Harry and the Hendersons (1987) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in two locations: the Cascade Mountains, where the Hendersons encounter Harry during a camping trip, and Seattle, Washington, where the family lives in a suburban neighborhood. The North American Museum of Anthropology in Seattle also plays a key role, as it is where George Henderson works and where he seeks to understand more about Harry's origins.

• cascade mountains
• seattle
• museum
• setting
• locations

Harry and the Hendersons is set in the contemporary era, specifically the 1980s when the film was released. The setting reflects a typical suburban American family lifestyle of that period, with the story unfolding against the backdrop of everyday family life being disrupted by the extraordinary presence of a Bigfoot.

• time period
• 1980s
• contemporary
• era
• 1987

The film emphasizes that friendship transcends species and societal boundaries. The bond between George and Harry illustrates how unlikely friendships can form when people embrace curiosity and compassion. George's determination to return Harry to the wild showcases his growth as a character and his willingness to protect someone considered an outsider by society.

• friendship
• theme
• bond
• connection
• loyalty

The movie highlights the importance of nature and wildlife through Harry's deep connection to the Cascade Mountains. It raises awareness about protecting natural habitats and the coexistence of humans with wild creatures. Through George's journey, viewers are reminded of nature's beauty and the responsibility to respect and safeguard it.

• nature
• wildlife
• cascade mountains
• habitat
• environment

The media serves as a commentary on society's fascination with the extraordinary. As word about Harry spreads, the family faces escalating media attention that disrupts their lives. The film critiques sensationalism and the pressure that comes with unwanted fame, even when it involves a mythical creature.

• media
• fame
• sensationalism
• publicity
• news

George Henderson is the father in the Henderson family, played by John Lithgow. He is characterized as a loving husband and father with an adventurous spirit and a deep sense of responsibility. His character undergoes significant development throughout the film, evolving from initial skepticism to becoming a compassionate protector of Harry.

• george henderson
• john lithgow
• father
• character

Harry is the friendly Bigfoot that the Henderson family encounters after accidentally hitting him with their car in the Cascade Mountains. Despite his intimidating size and appearance, Harry is gentle, warm, and brings joy to the family. He becomes an unexpected member of the household while the family works to reunite him with his natural habitat.

• harry
• bigfoot
• creature
• giant

While only George is detailed in the character data, the Henderson family includes his wife and children who all participate in hiding Harry from the world. The family must work together to keep Harry secret from neighbors and authorities, leading to humorous situations that test their unity and compassion.

• family
• hendersons
• parents
• children

The North American Museum of Anthropology is where George Henderson works, and it becomes central to his quest to understand Harry's origins. The museum represents the bridge between human understanding and the mysterious world of Bigfoot, allowing George to research how to properly care for and reunite Harry with his kind.

• museum
• anthropology
• research
• george career

Harry and the Hendersons is a family-friendly fantasy comedy with an overwhelmingly light and heartwarming tone. The film balances humor from the challenges of hiding a Bigfoot with genuine emotional moments about compassion and familial bonds. The stakes remain low throughout, focusing on warmth and unlikely friendship rather than danger or conflict.

• comedy
• family
• fantasy
• tone
• genre