-->
Year: 1997
Runtime: 90 min
Language: English
Director: Mel Smith
In this sidesplitting comedy, beloved buffoon Mr. Bean trades in his London streets for the sun-kissed hills of California, where he's mistaken for an art connoisseur and tasked with escorting Whistler's iconic masterpiece to its new home. Chaos ensues as the hapless hero navigates a world of high art and high expectations, all while keeping his true identity as a lovable but dim-witted museum guard under wraps.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Bean yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Mr. Bean, an eccentric caretaker at the British National Gallery in London, finds himself on the verge of losing his job due to his lack of professionalism, often opting to sleep rather than work. However, the Chairman of the board, who has a fondness for Rowan Atkinson, decides against firing him. Instead, the board chooses to send Mr. Bean to Los Angeles, where he must represent the gallery at an important conference regarding their latest acquisition, the illustrious painting “Whistler’s Mother,” valued at a staggering $50 million, thanks to the donation from military officer General Newton.
Upon his tumultuous arrival in L.A., chaos ensues when a trick involving his pocket gun inadvertently triggers a terrorist alert at LAX. In an effort to help, David Langley, the curator of the downtown museum, invites Mr. Bean to stay with his family. However, this decision leads to increasing tensions within David’s household. His wife, Alison, perceives Mr. Bean as somewhat slow-witted, especially after he accidentally destroys a cherished frame gifted by her mother, prompting her to take the children and leave the house.
At the museum, the director, well aware of the significance of the unveiling, has his reservations about Mr. Bean’s suitability for the task. Yet, David remains steadfast in his support for Bean. An outing to an amusement park results in Bean’s arrest for (mis)managing the controls of a ride, which turns dangerously chaotic. The situation takes a turn for the worse when the museum director and his wife come over for dinner, and Bean’s cooking skills lead to a microwave catastrophe with a turkey.
As the unveiling of “Whistler’s Mother” approaches, David learns that Bean is neither a doctor nor an art expert, but it’s too late to change course. When left alone with the painting to prepare for his speech, Mr. Bean accidentally gets an ink stain on it and, in a misguided attempt to clean it, erases the face of Whistler’s mother using spandex. In a panic, David hides the marred painting behind a security door, intended for unveiling the next day. After a long night filled with drinks, David discovers his wife, Alison, is back home only to leave again, heartbroken by his drunken state.
Feeling guilty, Mr. Bean breaks into the gallery that night and replaces the damaged painting with a poster he decorates to mimic the original. As the unveiling event progresses, Bean’s unpretentious speech is surprisingly well-received. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, David learns that his daughter has been in a motorcycle accident, prompting a frantic rush to the hospital. Mistaken for a doctor, Mr. Bean is swept into the operating room, where he not only saves a wounded police officer but also miraculously brings David’s daughter out of her coma.
In a gesture of gratitude, Alison grants Bean an additional week with the family, leading to an unexpected friendship. As David expresses heartfelt thanks for Bean’s extraordinary contributions, Mr. Bean returns to London — only to discover the original defaced painting, now an unexpected yet cherished part of his life, adorning his bedroom wall.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 13:22
Bean (1997) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Bean (1997) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Bean – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Cars (2006) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
A Fish Called Wanda (1988) Full Movie Breakdown
Mr. Bean's Vacation (2007) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Beanie Bubble (2023) Ending Explained & Film Insights
King of California (2007) Full Summary & Key Details
Herbie Goes Bananas (1980) Movie Recap & Themes
Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986) Story Summary & Characters
Paint (2023) Movie Recap & Themes
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Lost in London (2017) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Stealing Harvard (2002) Full Summary & Key Details
Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don't Come Back!!) (1980) Movie Recap & Themes
The Toy (1982) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Big Trouble (1986) Story Summary & Characters
Eat My Dust (1976) Plot Summary & Ending Explained