Down and Out in Beverly Hills Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A homeless guy accidentally becomes a life coach for a rich family after attempting to redecorate their pool with his body, teaching them that wealth can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a really comfy guest house.

🍿 Down and Out in Beverly Hills: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Whiteman Family

Dave and Barbara Whiteman are a wealthy couple residing in Beverly Hills, but their opulent lifestyle masks deep-seated unhappiness. Dave, a successful clothes hanger manufacturer, feels unfulfilled, while Barbara is consumed by superficial pursuits like yoga and self-help gurus. Their family dynamics are equally strained, with a son struggling with his identity and a daughter battling anorexia.

Jerry’s Arrival and Rescue

Jerry Baskin, a homeless man down on his luck, attempts to end his life by drowning himself in the Whiteman’s swimming pool. Dave discovers Jerry and impulsively rescues him, deciding to offer him a place to stay. This act of kindness sets off a chain of events that profoundly impacts the Whiteman family.

Jerry’s Influence on the Family

Jerry’s presence begins to disrupt the Whiteman’s lives, but in unexpected ways. He inadvertently becomes a catalyst for change, helping each family member confront their issues. He reignites Barbara’s passion, encourages their son’s self-acceptance, and helps their daughter overcome her eating disorder. His unconventional wisdom and carefree attitude offer a stark contrast to the Whiteman’s rigid and materialistic world.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jerry Baskin (Nick Nolte): A down-and-out homeless man whose life is changed when he attempts suicide in a wealthy family’s pool.
• Dave Whiteman (Richard Dreyfuss): A wealthy but unfulfilled business owner who rescues Jerry and invites him into his home.
• Barbara Whiteman (Bette Midler): Dave’s wealthy and bored wife, who is searching for meaning through self-help and spirituality.
• Jenny Whiteman (Tracy Nelson): The Whiteman’s daughter, who struggles with an eating disorder and seeks validation.
• Max Whiteman (Evan Richards): The Whiteman’s son, who is exploring his sexuality and artistic expression.
• Carmen (Elizabeth Peña): The Whiteman’s maid, who becomes involved in the family’s evolving dynamics and Dave’s affair.
• Orvis Goodnight (Little Richard): The Whiteman’s flamboyant neighbor, who represents a clash of cultures and lifestyles.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jerry Baskin: “I gave him what he wanted.” – Jerry explains his philosophy of life, suggesting he simply provides people with what they desire.
• Dave Whiteman: “I ate garbage last night, Barbara… and *loved* it!” – Dave expresses his newfound appreciation for simple pleasures after spending time with Jerry and his homeless friends.
• Barbara Whiteman: “He found my G-spot!” – Barbara exclaims her satisfaction with Jerry’s massage abilities, highlighting her renewed sexual awakening.
• Jerry Baskin: “Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.” – Jerry’s cynical outlook on life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $62,134,225
• Worldwide Gross: $62,134,225

💥 Down and Out in Beverly Hills Reviews

Personal Review

I loved this movie! It’s such a funny take on the ’80s Beverly Hills lifestyle, and Nick Nolte is hilarious as the disheveled bum who turns their world upside down. Bette Midler’s yoga scenes are priceless, and Richard Dreyfuss’s transformation from uptight businessman to a guy embracing the chaos is so much fun to watch. The scene where they’re all at the beach with Jerry’s homeless friends is pure comedy gold. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the entire film. Highly recommend if you need a good laugh!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in social satire”
  • “People who enjoy films with quirky characters”
  • “Those who appreciate dark humor and unconventional stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes and language”
  • “Brief drug use”
  • “Some sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Down and Out in Beverly Hills combines lighthearted humor with social commentary, examining the absurdities of wealth and the search for meaning. The performances are strong, particularly Dreyfuss and Midler.
• Slash Film: “A forgotten gem from Disney’s early foray into R-rated comedies, it features memorable performances and witty writing. The film successfully satirizes the lifestyles of the rich, while offering some genuinely heartwarming moments.
• IMDB User Review: “A homeless man is a adopted by a rich family. Nolte is Jerry, a street person so low even his dog leaves him for a kind jogger. It has some funny scenes. Bette Midler is just great as Dave’s unfulfilled wife Barbara, who finds new fulfillment with Jerry.

Audience Reactions

The performances by Nick Nolte, Richard Dreyfuss, and Bette Midler were outstanding and made the film memorable.: Audiences praised the cast’s chemistry and comedic timing, making the movie a delightful watch.

The film’s humor was a perfect blend of satire and heart, creating a balanced and entertaining experience.: Many viewers loved the film’s social commentary, which added depth to the comedic elements.

Overall Consensus: Down and Out in Beverly Hills is a well-regarded comedy known for its strong performances, witty script, and successful satire of wealthy lifestyles. While some find it dated, it generally remains a favorite for its humor and heart.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1919 novel ‘Boudu sauvé des eaux’ (Boudu Saved from Drowning) by René Fauchois, which was previously adapted into a 1932 French film of the same name.”
• “To prepare for his role as Jerry Baskin, Nick Nolte reportedly spent time living on the streets to better understand the life of a homeless person.”
• “This was the first film released by Disney’s Touchstone Pictures to receive an R rating.”

🖥️ How to Watch Down and Out in Beverly Hills?

As of [TODAY’S DATE], “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability as it may vary by region. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray copies available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Down and Out in Beverly Hills, you might like these similar films:

• My Man Godfrey (1936): Classic screwball comedy where a wealthy family takes in a ‘forgotten man’, leading to social satire and unexpected connections.
• Parasite (2019): A modern dark comedy where a poor family infiltrates a wealthy household, exposing class disparities and the absurdity of privilege.
• American Beauty (1999): Explores the dysfunctional underbelly of suburban life and the emptiness of material wealth, with characters undergoing unexpected transformations.
• Ruthless People (1986): Dark comedy released the same year, involving kidnapping and wealth, featuring Bette Midler in a prominent role.

🛒 Down and Out in Beverly Hills Related Products

• Down and Out in Beverly Hills [Blu-ray]: Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray. The ultimate collector’s item for fans who want to experience the film in the highest quality.
• Beverly Hills T-Shirt: Show off your love for the movie with a graphic tee featuring iconic imagery from the film. Perfect for casual wear or themed parties.
• Funko Pop! Bette Midler as Barbara Whiteman: Add the Funko Pop! vinyl figure of Bette Midler in her role as Barbara Whiteman to your collection. A great conversation starter and a must-have for any Funko collector.
• The Boudu Saved From Drowning Criterion Collection [Blu-ray]: Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray. The ultimate collector’s item for fans who want to experience the origin film in the highest quality.

🎧 Soundtrack

Down and Out in Beverly Hills features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “It’s a Matter of Time” – performed by Little Richard
• “Once in a Lifetime” – performed by Talking Heads

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Down and out in Beverly Hills

Ever wonder where they actually filmed ‘Down and Out in Beverly Hills’? This video takes you to the real locations, and it’s pretty cool to see how they match up with the movie scenes. You won’t believe some of the places they used!

Little Richard – Great Gosh A’ Mighty hd hq

Remember that amazing scene in ‘Down and Out in Beverly Hills’ with Little Richard? This is the full song that made that moment so iconic. Trust me, it’s worth a listen!

andy summers – down and out in beverly hills theme (1986)

Did you know that Andy Summers from The Police composed the theme song for ‘Down and Out in Beverly Hills’? It’s a total ’80s vibe and definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of the movie’s atmosphere.

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