Harry and the Hendersons (1987) Plot Summary Explained

The Hendersons believed they had discovered something valuable, a dead Bigfoot could be their ticket to fame and wealth. George assumed the creature had died from the collision and saw an opportunity to capitalize on the discovery. They loaded it into their station wagon without realizing it was still alive, which set off the entire chain of events that followed.

• Bigfoot discovery
• Henderson family
• car accident
• fame
• wealth

George chose the name Harry simply as an affectionate, human-like nickname while deciding to return the creature to its natural habitat. The naming marked the moment the family began viewing Harry not as a strange specimen or potential ticket to riches, but as a living being deserving of respect and kindness.

• naming
• Harry
• George Henderson
• affection

Harry's first escape occurred when George tried to coax him back into the station wagon for a second attempt to return him to the wild. The creature became frightened, likely overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment, the confined vehicle, and his separation from his natural habitat. This fear triggered his escape into the night.

• Harry escape
• fear
• return to wild
• station wagon

Jacques LaFleur was a famed French-Canadian hunter and Bigfoot tracker who made his living by capturing mysterious creatures. When news of Harry's sightings spread, LaFleur saw an opportunity to add to his reputation and potentially profit from capturing a real Bigfoot. His motivations were purely self-serving, he wanted the prestige and value that comes with capturing such a legendary creature.

• Jacques LaFleur
• hunter
• Bigfoot tracker
• capture
• reputation

George visited the museum seeking help from Dr. Wallace Wrightwood, a self-proclaimed Bigfoot expert, because he genuinely wanted to find Harry after the creature escaped the second time. George's motivation was driven by friendship and concern for Harry's safety rather than profit, he wanted expert guidance on how to safely locate and reunite with his newfound friend.

• museum
• Dr. Wallace Wrightwood
• expert
• search for Harry

By the time LaFleur arrived, George had developed a genuine bond with Harry. He had witnessed Harry's intelligence, friendly nature, and vulnerability. George recognized that LaFleur intended to capture Harry for his own gain, not to help the creature. This emotional connection and desire to protect his friend motivated George to intervene and defend Harry, even at personal risk.

Foreshadowing: Earlier moments showing Harry's gentle nature and the family's growing attachment foreshadowed George's willingness to protect him.

• George protection
• LaFleur
• friendship
• bond
• bravery

The family ultimately decided to return Harry to his natural habitat because they recognized that no matter how much they cared for him, Harry belonged in the wild. Keeping him hidden indefinitely wasn't fair to a wild creature, and the constant pursuit by hunters and authorities made it impossible to keep him safe. Their decision reflected themes of compassion and respecting nature, even though it meant saying goodbye.

• return to wild
• freedom
• nature
• farewell
• compassion

The media sensation exploded because genuine Bigfoot sightings are extremely rare and controversial. When reports of Harry's appearances started circulating, the mystery and excitement of a real Bigfoot in suburban Seattle captured public imagination. The Hendersons' attempts to hide Harry while media attention grew only added to the story's intrigue, making it an irresistible news story.

• media
• Bigfoot sightings
• public attention
• news
• Seattle

The family initially kept Harry secret for multiple reasons: they were afraid of how authorities and the public would react, they worried Harry might be harmed or captured for scientific study, and they were simply overwhelmed by the extraordinary situation. As media attention grew, maintaining secrecy became increasingly difficult but remained necessary for Harry's safety.

• secrecy
• hiding Harry
• family protection
• media
• authorities

The Hendersons couldn't keep Harry permanently because the situation became unsustainable. Hunters like LaFleur were actively pursuing him, authorities were investigating sightings, and media attention made it impossible to hide him. Additionally, the family recognized that a wild creature belonged in nature, not confined to a suburban home. The escalating pressure from multiple directions forced their hand.

• permanent home
• hunters
• authorities
• media
• nature
• unsustainable

The family managed to hide Harry through a combination of luck, caution, and the creature's own intelligence. Harry was initially concealed in their garage, and when he escaped to the kitchen, the family worked together to keep him quiet and out of sight. Their suburban Seattle location provided cover, and they limited his appearances to times when neighbors wouldn't notice. However, this arrangement was always fragile and eventually fell apart under scrutiny.

• hiding
• suburban Seattle
• family teamwork
• secrecy
• kitchen incident

The experience with Harry transformed the Henderson family by teaching them about compassion, courage, and the importance of doing what's right even when it's difficult. They bonded together protecting Harry from hunters and authorities, strengthening their family unity. The adventure also broadened their perspective, showing them that friendship can come from the most unexpected places. When they finally returned Harry to the wild, they were forever changed by the journey.

• family change
• growth
• compassion
• friendship
• unity
• transformation