Stealing Harvard

Stealing Harvard

Year: 2002

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Bruce McCulloch

DramaComedyCrime

A man's quiet existence is thrown into chaos when he must choose between pursuing a marriage with the woman he loves and fulfilling a promise to his niece. To help her achieve her aspirations, he embarks on a comical and unexpected journey involving elaborate schemes and hilarious misunderstandings. His efforts to assist her lead to a series of increasingly absurd situations, testing his relationship and challenging his values in a lighthearted and feel-good story.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Stealing Harvard (2002)

Trace every key event in Stealing Harvard (2002) 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

John's Engagement

John Plummer is engaged to Elaine Warner, a charming yet scatterbrained woman. He is determined to save $30,000 for a down payment on their future home, wanting to show independence from her affluent father.

2

Mr. Warner's Disapproval

Mr. Warner, Elaine's father, looks down upon John and believes he is unworthy of his daughter. This disapproval adds pressure to John as he must navigate their relationship while trying to win over Mr. Warner.

3

Noreen's Harvard Acceptance

John's niece, Noreen, receives her acceptance into Harvard University, but needs an additional $30,000 to afford it. This financial obstacle reminds John of a promise he made to support her education, creating a conflict for him.

4

Duff's Daring Scheme

Walter 'Duff' Duffy, John's eccentric best friend, proposes a brazen scheme to steal money from a wealthy homeowner. Despite John's reluctance, he gets lured into this risky plan, which tests his morals.

5

The First Encounter

John encounters Honorable Emmett Cook at his home while attempting the robbery. The bizarre situation escalates when Cook coerces John into cross-dressing and playing the part of his deceased wife, complicating matters further.

Cook's home
6

John's Mistaken Infidelity

Mr. Warner mistakenly believes he has evidence of John's infidelity after John's erratic behavior during the cross-dressing incident. This misunderstanding causes tension in John and Elaine’s relationship.

7

Robbery Plans Intensify

John and Duff's misadventures continue as they hatch plans to rob a liquor store and a scheme to deceive a drug lord. As they dive deeper into crime, a persistent police detective gets closer to uncovering their antics.

8

Mr. Warner’s Search for Evidence

Mr. Warner breaks into Cook's home seeking evidence against John, only to find himself in a humiliating position similar to John's previous encounter with Cook. This twist adds a layer of irony to the ongoing conflict.

Cook's home
9

Elaine's Revelation

Elaine finally confronts John about the incriminating drag photo, leading to a surprising moment of understanding. She admires his desperate measures to provide for her and support Noreen, strengthening their bond.

10

The Vault Chaos

In a chaotic attempt to rob Mr. Warner’s business, they accidentally lock his aggressive dog, Rex, inside the vault. The ensuing scene turns into a frantic chase that adds comedic tension to their plan.

Mr. Warner's business
11

Confrontation with the Law

As police sirens blare, John and Elaine make a hasty escape but find themselves facing serious charges including breaking and entering. Their plans take a dire turn as the reality of their actions weighs on them.

12

Courtroom Twist

At their court hearing, John realizes the judge is Emmett Cook, the very man he previously encountered. Nervously, he writes a message threatening to expose Cook’s peculiar behaviors to avoid severe consequences.

Courtroom
13

A Lucky Break

In a surprising turn of events, Cook dismisses all charges against John after being blackmailed. This fortunate escape allows John and Elaine to breathe easier as they contemplate their next steps.

14

John's Financial Gamble

With Duff redeeming himself and donating his life savings, John takes a gamble on a longshot horse bet. This pivotal moment leads to a financial windfall that helps him resolve his troubles.

15

The Wedding

In a joyous climax, John marries Elaine surrounded by friends and family, including Mr. Warner and Duff. As Noreen embarks on her academic journey, a lighthearted moment reveals Duff contemplating another outrageous venture.

Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 08:25

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Stealing Harvard Summary

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Stealing Harvard Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Stealing Harvard

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Stealing Harvard

More About Stealing Harvard

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