The Secret of My Succe$s

The Secret of My Succe$s

Year: 1987

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Herbert Ross

ComedyRomance

A recent college graduate leaves his small Kansas hometown for the bustling city of New York, hoping for a promising job. However, his dream job isn's available, and he finds himself working alongside his well-meaning but clumsy Uncle Howard. To advance his career, Brantley pretends to be a successful executive, adopting a fabricated persona and navigating the challenges of corporate life with a humorous and inventive approach.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Secret of My Succe$s (1987)

Trace every key event in The Secret of My Succe$s (1987) 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

Brantley Graduates College

Brantley Foster, a diligent student, completes his business degree in his home state of Kansas. With excitement and optimism, he prepares to embark on his new journey in the bustling metropolis of New York City.

Kansas
2

Arrival in New York City

Brantley arrives in New York City, filled with ambition as he secures an entry-level position at a large investment firm. He settles into a small and shabby studio apartment, ready to start his career.

New York City
3

Firm Acquisition

Brantley’s excitement quickly turns to despair when he learns that the firm has been acquired in a hostile takeover, leaving him and 90% of the workforce jobless. Undeterred, he continues to seek new employment, determined to find a way into the business world.

Investment Firm
4

Discovery of Family Connection

While contemplating his situation, Brantley remembers that his mother mentioned he is related to Howard Prescott, the CEO of a powerful investment firm. With renewed hope, he decides to approach his uncle in hopes of securing a job.

New York City
5

Meeting Uncle Howard

Brantley meets Howard Prescott’s secretary, managing to convince her to grant him a brief audience with Howard. Impressed by Brantley's determination, Howard offers him a position in the Pemrose mail room.

Pemrose Investment Firm
6

Life in the Mail Room

As Brantley settles into his new job in the mail room, he befriends Fred Melrose, who teaches him the ropes of the position. Fred advises him to avoid interactions with executives, focusing instead on learning the company from within.

Pemrose Mail Room
7

Encounter with Vera

On a mail run, Brantley drives the irritable executive Vera home after her car breaks down. Throughout the ride, he charms her into inviting him to her home, where they share a drink and he boosts her self-esteem.

Vera's Estate in Litchfield
8

Affair and Conflict

After a seductive swim, Brantley and Vera have a brief affair. However, the encounter turns chaotic when Howard Prescott unexpectedly arrives, causing Brantley to flee in embarrassment.

Vera's Pool House
9

Strategic Thinking

Brantley learns of an executive’s impending termination while he is delivering mail. When a contact calls about shipping issues, he effectively devises a solution that impresses the caller, demonstrating his business acumen.

Pemrose Office
10

Assuming a New Identity

Using the information he's gathered, Brantley boldly takes over the office of a terminated executive, adopting the alias Carlton Whitfield. He begins fulfilling responsibilities while hiding his true intentions from his colleagues.

Pemrose Office
11

Meeting Christy

At a management meeting, Brantley meets Christy Wells, an attractive exec, and is instantly attracted. Despite her initial defensiveness, she begins to warm up to him as they engage in discussions about the company's future.

Pemrose Conference Room
12

Late Night Discussions

After a long day, Christy and Brantley engage in a lengthy conversation about Pemrose's future. They end up spending the night discussing strategy, leading to a romantic and intimate moment.

Brantley's Office
13

The Retreat at Litchfield

Howard Prescott organizes a retreat for the top executives to strategize against a hostile takeover. Brantley, believing he can sway investors, attends after receiving invitations from Howard and Vera.

Howard's Litchfield Retreat
14

Confrontations and Revelations

During a chaotic evening at the retreat, multiple characters converge on Christy’s room where secrets are revealed. Brantley’s true identity is exposed, leading to significant tension between him, Christy, and Howard.

Christy's Room
15

The Twist of Fate

In a dramatic board meeting, Brantley announces a merger to protect Pemrose from the hostile takeover. With Vera's unexpected control over company stock, Howard's position is threatened, and he is ousted, marking a poignant twist in Brantley’s pursuit of success.

Pemrose Boardroom
16

Celebratory Night at the Opera

As a new era dawns at Pemrose, Brantley and Christy, along with Vera and Fred, celebrate their victory at the Metropolitan Opera. The once-struggling mailroom worker finds love and success, solidifying his place in the company.

Metropolitan Opera

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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The Secret of My Succe$s Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Secret of My Succe$s

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Secret of My Succe$s

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