The Barefoot Executive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.