Ruthless People

Ruthless People

Year: 1986

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Directors: David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams

ComedyCrime

Sam Stone’s abusive wife, Barbara, is kidnapped by two inept criminals who believe they can extort a large sum of money. Sam, however, sees this as a chance to finally be rid of her. The kidnappers find themselves in a complicated situation as Sam proves to be surprisingly uncooperative, and they must contend with his indifference while trying to secure their ransom. The situation spirals into a darkly comedic battle of wills between a man desperate to be free of his wife and a pair of kidnappers completely out of their depth.

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Timeline – Ruthless People (1986)

Trace every key event in Ruthless People (1986) 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

Sam's Marriage to Barbara

Sam Stone, a Beverly Hills fashion tycoon, marries Barbara solely for her wealth. Their relationship is marked by Sam's deep animosity towards Barbara, setting the stage for his ulterior motives.

Beverly Hills
2

Barbara's Kidnapping

Upon returning home, Sam discovers that Barbara is missing and finds a ransom note from her kidnapper. This unexpected twist disrupts Sam's plans to eliminate her and seize her fortune.

Sam's Home
3

Earl's Involvement

Sam's mistress, Carol, sends Earl to gather evidence of Sam's wicked intentions. However, Earl mistakenly records a couple's private moment, believing it to be evidence of Barbara's demise.

Cliffside
4

Barbara in Captivity

Barbara is held hostage in the basement of Ken and Sandy Kessler, a couple seeking revenge on Sam for stealing their savings. Throughout her captivity, Barbara maintains her strength and begins to gain Sandy's sympathy.

Ken and Sandy's Basement
5

Sam's Misinterpretation

Sam receives a tape from Carol, meant to trap him, misinterpreting it as a birthday gift. He responds with a provocative message, causing Carol and Earl to go into hiding under the misapprehension that they have compromised him.

Sam's Home
6

Barbara's Transformation

While in captivity, Barbara revitalizes her appearance through televised workout programs and becomes inspired by Sandy's fashion designs. This new confidence leads Barbara to plot her escape and take charge of her life.

Ken and Sandy's Basement
7

Ransom Demands Drop

Ken's desperation leads to a decreasing amount of ransom he demands for Barbara's return. He ultimately settles for a meager $10,000, which Sam dismisses, further complicating the extortion plan.

Ken and Sandy's Basement
8

Carol's Attempt to Expose Sam

Carol sends an incriminating tape to police chief Henry Benton, but it backfires when he becomes part of the unwanted evidence. This incident paves the way for Sam's eventual arrest as the authorities discover his affair with Carol.

Police Station
9

Escape Plan Forms

After regaining his moral compass, Ken deciphers the need to flee with Sandy. However, their plan to escape to Mexico is thwarted when they realize Barbara has already been freed, creating an unexpected alliance among the women.

Ken and Sandy's Home
10

Facing the Bedroom Killer

As Barbara and Sandy plot their revenge, they are confronted by the Bedroom Killer, leading to a fierce fight. Their clash results in the killer's accidental fall down the stairs, shaping the course of their plans.

Ken and Sandy's Basement
11

Planning Vengeance

Empowered by their circumstances, Barbara, Ken, and Sandy unite to orchestrate an extortion plan against Sam. They aim to procure $2.2 million from him as retribution for his betrayal and mistreatment.

Sandy's Fashion Studio
12

Ransom Exchange Confrontation

As the ransom exchange nears, Sam collects the money under duress, hoping to clear his name. However, the situation escalates further when Earl ambushes him and a disguised Ken, resulting in Earl's capture.

Santa Monica Pier
13

Ken's Ultimatum

With law enforcement closing in, Ken threatens dire consequences for Barbara if authorities become involved. He attempts to escape, triggering a dramatic chase involving a police convoy.

Santa Monica Pier
14

The Bedroom Killer's Downfall

In a stroke of fate, Ken leaps off the Santa Monica Pier in a desperate bid to evade capture. Miraculously, the police later recover what they believe to be his body, but it is actually that of the Bedroom Killer.

Santa Monica Pier
15

The Final Twist

Just when everything seems lost, Barbara reappears, revealing the true killer and turning the tides. In an unexpected turn of events, Ken resurfaces triumphantly, holding a briefcase full of cash, celebrating their victory against Sam.

Santa Monica Pier

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:22

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Ruthless People

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