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See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) movie poster

Characters & Themes

See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1989 · 103 min · English
Directed by
Arthur Hiller
Starring
Kevin Spacey, Anthony Zerbe, Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor, Audrie Neenan, Louis Giambalvo

A blind man and a deaf man unexpectedly become business partners, running a newsstand together. Their lives take a dramatic turn when a murder occurs nearby, and they find themselves entangled in a baffling investigation. Relying on their unique abilities and heightened senses, they must navigate a series of comical misunderstandings and outwit a hapless detective while desperately trying to stay one step ahead of a dangerous killer.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like See No Evil, Hear No Evil
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)

Where can you watch See No Evil, Hear No Evil? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

See No Evil, Hear No Evil Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Dave Lyons (Gene Wilder)

    Dave Lyons is a deaf man who is hesitant and fearful of drawing attention to his disability. His transformation throughout the movie shows a growth in confidence, especially through his friendship with Wally. Despite his challenges, Dave displays resourcefulness and a willingness to engage in humor, which makes him a relatable character.

    • 🦻 Deaf
    • 🤪 Comedic
    • 🕴️ Resourceful
  • Wallace 'Wally' Karue (Richard Pryor)

    Wally Karue is a blind man with a stark determination to not let his blindness define him. His spirited nature and quick wit create a dynamic character full of life. Alongside Dave, he manages to navigate their misadventures, demonstrating resilience and a humorous outlook on their predicaments.

    • 👁️ Blind
    • 🎉 Spirited
    • 🤠 Resilient
  • Eve (Joan Severance)

    Eve is a mafia hitwoman whose beauty and charm disguise her deadly skills. She presents a formidable challenge to Dave and Wally, yet her character also adds an unexpected layer of complexity as she navigates her feelings and motivations. Her interactions with the protagonists highlight themes of deception and the blurred lines of morality.

    • 🔫 Dangerous
    • 💃 Femme Fatale
    • 😏 Deceptive
  • Adele (Kirsten Childs)

    Adele is Wally's protective sister, showcasing her role as a grounded character in the chaos around her. She embodies a strong sense of loyalty to her brother while often being frustrated by his antics. Her pragmatic approach provides balance to Wally's adventurous spirit.

    • 👩‍👧 Protective
    • 🌟 Loyal
    • 😖 Frustrated

Last updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

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Setting

Where and When Does See No Evil, Hear No Evil Take Place?

The setting of See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The events of the movie unfold in a contemporary setting, capturing the essence of modern urban life. Social issues surrounding disability and the contrasting capabilities of the characters reflect a more progressive time where such narratives are explored with humor and sensitivity.

Location

New York City, Great Gorge

New York City is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and diverse communities. It serves as the backdrop for the misadventures of two disabled men, showcasing the challenges and humor found in urban life. Great Gorge, a nearby resort, becomes the setting for the climax, hosting a medical convention and adding a layer of intrigue to the story.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🏞️ Resort

Last updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

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3 major themes

See No Evil, Hear No Evil Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Friendship

    The theme of friendship is central to the narrative, as the bond between Wally and Dave transcends their disabilities. Their relationship showcases loyalty, understanding, and the ability to handle life's challenges together. This camaraderie highlights the importance of connection and support.

  • Deception

    Deception plays a crucial role in the film, with characters often disguising their true intentions. The humorous misunderstandings that arise from the protagonists' disabilities further contribute to this theme. The reliance on wit and cunning becomes essential for survival in a world where trust is scarce.

  • Resilience

    Resilience is a key theme as both main characters navigate their disabilities and societal challenges. Despite their physical limitations, they demonstrate an unwavering spirit, showcasing that determination and creativity can triumph over adversity. Their journey emphasizes the ability to rise above obstacles with humor and perseverance.

Last updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

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Character & theme questions

See No Evil, Hear No Evil Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the story set?

The movie takes place primarily in New York City, serving as a bustling backdrop for the misadventures of the two main characters. The climax moves to Great Gorge, a nearby resort hosting a medical convention, which adds an element of intrigue to the story.

  • new york city
  • great gorge
  • setting
  • locations
  • resort
  • city
Q2

When does the movie take place?

The movie is set in a contemporary period, reflecting modern urban life in New York City. The social attitudes toward disability portrayed in the film align with a more progressive era where such narratives could be explored with humor and sensitivity.

  • time period
  • contemporary
  • era
  • modern
  • 1980s
Q3

What are the main themes?

The three core themes are Friendship, Deception, and Resilience. The friendship between Wally and Dave forms the emotional center, showing how their bond transcends their disabilities. Deception appears through characters disguising their intentions and the humorous misunderstandings that arise. Resilience is demonstrated as both protagonists overcome physical limitations with determination and humor.

  • themes
  • themes explained
  • meaning
  • message
  • friendship
  • deception
  • resilience
Q4

Who are the main characters?

The film centers on two unlikely partners: Dave Lyons, a deaf man played by Gene Wilder, and Wallace 'Wally' Karue, a blind man played by Richard Pryor. They are joined by Eve, a mafia hitwoman, and Adele, Wally's protective sister.

  • characters
  • cast
  • dave
  • wally
  • eve
  • adele
  • protagonists
Q5

Who is Dave Lyons?

Dave Lyons is a deaf man who starts as hesitant and fearful of drawing attention to his disability. Through his friendship with Wally, he grows in confidence and displays resourcefulness and humor. His character arc shows personal growth and self-acceptance.

  • dave lyons
  • gene wilder
  • deaf character
  • protagonist
Q6

Who is Wally Karue?

Wally Karue is a blind man with a determined spirit who refuses to let his blindness define him. His quick wit and dynamic personality drive much of the comedy. Alongside Dave, he navigates their misadventures with resilience and a humorous outlook despite their predicaments.

  • wally karue
  • richard pryor
  • blind character
  • protagonist
Q7

Who is Wally's sister?

Adele is Wally's protective sister who provides a grounded presence in the chaos. She showcases loyalty to her brother while often being frustrated by his antics. Her pragmatic approach balances Wally's adventurous spirit throughout the story.

  • adele
  • wally sister
  • family
  • supporting character
Q8

Who is the villain in the movie?

Eve is a mafia hitwoman whose beauty and charm disguise her deadly skills. She presents a formidable antagonist to Dave and Wally while also adding complexity as she navigates her own feelings and motivations, highlighting the film's themes of deception.

  • eve
  • villain
  • hitwoman
  • antagonist
  • mafia
Q9

How do the characters' disabilities affect the story?

The protagonists' disabilities are central to the film's premise and comedy. Dave's deafness and Wally's blindness create constant humorous misunderstandings and force them to rely on their heightened other senses. Rather than being portrayed as limitations, their unique abilities become assets in solving crimes and navigating dangerous situations.

  • disabilities
  • blind
  • deaf
  • senses
  • abilities
  • comedy
Q10

What genre is the movie?

See No Evil, Hear No Evil is primarily a comedy film with crime elements. It uses the buddy comedy format where two mismatched partners must clear their names after being tangled in a murder investigation. The tone is light and humorous, with even the murder plot serving as setup for physical comedy and verbal misunderstandings.

  • genre
  • comedy
  • crime
  • buddy comedy
  • comedy film
Q11

What is the tone of the movie?

The film has a predominantly light and humorous tone, with a high humor score of 9 out of 10. While there are crime elements including murder and a dangerous killer, these are consistently undercut by comedy. The emotional weight remains light, with heavier themes handled gently and a definitively happy ending that reaffirms friendship.

  • tone
  • style
  • humor
  • happy ending
  • comedy
  • light hearted

Movie threads

More Movies Like See No Evil, Hear No Evil, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes See No Evil, Hear No Evil tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Mismatched Duo Comedies like See No Evil, Hear No Evil

Two contrasting heroes team up to solve a problem with chaotic teamwork. Find more movies like See No Evil, Hear No Evil where an odd couple embarks on a chaotic adventure. These comedies feature mismatched partners whose combined skills save the day, focusing on hilarious teamwork and growing friendships in the face of absurd challenges.

  • buddy comedy
  • mismatched partners
  • resourceful
  • chaotic
  • bonding
  • teamwork
  • Tone: light, comedic
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories typically begin with two unlikely individuals—often opposites in temperament or ability—being thrust together by circumstance. The plot revolves around their initial conflict, a series of comedic misadventures that test their partnership, and a final triumph achieved only by them learning to work as a team.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by the central dynamic of a comedic partnership. They share a focus on how differences create humor and drive the plot, a light tone that keeps stakes entertaining, and a heartwarming arc of friendship forming through shared chaos.

Funny Crime Caper Movies like See No Evil, Hear No Evil

Ordinary people get tangled in a criminal plot, leading to hilarious mishaps. If you liked the hilarious crime plot of See No Evil, Hear No Evil, you'll enjoy these comedies. They feature ordinary people caught in criminal misunderstandings, leading to fast-paced, slapstick adventures where the heroes are in over their heads but manage to outwit the bad guys.

  • slapstick
  • comedic crime
  • wrongly accused
  • chaotic
  • mischievous
  • fast-paced
  • Tone: light, mischievous
  • Pacing: fast, slapstick
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves an inciting incident that wrongly implicates the heroes or drags them into a criminal world. The plot is a chain of escalating, comedic events—chases, disguises, and close calls—where the protagonists' unique perspectives or sheer luck allow them to survive and ultimately clear their names or catch the real culprit.

Why they belong together: This thread groups films that blend crime plots with high-energy comedy. They share a fast pace, a lighthearted approach to danger, and a core premise of turning a potentially grim situation into a series of farcical and entertaining escapades.

If you liked this

Movies Like See No Evil, Hear No Evil

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Every angle

See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about See No Evil, Hear No Evil in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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