andy expresses his frustration and feeling of being out of place in their new rural environment.
• Andy Farmer: “Cue the deer.” – A sarcastic instruction given by Andy during their staged ‘perfect’ Vermont scene, highlighting the artificiality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $19,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,537,221
• Worldwide Gross: $25,537,221

💥 Funny Farm Reviews

Personal Review

I always found ‘Funny Farm’ to be a charming, if slightly goofy, movie. Chevy Chase is at his Chevy Chase-iest, but there are some genuine laugh-out-loud moments, especially the whole dog adoption sequence and the running gag with the mailman. The film is a fun watch, perfect for a rainy day and brings back nostalgic memories.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Chevy Chase comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy fish-out-of-water stories”
  • “Anyone seeking lighthearted, family-friendly entertainment”
  • “Those interested in movies about adapting to small-town life”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some slapstick violence”
  • “Suggestive humor”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While Chevy Chase’s comedic timing remains sharp, ‘Funny Farm’ relies too heavily on predictable fish-out-of-water tropes and lacks genuine heart. The supporting characters, though quirky, feel more like caricatures than real people.
• AllMovie: “A gentle and sporadically amusing comedy. It relies on a lighthearted approach, avoiding the sharp satire it could have been. The film is visually appealing, with beautiful Vermont scenery, but the humor feels a bit dated and predictable.

Audience Reactions

The eccentric townspeople provide endless laughs and memorable moments.: Viewers appreciate the movie’s lighthearted humor and the contrast between city and country life, finding it relatable in a silly way.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted comedy that’s a mixed bag; its charm and Chevy Chase’s presence can’t fully mask the predictable plot and reliance on clichés.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Chevy Chase has stated that ‘Funny Farm’ is his personal favorite movie out of all the films he’s done.”
• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Jay Cronley.”
• “Director George Roy Hill, known for classics like ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ and ‘The Sting’, directed this as his last film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Funny Farm?

As of today, you can find ‘Funny Farm’ available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings as availability may vary. There are currently no active streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Funny Farm, you might like these similar films:

• Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948): Shares the theme of city dwellers encountering unexpected challenges when trying to renovate a house in the countryside.
• Green Acres (1965-1971): A sitcom about a wealthy lawyer who moves his wife from New York City to a rural farm.
• Baby Boom (1987): A high-powered businesswoman inherits a baby and moves to Vermont, facing the challenges of rural life.

🛒 Funny Farm Related Products

• Vermont Maple Syrup – Grade A Dark: Authentic Vermont maple syrup, adds a taste of rural charm to your breakfast table. Perfect for pancakes, waffles, or as a unique addition to your coffee or tea.
• Yellow Labrador Retriever Plush Toy: A soft, huggable plush toy resembling the iconic dog in the movie. Makes a perfect gift for dog lovers and fans of ‘Funny Farm’ alike.
• Vermont Jigsaw Puzzle – Countryside Scenery: A beautifully detailed jigsaw puzzle depicting the picturesque landscapes of Vermont. Enjoy hours of fun assembling this stunning scene.
• Funny Farm Movie Poster – Reproduction Print: A high-quality reproduction of the original ‘Funny Farm’ movie poster. A great addition to any movie buff’s collection, adding a touch of retro flair to your home theater.

🎧 Soundtrack

Funny Farm features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Wiegenlied (Lullaby) Op. 49 No. 4” – performed by Johannes Brahms

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Breaking the record, but at what cost😅#funnyfarm #movie

Remember that absolutely absurd moment from ‘Funny Farm’? This short clip captures it perfectly! Honestly, it’s a great reminder of why this movie is so funny, you need to see this.

✨ Rate