Taking Care of Business

Taking Care of Business

Year: 1990

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Arthur Hiller

Comedy

Two petty criminals find themselves caught in a dangerous predicament, setting off a chaotic series of events. As misfortune piles up, they become entangled in a humorous chase, desperately trying to outwit those pursuing them and navigate the escalating consequences of their actions.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Taking Care of Business (1990)

Trace every key event in Taking Care of Business (1990) 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

Jimmy's Imprisonment

Jimmy Dworski, a dedicated Chicago Cubs fan and a skilled car thief, finds himself serving a prison sentence. As he counts down the days to his release, he remains hopeful and eager to rejoin society.

Prison
2

Winning World Series Tickets

Just days before his release, Jimmy wins tickets to the coveted World Series. This exciting news ignites his desire for freedom and a chance to witness his beloved Cubs play.

Days before release
3

Warden Denies Parole

Warden Frank Toolman denies Jimmy early parole, leaving him frustrated and disheartened. This setback motivates Jimmy to devise an audacious plan for escape.

Prison
4

Prison Riot Escape

Amidst a chaotic prison riot, Jimmy seizes the opportunity to escape from prison. He rallies his fellow inmates to break free, fueled by his determination to attend the World Series.

Prison
5

Discovering the Filofax

Once outside, Jimmy stumbles upon the Filofax of Spencer Barnes, an uptight advertising executive. Recognizing the opportunity, he decides to assume Spencer's identity for personal gain.

6

Charm at the Malibu Beach House

Taking on the persona of Spencer, Jimmy gains access to the luxurious Malibu beach house of Spencer's boss. His charm wins over everyone, especially the boss's daughter, as he navigates this new life.

Malibu Beach House
7

Intriguing Sakamoto

During a casual tennis match with Sakamoto, a key figure in the Japanese food industry, Jimmy showcases his wit and business acumen. His unexpected critiques of Sakamoto's products leave a lasting impression on the executive.

8

Spencer's Downfall

As Jimmy continues his antics, Spencer Barnes's reputation suffers. Stripped of his possessions and stability, Spencer finds himself in a downward spiral, struggling to regain control of his life.

9

Meeting Between Jimmy and Spencer

Jimmy and Spencer finally meet at a crucial advertising executive gathering. The meeting becomes tense as Jimmy's bizarre tactics lead Spencer's boss to lose patience with him.

10

Invitation to the World Series

In a surprising gesture, Jimmy invites Spencer to join him at the World Series. This moment symbolizes the beginning of a unique friendship and an outing neither will forget.

World Series
11

Catching the Home-Run Ball

During the game, Jimmy makes an incredible catch on a home-run ball hit by Mark Grace. This moment captures the excitement of the game and marks a high point in Jimmy's unconventional journey.

World Series
12

Narrow Escape

As security closes in on Jimmy, he and Spencer devise a clever escape plan using the Filofax. They slide down a support wire, narrowly avoiding capture and solidifying their bond.

Stadium
13

Spencer's Redemption

With his marriage stabilizing, Spencer finds a renewed sense of purpose. He seeks to rekindle his relationship with Debbie Lipton while also trying to help Jimmy get back to prison safely.

14

Jimmy's Return to Prison

In an unexpected twist, Spencer helps Jimmy sneak back into prison to complete his sentence. This act of friendship shows the depth of their bond and Spencer's desire to make things right.

Prison
15

Release and New Beginnings

After completing his sentence, Jimmy is finally released from prison. Awaiting him is Spencer, who is eager to offer Jimmy a promising career in advertising, signaling a brighter future ahead.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:22

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Movies about charismatic imposters like Taking Care of Business

Movies where likable rogues adopt a new life, creating comedic chaos and charm.If you enjoyed the fun-loving chaos of Taking Care of Business, you'll love these other movies about charming imposters. These films feature charismatic characters on a whimsical spree, full of mistaken identity, humorous mishaps, and feel-good resolutions.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a resourceful but down-on-their-luck protagonist who seizes an opportunity to live a better life by pretending to be someone else. The plot is driven by a series of escalating, comedic close calls and the protagonist's innate charm winning over their new circle, ultimately leading to a genuine transformation or redemption.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared focus on a lighthearted, charismatic lead whose deception is the engine for fun, not genuine malice. They share a fast pace, a low-stakes sense of peril, and an overwhelmingly optimistic tone where the journey is more about self-discovery than serious consequence.

Fast-paced farce comedies with chaotic chases like Taking Care of Business

Fast-paced comedies where a simple lie or mistake triggers a runaway train of events.Fans of the energetic, chaotic comedy in Taking Care of Business will enjoy these other fast-paced farces. These movies feature escalating antics, humorous chases, and a constant stream of events driven by a central misunderstanding or deception.

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Narrative Summary

The plot is a domino effect of comedic events, often starting with a small lie or accident that grows beyond the characters' control. The structure is linear and straightforward, prioritizing momentum and laughter over deep character development, with the humor arising from the characters' increasingly desperate attempts to stay ahead of the chaos they've created.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their relentless pacing and a tone of playful pandemonium. The similarity lies in the experience of watching a situation comically unravel in real-time, driven by a charismatic cast and a script that values energetic fun and clever physical or situational humor above all else.

Unlock the Full Story of Taking Care of Business

Don't stop at just watching — explore Taking Care of Business 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 Taking Care of Business is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Taking Care of Business Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Taking Care of Business, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Taking Care of Business Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Taking Care of Business

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Taking Care of Business. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Taking Care of Business

Taking Care of Business Spoiler-Free Summary

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Taking Care of Business Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Taking Care of Business

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