Ernest Goes to Jail

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'