Down and Out in Beverly Hills

Year: 1986

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Mazursky

Budget: $14M

Comedy

After a failed suicide attempt, a homeless man named Jerry unexpectedly finds himself working for a wealthy executive, Dave. Thrust into the opulent lifestyle of Beverly Hills, Jerry's presence disrupts the family dynamic, particularly with the maid, Carmen, whom he both charms and irritates. He observes and satirizes the extravagant habits of the Beverly Hills elite, leading to humorous and awkward situations.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Down and Out in Beverly Hills 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!

Timeline & Setting – Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:24

Main Characters – Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986)

Meet the key characters of Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:24

Major Themes – Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986)

Explore the central themes of Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:24

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies where an outsider disrupts a family like in Down and Out in Beverly Hills

An unexpected guest turns a troubled household upside down, forcing change.If you enjoyed how Jerry upended the Whiteman household in Down and Out in Beverly Hills, you'll like these movies about disruptive outsiders. These films feature similar fish-out-of-water characters who challenge a family's comfortable but flawed existence, leading to humorous and poignant revelations.

disruptivesatiricalawkwardcontrastingpoignantfamily dramafish out of water

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a static, insulated group (like a wealthy family) whose routines are shattered by the arrival of an unconventional character. This outsider, often from a contrasting background, observes and critiques their way of life. The resulting conflict forces the family members to confront their own unhappiness and dysfunction, culminating in a bittersweet but hopeful resolution where some connections are strengthened while others break.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a core narrative structure of disruption and observation. They balance satirical humor with genuine emotional weight, creating a specific vibe where comedy arises from awkward social collisions and poignant moments of human connection.

Satirical comedies about wealth and class like Down and Out in Beverly Hills

Comedies that skewer the emptiness of luxury while finding the humanity within.Fans of the class satire in Down and Out in Beverly Hills will appreciate these movies. They explore similar themes of alienation and materialism within affluent settings, blending humorous critique with a bittersweet look at the personal crises hidden behind a facade of success.

satiricalmelancholicmaterialismalienationclass critiquebittersweetawkward humor

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread are set in worlds of affluence but center on characters experiencing a sense of alienation or midlife crisis. The plot often involves a disruptive event or person that exposes the hypocrisy and loneliness beneath the surface of luxury. The tone is primarily comedic and observational, but it carries a melancholic undercurrent, questioning the true value of wealth and status without offering easy answers.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific tone: a blend of sharp social satire and underlying melancholy. They share a steady, observational pacing that allows for both humorous set-pieces and quieter moments of character revelation, creating a coherent experience of laughing at absurdity while feeling the poignant truth behind it.

Unlock the Full Story of Down and Out in Beverly Hills

Don't stop at just watching — explore Down and Out in Beverly Hills in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Down and Out in Beverly Hills is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Down and Out in Beverly Hills Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Down and Out in Beverly Hills, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Down and Out in Beverly Hills Timeline

Track the full timeline of Down and Out in Beverly Hills with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Down and Out in Beverly Hills Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Down and Out in Beverly Hills that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Down and Out in Beverly Hills

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Down and Out in Beverly Hills: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Down and Out in Beverly Hills

Discover movies like Down and Out in Beverly Hills that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.