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The Barefoot Executive (1971) movie poster

Timeline

The Barefoot Executive (1971) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
1971 · 96 min · English
Directed by
Robert Butler
Starring
Kurt Russell, Harry Morgan, John Ritter, Alan Hewitt, Joe Flynn, Hayden Rorke

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.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Categories
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Barefoot Executive (1971)

Where can you watch The Barefoot Executive? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Fandango At Home and Google Play Movies: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

The Barefoot Executive Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The Barefoot Executive (1971) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Introduction of Steven Post

    The story begins with the introduction of Steven Post, played by Kurt Russell, a determined mailroom worker at the struggling United Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Network. His life takes a mundane turn until he becomes a pivotal character in a series of extraordinary events.

    Where
    United Broadcasting Corporation
  2. Discovery of Raffles' Talent

    Steven discovers that Raffles, a chimpanzee left by his girlfriend Jennifer, has an uncanny ability to predict television hits. This remarkable gift opens a door for Post to step into the chaotic world of network programming.

  3. Raffles' Preview Screenings

    In a delightful scene, Raffles watches preview screenings of various shows, reacting in ways that reflect his tastes. He applauds the programs he enjoys while deriding those he finds lacking, showcasing his unique personality.

  4. Sneaking Raffles into UBC

    Seizing the opportunity, Post sneaks Raffles into the UBC building, where the executives are deliberating on programming decisions. This bold move sets off a series of comedic events as Raffles' reactions begin to influence their choices.

    Where
    United Broadcasting Corporation
  5. Championing 'Devil Dan'

    Post stumbles upon a potential hit movie, 'Devil Dan,' which the executives are about to dismiss. Leveraging Raffles’ gift, he champions the film, ultimately persuading the network to air it and boosting UBC's ratings.

  6. Promotion to Vice President

    Thanks to Raffles’ predictions and his own clever maneuvering, Post receives a surprise promotion to vice president of UBC. This new position comes with its fair share of challenges as rival executives feel threatened by his rapid rise.

    Where
    United Broadcasting Corporation
  7. Suspicion from Executives

    Executives E. J. Crampton and former vice president Francis X. Wilbanks grow increasingly suspicious of Post's claims about Raffles. Their amusing investigation leads to a series of slapstick misunderstandings as they try to uncover the truth.

  8. Raffles in the Spotlight

    Wilbanks, peering through a spyglass, accidentally discovers Raffles lounging in front of the television while Post watches. Their alarming realization that an animal influences programming decisions sends the network into a panic.

  9. Attempt to Retrieve Raffles

    Faced with a brewing disaster, Wilbanks devises a wild plan to retrieve Raffles from Post's apartment. The execution of this plan heroically crumbles, resulting in a chaotic situation that requires firefighters and authorities.

  10. The $1 Million Offer

    In a frantic meeting, the network offers Steven an astounding $1,000,000 for Raffles' return, creating a moral dilemma for him. Ultimately, Steven decides to sell Raffles without consulting Jennifer, leading to tension in their relationship.

  11. Conflict with Jennifer

    Jennifer is furious with Steven after learning he sold Raffles without considering her feelings. Their relationship becomes strained as they face the repercussions of the rushed decision regarding their beloved pet.

  12. The Cargo Plane Mission

    A fleet of network executives boards a cargo plane heading to the Amazon rainforest to parachute Raffles into the wild. However, Raffles has his own plans in mind, leading to unexpected chaos.

    Where
    Amazon Rainforest
  13. Raffles' Daring Return

    Raffles executes a clever escape, returning to Steven just as the network realizes they need the $1 million to fund a search for lost executives in the jungle. Steven's priorities shift dramatically with this revelation.

  14. Refunding the Money

    In an act of personal growth, Steven decides to refund the $1 million, demonstrating his newfound priorities and commitment to those he loves. This decision cements the bond between him, Jennifer, and Raffles.

  15. A New Beginning

    The story concludes as Steven and Jennifer rekindle their romance and prepare for their honeymoon adventure with Raffles. The narrative ends on a hopeful note, highlighting their journey and the bright future awaiting UBC.

Last updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:36

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Timeline questions answered

The Barefoot Executive Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The Barefoot Executive (1971): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Steven sell Raffles to the network for $1 million?

Steven sells Raffles because he's tempted by the enormous sum of money. The network offers him $1,000,000 for the chimpanzee's return, and in that moment, he chooses money over considering what the network intends to do with Raffles or how Jennifer would feel about losing their beloved pet.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Steven tells Jennifer that Raffles is the best thing that ever happened to them, setting up the irony of his impulsive decision.

  • raffles
  • sell
  • one million
  • network
  • money
  • steven
Q2

How does Raffles predict which TV shows will be hits?

Raffles watches preview screenings of various shows and reacts to them, applauding the ones he enjoys and mocking or deriding the ones he doesn't like. His reactions accurately predict audience taste, allowing Steven to identify which programs will be successful.

  • raffles
  • predicts
  • hits
  • tv shows
  • preview
  • chimpanzee
Q3

Why does Jennifer get angry with Steven after he sells Raffles?

Jennifer is furious because Steven makes the decision to sell Raffles without consulting her first. Raffles was her pet, and she expected him to at least discuss such an important decision with her before taking action, especially regarding an animal they both cared about.

Foreshadowing: Jennifer originally leaves Raffles in Steven's care, showing her trust in him, which makes his unilateral decision even more hurtful.

  • jennifer
  • angry
  • raffles
  • sell
  • relationship
  • steven
Q4

Why do the network executives get lost in the Amazon rainforest?

The executives board a cargo plane to transport Raffles to the Amazon jungle so he can live in the wild. However, Raffles orchestrates an escape that throws the mission into chaos, and during the resulting confusion, Wilbanks and the other executives become lost in the rainforest.

Foreshadowing: Raffles has already demonstrated his intelligence and ability to outsmart humans throughout the movie.

  • executives
  • lost
  • amazon
  • rainforest
  • plane
  • Wilbanks
Q5

How does Steven get promoted to vice president at UBC?

Steven uses Raffles' predictive ability to champion the movie "Devil Dan," which the executives were about to dismiss. By leveraging Raffles' positive reaction to the film, he convinces the network to air it, and the movie becomes a hit that boosts UBC's ratings. This success earns him a surprise promotion to vice president.

Foreshadowing: Steven had been sneaking Raffles into the UBC building to help with programming decisions, building toward this promotion.

  • promotion
  • vice president
  • steven
  • ubc
  • devil dan
  • raffles
Q6

Why do the executives think Raffles is being held hostage?

E.J. Crampton and Francis X. Wilbanks become suspicious of Steven's claims about Raffles and launch an investigation. A bumbling operative they send mistakenly concludes that Raffles is being held hostage, leading to comedic misunderstandings and a misguided rescue attempt.

Foreshadowing: The executives were already suspicious of how Steven could predict programming successes so accurately.

  • hostage
  • executives
  • raffles
  • suspicion
  • investigation
  • crampton
Q7

Why does Steven refund the $1 million to the network?

After Raffles escapes and returns to Steven, the network realizes they need the $1 million to fund a search and rescue operation for Wilbanks and the other executives lost in the jungle. Steven decides to refund the money, showing his character growth and prioritizing helping others over keeping the money.

Foreshadowing: Steven's earlier decision to sell Raffles for money created conflict; this refund demonstrates he has learned from that mistake.

  • refund
  • one million
  • jungle
  • executives
  • steven
  • rescue
Q8

How do the executives discover that Raffles can watch television?

Wilbanks is peering through a spyglass trying to spy on Steven and Raffles when he makes a shocking discovery, he sees Raffles lounging comfortably in front of a television set while Steven watches nearby. This confirms their suspicion that an animal is influencing the network's programming decisions.

Foreshadowing: Steven had been secretly bringing Raffles into the UBC building to help with show selections.

  • raffles
  • television
  • discover
  • wilbanks
  • executives
  • watching

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Barefoot Executive, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Barefoot Executive tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

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.

  • whimsical
  • lighthearted
  • comedic
  • charming
  • optimistic
  • playful
  • Tone: light, whimsical, optimistic
  • Pacing: steady, comedic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: 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 they belong together: 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.

  • playful
  • heartwarming
  • comedic
  • charming
  • silly
  • uplifting
  • Tone: lighthearted, charming, playful
  • Pacing: steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: 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 they belong together: 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.

Categories

Movie Lists Featuring The Barefoot Executive

The Barefoot Executive appears in these hand-built movie categories. Each one groups movies by a specific mood, theme or story type, with their plot summaries and endings explained.

View all movie categories

Every angle

The Barefoot Executive (1971) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Barefoot Executive in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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