Family Plot Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fake psychic and her taxi driver boyfriend accidentally stumble into a kidnapping plot while looking for a missing heir, mostly to get paid, because apparently, ghosts can’t Venmo.

🍿 Family Plot: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Psychic and the Heiress

Blanche Tyler, a phony psychic, and her boyfriend George Lumley, a struggling actor and cab driver, make a meager living by scamming wealthy clients. Their next mark is Julia Rainbird, a wealthy elderly woman who wants Blanche to locate her long-lost nephew, the illegitimate son of her deceased sister, Harriet. Julia promises Blanche $10,000 if she succeeds.

The Kidnappers

Meanwhile, Arthur Adamson, a sophisticated jeweler, and his girlfriend Fran are engaged in a series of high-profile kidnappings, demanding precious gemstones as ransom. They are meticulous and leave no trace, making them difficult to catch. Their latest victim is a prominent bishop, adding to their growing list of successful heists.

Paths Converge

As George investigates Julia’s nephew, he uncovers clues that lead him to suspect Arthur Adamson might be the missing heir. Unbeknownst to them, Arthur learns of George’s inquiries and mistakenly believes they are investigating his criminal activities. This sets in motion a collision course between the two couples, filled with danger and unexpected twists.

Deadly Encounters

Arthur attempts to eliminate George and Blanche, leading to a harrowing car ride down a mountain road after their brakes are sabotaged. They survive the ordeal, but the near-death experience intensifies their determination. Fran, increasingly disturbed by Arthur’s ruthlessness, begins to question their partnership.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Blanche Tyler (Barbara Harris): A phony psychic, played by Barbara Harris, gets entangled in a kidnapping plot while trying to locate a missing heir for money.
• George Lumley (Bruce Dern): Blanche’s boyfriend and cab driver, played by Bruce Dern, assists her in the search while dealing with his own financial struggles and skepticism.
• Arthur Adamson (William Devane): A sophisticated jeweler, played by William Devane, secretly leads a double life as a kidnapper for diamonds.
• Fran (Karen Black): Arthur’s girlfriend and accomplice in his criminal activities, Fran, played by Karen Black, grapples with her conscience as the stakes rise.
• Julia Rainbird (Cathleen Nesbitt): A wealthy, elderly woman hires Blanche to find her long-lost nephew, hoping to ease her guilty conscience.
• Maloney (Ed Lauter): A mechanic with a criminal past, played by Ed Lauter, is connected to Arthur and attempts to silence Blanche and George.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• George: “Smells fishy to me.” – George expresses his skepticism about the case, highlighting his more grounded and pragmatic nature.
• Blanche: “Well even fish smells good when you’re starving to death.” – Blanche responds to George, indicating her willingness to take risks for financial gain, showing her opportunistic character.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,490,375
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $11,100,000

💥 Family Plot Reviews

Personal Review

I had a blast watching this! It felt like a fun, quirky mystery, and the characters were just so entertaining. The whole out-of-control car scene had me laughing and holding my breath at the same time. Even though it’s not your typical Hitchcock thriller, I really appreciated the lightheartedness and the unexpected turns it took. It’s one of those movies I could watch again and still enjoy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Alfred Hitchcock’s films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy suspenseful thrillers with comedic elements”
  • “Those interested in crime capers with quirky characters”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Brief violence”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “While not Hitchcock’s most suspenseful outing, ‘Family Plot’ offers a delightful blend of comedy and crime, showcasing the director’s knack for intertwining seemingly disparate storylines. A must-see for those who appreciate Hitchcock’s versatility.
• bloody-disgusting.com: “Though lighter in tone than Hitchcock’s classics, ‘Family Plot’ delivers an evenly-paced, entertaining experience. With strong characters and moments of genuine suspense, it’s a fitting end to the master’s career, proving that even in his later years, he could craft an engaging thriller.
• IMDB: “Despite being an ‘unremarkable crime caper’, Family Plot is still entertaining. It serves up likable performances, witty dialogue, a few suspenseful scenes, and an interesting story. I enjoyed the characters, and it was funny seeing both of them in their plots.

Audience Reactions

The unexpected humor and quirky characters made this film a standout.: Viewers loved the unique blend of comedy and suspense, appreciating the film’s ability to entertain without relying on heavy thrills.

Overall Consensus: A surprisingly enjoyable and humorous thriller that, while not a classic Hitchcock, provides a fun and engaging viewing experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alfred Hitchcock wanted Jack Nicholson for the role of Arthur Adamson but couldn’t afford him. William Devane was eventually cast.”
• “The runaway car scene was filmed on the Angeles Crest Highway and was one of the most challenging sequences to shoot.”
• “This was John Williams’ only collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock, providing a score that was lighter and more playful than Bernard Herrmann’s iconic scores for Hitchcock’s earlier films.”
• “Alfred Hitchcock makes a cameo appearance in the film, in silhouette, at the ‘registration of births and deaths’ when George is seeking the death certificate of Edward Shoebridge.”

🖥️ How to Watch Family Plot?

Currently, Family Plot is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for potential broadcast schedules on cable networks. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Family Plot, you might like these similar films:

• Charade (1963): Shares the blend of suspense, mystery, and light comedy with twists and turns.
• To Catch a Thief (1955): Another Hitchcock film that combines suspense with glamorous locations and a cat-and-mouse game.
• Frenzy (1972): Another, more suspenseful Alfred Hitchcock film of the 1970’s.
• Knives Out (2019): Modern mystery with dark humor, eccentric characters, and a convoluted plot.
• After Hours (1985): Cult classic crime movie from the 1980’s.

🛒 Family Plot Related Products

• Alfred Hitchcock: The Ultimate Filmmaker Collection (Blu-ray): Own the complete Alfred Hitchcock experience with this Blu-ray collection. Includes ‘Family Plot’ and other iconic films, offering hours of suspense and thrills.
• Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Complete Series (DVD): Dive into the suspenseful world of Alfred Hitchcock with the complete series of ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’. Experience classic tales of mystery and intrigue.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Alfred Hitchcock: Add a touch of classic cinema to your collection with this Funko Pop! figure of Alfred Hitchcock. A perfect desk companion for any film enthusiast.
• Alfred Hitchcock Quote Poster – ‘Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.’: Display this quote from one of the most influential filmmakers of all time.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” – performed by John Darwall
• “Family Plot Main Title” – performed by John Williams

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This MADE IT PAST the network CENSORS when “FAMILY PLOT” first aired on television!

Can you believe this scene actually made it past the censors back when ‘Family Plot’ first aired? It’s a pretty cheeky moment, and this video explains how it slipped through the cracks. You won’t believe what they got away with!

✨ Rate