The Barefoot Executive

The Barefoot Executive

Year: 1971

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Butler

ComedyFamily

A network employee with limited prospects finds an unexpected path to success when he befriends a chimpanzee with a knack for predicting television trends. Through this unusual partnership, he experiences a rapid ascent from the mailroom to a high-level executive position, navigating the challenges and humor of corporate life along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Barefoot Executive 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!

Timeline & Setting – The Barefoot Executive (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Barefoot Executive (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film takes place in a modern, corporate setting, reflecting the television industry's dynamics during the late 20th century. This period is characterized by a burgeoning interest in television programming and the comedic exploration of business and entertainment intersecting.

Location

United Broadcasting Corporation, Amazon rainforest

The United Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) serves as the central hub for the story, a struggling television network filled with ambitious executives and quirky characters. The Amazon rainforest becomes significant as it represents the wild and unpredictable nature of Raffles, the chimpanzee, and serves as the backdrop for the chaotic climax of the film.

🏢 Network 🌳 Rainforest

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:11

Main Characters – The Barefoot Executive (1971)

Meet the key characters of The Barefoot Executive (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steven Post

Steven is an ambitious and resourceful mailroom worker with dreams of climbing the corporate ladder. His journey reflects a mix of cleverness and vulnerability as he navigates the surreal world of television programming and relationships.

👨‍💼 Ambition 🐒 Connection

Jennifer Scott

Jennifer is Steven's girlfriend and the loving owner of Raffles. She represents emotional intelligence and caring, embodying support while simultaneously challenging Steven's decisions regarding their pet.

💖 Love 🐾 Care

E. J. Crampton

Crampton is a cunning executive who becomes suspicious of Post's rapid rise to power, showcasing the cutthroat nature of corporate politics. His dedication to uncovering the truth creates tension that fuels the comedic elements of the plot.

🧐 Suspicion 💼 Corporate

Francis X. Wilbanks

Wilbanks is the former vice president who feels threatened by Post's success. His misguided attempts to investigate lead to humorous situations, making him a central figure among the network's executives.

😂 Misguided 🕵️‍♂️ Investigation

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:11

Major Themes – The Barefoot Executive (1971)

Explore the central themes of The Barefoot Executive (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📺 Television Industry

The movie satirizes the television industry and the lengths to which people will go to achieve success. It highlights the absurdity of relying on a chimpanzee's intuition for programming decisions, examining the unpredictable nature of audience preferences.

❤️ Love & Betrayal

The themes of love and betrayal are woven throughout Steven's relationship with Jennifer. His decision to sell Raffles without considering her feelings leads to tension and conflict, ultimately testing their romance and leading to their eventual reconciliation.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:11

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Charming Workplace Comedies like The Barefoot Executive

Lighthearted comedies where the office becomes a stage for absurd antics.If you liked the lighthearted corporate antics of The Barefoot Executive, you'll enjoy these other charming workplace comedies. Discover movies with a similar whimsical tone, playful plots, and feel-good journeys through the world of business and office life.

whimsicallightheartedcomediccharmingoptimisticplayfulupliftingsilly

Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow an underdog character who stumbles upon an unconventional path to success within a corporate structure. The plot revolves around a central, humorous gimmick or misunderstanding that leads to comedic situations, personal growth, and ultimately, a happy resolution that validates the protagonist's unique approach.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared light tone, low-intensity conflicts, and focus on turning professional settings into playgrounds for wholesome comedy. They provide a comforting, optimistic escape where success is achieved through charm and wit rather than cutthroat competition.

Movies with Unlikely Animal Partnerships like The Barefoot Executive

Stories where an animal companion turns an ordinary life upside down.Fans of the chimp-fueled success story in The Barefoot Executive will love these other films featuring clever animal companions. Explore comedies and family movies where an animal character brings chaos, charm, and unexpected solutions to human problems.

playfulheartwarmingcomediccharmingsillyupliftingfamily-friendlywhimsical

Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on a symbiotic relationship between a human and an animal. The animal's unique abilities or personality directly catalyze the plot, solving a major problem or creating a series of comedic events that lead to the human protagonist's personal or professional redemption.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core premise of an animal as a central plot driver, resulting in a specific blend of slapstick humor, heartfelt connection, and a feel-good vibe. The focus is on the joyful chaos and clever solutions that arise from this unique interspecies bond.

Unlock the Full Story of The Barefoot Executive

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Barefoot Executive 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 The Barefoot Executive is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Barefoot Executive Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Barefoot Executive, 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.

The Barefoot Executive Summary

The Barefoot Executive Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Barefoot Executive with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Barefoot Executive Timeline

The Barefoot Executive Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Barefoot Executive that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Barefoot Executive Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Barefoot Executive

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Barefoot Executive: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Barefoot Executive