Year: 1981
Runtime: 122 min
Language: English
Director: Blake Edwards
Facing a career crisis, director Felix Farmer conceives a shocking plan to revive his failing musical: turning it into an adult film. He must then persuade his actress wife, Sally, to participate in this daring and provocative project, challenging her personal and professional boundaries in a bid for cinematic redemption.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen S.O.B. yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of S.O.B. (1981), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The narrative serves as a satirical take on the film industry and the extravagance of Hollywood life. We follow the journey of Felix Farmer, portrayed by Richard Mulligan, a wildly successful producer-director whose reign is abruptly halted by the disastrous flop of his latest project, leading him down a path of despair and madness. In his quest to escape his tumultuous reality, Felix attempts to end his life multiple times:
From there, Felix spends a significant amount of time sedated as his friends and acquaintances occupy his beach house, leading to wild parties that devolve into debauchery. Rejuvenated by newfound inspiration, Felix sets out to redeem his film and reputation. He works tirelessly to persuade both the studio and his wife, Sally Miles, played by Julie Andrews, a wholesome movie star, to allow him to reinvent the project into a soft-core pornographic musical featuring her in a topless role.
This endeavor costs him nearly all his fortune, as he buys back the existing footage and finances further production, knowing that failure would lead to financial ruin for both him and Sally. Initially, David Blackman, the studio head, is willing to offload the project to Felix, but as the film’s potential for success becomes evident, they plot to reclaim control. Using California’s community property laws, they manipulate Sally into signing over distribution and final-cut rights.
In a desperate attempt to retrieve the movie negatives from a bank vault, Felix, armed only with a water pistol, encounters police who mistake it for a real firearm, leading to a tragic and violent climax. His death sends shockwaves through his circle, especially for his friends: Tim Culley, the lawyer portrayed by William Holden; Ben Coogan, the agent; and Dr. Finegarten, the personal doctor played by Robert Preston. In a bizarre twist, they concoct a plan to give Felix a burial at sea, stealing his body from a funeral home and replacing it with that of an underrated actor who had a heart attack earlier in the film. Ultimately, Felix receives a fiery Viking send-off on a small boat, while the lesser-known actor finally attains the Hollywood recognition many believed he deserved.
Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:03
Don't stop at just watching — explore S.O.B. in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what S.O.B. is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of S.O.B. with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like S.O.B. that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
S.O.B. (1981) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
S.O.B. (1981) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like S.O.B. – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Boogie Nights (1997) Complete Plot Breakdown
Sibyl (2020) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Dying Gaul (2005) Film Overview & Timeline
Samba (2015) Complete Plot Breakdown
Sylvia (2003) Full Movie Breakdown
Overboard (1987) Full Summary & Key Details
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970) Complete Plot Breakdown
Something's Gotta Give (2003) Complete Plot Breakdown
A Good Old Fashioned Orgy (2011) Story Summary & Characters
Sonny (2002) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Going Overboard (1989) Detailed Story Recap
Out to Sea (1997) Detailed Story Recap
Viva (2008) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Outrageous Fortune (1987) Film Overview & Timeline