Ernest Goes to Jail

Ernest Goes to Jail

Year: 1990

Runtime: 81 min

Language: English

Director: John R. Cherry III

ComedyCrimeFamily

A hapless man named Ernest P. Worrell finds himself embroiled in a bizarre situation involving jury duty. A clever lawyer orchestrates a scheme to switch identities with a dangerous crime boss, Mr. Nash. Ernest unwittingly assumes Nash's life, and soon faces a dire threat of execution. However, a surprising event grants him extraordinary strength, leading to a chaotic and humorous jailbreak adventure filled with unexpected twists.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Ernest Goes to Jail (1990)

Trace every key event in Ernest Goes to Jail (1990) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Night Watch Begins

Chuck and Bobby, two security guards at Howard County Bank and Trust, begin their night shift by playing Red light/Green light to pass the time. Their boredom leads them to conjure outlandish schemes to catch any potential thieves, highlighting their lack of serious responsibilities during the watch.

Night Howard County Bank and Trust
2

Ernest's Mishap

Ernest P. Worrell, the night custodian, struggles to operate a floor polisher, leading to chaos in the bank. In an unfortunate twist, he becomes magnetized due to a mishap, creating a mess that irritates the guards and foreshadows the trouble to come.

Night Howard County Bank and Trust
3

The Next Day's Demand

The following day, Charlotte Sparrow, assistant to the bank's president, demands Ernest clean up the supernatural mess he created. Despite President Pendlesmythe's frustration and determination to fire Ernest, Charlotte passionately defends him, showcasing her compassion for misfits.

Day Howard County Bank and Trust
4

A Quirky Bath

At home, Ernest hilariously bathes in a tumble dryer while preparing for his dinner date with Charlotte. His antics include using a blow dryer on a high setting, illustrating his quirky and comical personality as he attempts to impress her.

Evening Ernest's home
5

Jury Duty Chaos

During jury duty, Ernest is recognized by convict Rubin Bartlett, who notes Ernest's resemblance to death row inmate Felix Nash. This leads to a manipulative scheme where Bartlett's lawyer pressures the jury for a prison tour, setting Ernest up for his impending troubles.

Day Courthouse
6

Identity Swap

In Dracup Maximum Security Prison, Bartlett and his accomplice, Lyle, kidnap Ernest, coercing him into swapping identities with the incarcerated felon, Nash. Despite his cries of innocence, Ernest finds himself trapped in a growing web of deception and danger.

Day Dracup Maximum Security Prison
7

Desperate Measures

While in prison, Ernest faces hostility as he attempts to convince the guards of his true identity. His situation worsens when he is thrown into a cell, further accentuating the absurdity of his predicament and the disbelief of those around him.

Day Dracup Maximum Security Prison
8

The Electric Chair Incident

Facing execution, Ernest is subjected to a botched electrocution, miraculously transforming him into 'Electroman.' He discovers unprecedented powers, including the ability to shoot lightning bolts, changing the dynamics of his situation dramatically.

Day Dracup Maximum Security Prison
9

Escape Attempt

Using his newly acquired powers, Ernest blasts through the prison gates in a daring escape. Lyle, understanding Ernest's unique situation, surprisingly provides assistance, highlighting a moment of unexpected camaraderie amidst the chaos.

Day Dracup Maximum Security Prison
10

Home Sweet Chaos

Upon returning home, Ernest is shocked to find his living space revamped in a flashy Lounge Lizard style. His amusing exclamation about being vandalized by Elvis reflects his comedic character and sets a tone for the outrageous events that follow.

Day Ernest's home
11

Nash's Plan Unfolds

Meanwhile, Nash plots to blow up the bank vault with a time bomb while holding Charlotte and Chuck hostage. Charlotte's growing suspicion about Nash's identity begins to take form as they share a tense moment in the bank.

Day Howard County Bank and Trust
12

Climactic Showdown

As Ernest confronts Nash, a chaotic and explosive battle ensues. With his newfound powers, Ernest faces electrocution once again but also gains the ability to fly, escalating the stakes of their confrontation.

Day Howard County Bank and Trust
13

The Spectacular Escape

In a grand finale, Ernest soars through the bank's skylight with the bomb, resulting in a spectacular explosion. His dramatic landing onto Nash reveals the truth and shocks everyone present, changing the course of events drastically.

Day Howard County Bank and Trust
14

Truth Revealed

As the smoke clears, the warden and guards come to realize Ernest's innocence and the convoluted mix-up that led to this chaotic day. Exhausted but triumphant, Ernest humorously declares his experience with the utterance, 'I came, I saw, I got blowed up.'

Day Howard County Bank and Trust

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 09:31

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Ernest Goes to Jail Summary

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Ernest Goes to Jail Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ernest Goes to Jail

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Ernest Goes to Jail

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