The In-Laws

The In-Laws

Year: 1979

Runtime: 103 min

Language: Polish

Director: Arthur Hiller

ActionAdventureThrillerComedyCrime

A mild-mannered dentist's life is upended when his daughter's exuberant fiancé, a supposed government agent, drags him into a chaotic adventure. While preparing for the wedding, Sheldon is unexpectedly swept away by Vince, who insists on a thrilling, globe-trotting escapade. Their journey takes them from the bustling streets of New York City to the dangerous jungles of Central America, filled with unexpected twists, close calls, and plenty of comedic mayhem.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The In-Laws (1979)

Trace every key event in The In-Laws (1979) 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

Armored Truck Heist

The movie opens with a cleverly orchestrated heist involving an armored truck marked as belonging to the US Treasury Department. This event sets the stage for the ensuing chaos, as it is revealed that the thieves are not after the money but something far more enigmatic inside the truck.

2

Meeting with Vince

One of the thieves meets Vince, played by Peter Falk, to hand over the stolen goods from the heist. Vince is shocked by the quick timeline for payment and assures the thief he will make arrangements, hinting at the complexities of their dealings.

3

Sheldon Kornpett's Introduction

We meet Sheldon Kornpett, a mild-mannered dentist in Manhattan, who is preparing for his daughter's upcoming wedding. He is introduced to the audience as a concerned father, anxious about the new family he is marrying into, particularly Vince's involvement.

Manhattan
4

Dinner Meeting

Sheldon and his wife attend their daughter Barbara's wedding dinner where they meet her fiancé Tommy and his father, Vince. Sheldon becomes increasingly suspicious after Vince shares bizarre tales about his past, including a so-called consulting trip to Guatemala.

Sheldon's home
5

Vince's Errand

The day after the dinner, Vince visits Sheldon's dental office under the pretense of saying hello. He enlists Sheldon's reluctant help to break into his office safe, leading to a shocking revelation and a series of dangerous encounters.

Sheldon's Dental Office
6

Confrontation with Hitmen

While retrieving a mysterious black bag from Vince's safe, Sheldon is suddenly confronted by two armed hitmen. A chase ensues down a fire escape, showcasing the film's blend of comedy and suspense as Sheldon narrowly escapes.

New York
7

Vince's True Background

In a diner, Vince reveals to Sheldon that he has been working for the CIA and robbed the U.S. Mint as part of a mission to thwart a global inflation plot. He raises concerns for his own safety as the situation escalates.

Diner
8

The Engraving Discovery

Sheldon’s wife unknowingly discovers one of the stolen engraving plates at home while preparing for the wedding. This leads agents from the U.S. Treasury to converge on Sheldon's house, prompting a frantic escape.

Kornpett Residence
9

Flight to Scranton

After evading the federal agents, Sheldon reluctantly agrees to accompany Vince on a trip to Scranton, Pennsylvania. However, they take an unexpected detour, raising Sheldon's anxiety as he begins to doubt Vince's intentions.

Private Jet
10

Unexpected Stop in Tijata

Vince and Sheldon arrive on the small island of Tijata, where Vince is supposed to meet with a corrupt legislator. Their plans quickly unravel as they find themselves under sniper fire shortly after landing, escalating the tension.

Tijata
11

General's Betrayal

After narrowly escaping sniper fire, Vince and Sheldon meet General Jesus Braunschweiger, who pays them for the plates but then orders them in front of a firing squad. The stakes heighten as they realize the depth of Vince's entanglement.

General's Estate
12

CIA Rescue

Just as Vince and Sheldon face execution, hundreds of CIA agents storm in to save them. Barry Lutz, the CIA agent-in-charge, confirms Vince's story was true, complicating the narrative of good versus bad in their adventure.

General's Estate
13

Wedding Day

As the wedding approaches, Sheldon and Vince make a dramatic entrance in a helicopter, arriving just in time for the ceremony. They playfully tease the guests with unexpected gifts of money, highlighting their bizarre camaraderie.

Wedding Venue
14

Lutz's Frustration

As the wedding festivities commence, Barry Lutz arrives, appearing infuriated with Vince. In a comedic reveal, it becomes clear that his anger stems from being left out of the wedding, adding a light-hearted twist to the finale.

Wedding Venue

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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The In-Laws Summary

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The In-Laws Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The In-Laws

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The In-Laws

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