Monkey Business Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chimp accidentally makes a youth serum, turning Cary Grant into a teenager who then steals Marilyn Monroe and a sports car, while his wife becomes a mischievous schoolgirl, proving that science is weird and marriage is even weirder.

🍿 Monkey Business: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Quest for Youth

Dr. Barnaby Fulton, a dedicated but somewhat absent-minded chemist, is tirelessly working on a youth elixir for the Oxley chemical company. He and his supportive wife, Edwina, have a quiet life centered around his work. Barnaby is under pressure from his boss, Oliver Oxley, to produce results, but his initial experiments yield limited success.

A Chimpanzee’s Accidental Discovery

One of Dr. Fulton’s chimpanzees, Esther, inadvertently mixes chemicals and pours the concoction into the office water cooler. Unbeknownst to everyone, this mixture holds the rejuvenating properties they seek. The stage is set for a series of chaotic and comical events as the elixir begins to affect those who drink from the water cooler.

Teenage Antics and Marital Misunderstandings

Dr. Fulton unwittingly tests the water cooler concoction. He finds himself acting like a young man again. This leads him to spend a day with his boss’s secretary, Lois Laurel, and buying a sporty new car. Meanwhile, Edwina also drinks from the water cooler, causing her to regress to a mischievous schoolgirl. These changes lead to misunderstandings and comedic situations in their marriage.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Barnaby Fulton (Cary Grant): An absent-minded chemist whose pursuit of a youth elixir leads to chaotic age regression for himself and his wife.
• Mrs. Edwina Fulton (Ginger Rogers): Barnaby’s supportive wife who experiences the rejuvenating effects of the accidental youth elixir, leading to childlike antics.
• Miss Lois Laurel (Marilyn Monroe): The attractive, yet somewhat dim-witted secretary who accompanies the rejuvenated Barnaby on his escapades.
• Mr. Oliver Oxley (Charles Coburn): Barnaby’s commercially-minded boss who eagerly anticipates the profits from the youth elixir.
• Hank Entwhistle (Hugh Marlowe): Edwina’s former flame whose renewed interest is sparked by her youthful transformation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Barnaby Fulton: “You’re only old when you forget you’re young.” – Said at the end of the movie, summarizing the theme of appreciating youthfulness at any age.
• Oliver Oxley: “Anyone can type!” – Oxley says this dismissively about his attractive but inefficient secretary, Miss Laurel.
• Lois Laurel: “Which Ford agency do you want me to do first?” – Lois is asked to find Barnaby at every Ford agency in town, showcasing her ditzy character.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $265

💥 Monkey Business Reviews

Personal Review

I was laughing non-stop watching Monkey Business! Cary Grant’s transformation is hilarious, and Ginger Rogers is fantastic as she embraces her inner child. I loved the scenes with the kids and the paint fight was epic. It’s pure joy from start to finish, and reminds you not to take life too seriously.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic screwball comedies”
  • “Admirers of Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers”
  • “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted and silly stories”
  • “People interested in early Marilyn Monroe roles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some outdated cultural references and stereotypes”
  • “Mildly suggestive humor”
  • “Slapstick violence”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Howard Hawks delivers a screwball delight, proving Cary Grant’s timeless comedic genius. The film explores the absurdity of youth, blending slapstick with witty dialogue. Ginger Rogers shines as well. Despite dated elements, its charm endures.
• Variety: “Monkey Business benefits from the rapid-fire humor of Hawks and Lederer. Grant and Rogers are at their best, embodying youthful energy and chaos. Monroe’s presence is a welcome addition, adding a spark to the madcap adventure. A classic that defines timeless comedy.
• Sight & Sound: “Monkey Business is a sharp satire disguised as a lighthearted romp. Hawks masterfully uses the age regression theme to comment on societal expectations. Grant’s performance is captivating, and the film’s visual humor adds another layer of brilliance. A must-see.

Audience Reactions

Cary Grant’s performance as a rejuvenated teenager is absolutely priceless.: Viewers praise the energetic performances and the slapstick humor.

The unexpected plot twists kept me guessing and laughing throughout the movie.: Fans love the movie’s unpredictable nature and inventive scenarios.

Overall Consensus: A beloved screwball comedy with stellar performances and timeless humor, though some aspects may feel dated to modern viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Howard Hawks initially did not want Marilyn Monroe in the film, but Cary Grant insisted she be cast after seeing her screen test.”
• “Ginger Rogers replaced Hawks’ original choice for Edwina, Ava Gardner. Grant reportedly vetoed Gardner because he felt uncomfortable doing love scenes with someone so much younger.”
• “The opening scene where an off-screen voice tells Cary Grant to wait before entering was a gag added during filming, poking fun at Grant’s star power and the film’s own self-awareness.”

🖥️ How to Watch Monkey Business?

Currently, ‘Monkey Business’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for the most up-to-date streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Monkey Business, you might like these similar films:

• Bringing Up Baby (1938): Another screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks and starring Cary Grant, featuring a similar blend of fast-paced dialogue, physical comedy, and absurd situations.
• Arsenic and Old Lace (1944): Features Cary Grant in another frantic and farcical role, dealing with increasingly bizarre and escalating comedic situations.
• Big (1988): Shares the theme of accidental age regression, with a character suddenly finding himself in a younger body and experiencing the world with a different perspective.
• Freaky Friday (1976): Explores similar body-swap theme with comedic results, focusing on relationship dynamics and personal discoveries when mother and daughter switch bodies.

🛒 Monkey Business Related Products

• Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style: A collectible coffee table book showcasing Cary Grant’s impeccable style. Perfect for any fan looking to emulate his timeless elegance and learn more about his fashion influence.
• Marilyn Monroe: The Iconic Photographs: A visual tribute to Marilyn Monroe featuring rare and iconic photographs. Perfect for collectors and admirers of the legendary actress.
• Classic Comedy Films Collection (DVD): A collection of classic comedy films, including Monkey Business, offering hours of laughter and entertainment. A perfect addition to any movie lover’s library.
• Ginger Rogers & Fred Astaire Collection: This collection allows you to experience the magic of Ginger Rogers’ dancing skills and comedic timing. See her earlier, career-defining performances and understand why she was a Hollywood icon.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Whiffenpoof Song” – performed by Cary Grant & Ginger Rogers

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Masha and The Bear – Monkey Business 🐵(Episode 74)

Ever wondered how a phrase like ‘Monkey Business’ travels across cultures? This Masha and the Bear episode uses the same title, and it’s fascinating to see how the theme of mischief translates in a completely different context. You might find it interesting!

Bad Monkey — Official Trailer | Apple TV+

Did you know another series called ‘Bad Monkey’ exists? I’m not saying it’s better or worse, but the comedic tone seems miles apart, check it out!

Monkey Business | Power Rangers Ninja Steel | Power Rangers Official

The Power Rangers took on a case of “Monkey Business”. It’s interesting to see how varied the use of the phrase is!

Skid Row – Monkey Business (Official Music Video)

Ever wondered what a rock band would do with the title of “Monkey Business”? Well, Skid Row made a song about it!

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