Stir Crazy

Writers Skip Donahue and actor Harry Monroe are abruptly dismissed from their jobs in New York. Faced with financial uncertainty, they decide to head to Hollywood in search of new opportunities.

On their journey to Hollywood, Skip and Harry take on various odd jobs to fund their travel. One of these gigs leads them to don costumes as woodpeckers for a bank promotion.

During a break from their performance, Skip and Harry leave their costumes unattended. Thieves seize the opportunity to steal the costumes and use them to rob the bank, resulting in immediate arrests for Skip and Harry.

Quickly whisked through a comically absurd trial, Skip and Harry are sentenced to an outrageous 125 years in prison. Their court-appointed lawyer, Len Garber, advises them to wait for an appeal.

The harsh reality of prison life sets in as Skip and Harry navigate the challenges of maximum-security. They meet Jesus Ramirez and Rory Schultebrand, who introduce them to the prison's dynamics and its dangerous inhabitants.

After three months, Skip and Harry are summoned by Warden Walter Beatty for a test involving a mechanical bull. To everyone's shock, Skip rides it like a pro, earning a spot in the prison's annual rodeo competition.

Jesus and Rory reveal to Skip and Harry that the rodeo is a crooked scheme benefiting the wardens. They devise a plan that requires Skip to refuse participation in order to negotiate a better deal.

As Skip continues to defy participation in the rodeo, Warden Beatty and Deputy Wilson escalate their efforts to break him down. They enforce harsh prison conditions, including hard labor and solitary confinement.

With the pressures mounting, Skip and Harry, along with their new allies in prison, begin to secretly prepare for their escape. Utilizing the prison's metal shop, they craft tools disguised as regular items.

The day of the prison rodeo arrives, and Skip skillfully competes, appearing to comply while secretly planning for escape. Despite attempts on his life by rival inmates, he remains determined.

During the chaotic rodeo, Skip and his friends execute their escape plan flawlessly. They slip away through secret passages while disguising themselves among the crowd.

As Skip is about to escape, Deputy Graham tries to stop him but is thwarted by Grossberger, who knocks him out. Skip makes his way into a waiting pushcart that leads him to freedom.

After escaping, Harry and Skip are reunited with Len Garber and Meredith, who have uncovered the real bank robbers. Their confessions clear Skip and Harry of the charges against them.

With their names cleared, Skip and Harry enthusiastically decide to resume their journey to Hollywood. Skip seizes the moment to invite Meredith to accompany them, and she unexpectedly agrees.