Walk Like a Man

Walk Like a Man

Year: 1987

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: Melvin Frank

Comedy

Facing a $30 million inheritance, a man who believes he’s a dog must deal with his brother Reggie’s demand that he “roll over” and surrender the fortune. Bobo, a feral youth raised by wolves, is brought back to his family by a researcher, a reunion that infuriates Reggie, who refuses to share any of the inheritance with him and settle the dispute.

Walk Like a Man (1987) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Walk Like a Man (1987) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the remote, windswept stretches of Alaska, a dead prospector’s legacy looms large: a $30 million fortune that has become more myth than money. The estate’s sole heir, a man who has convinced himself he is a dog, now finds himself at the center of a family tug‑of‑war that feels as wild as the frontier itself. The tone flits between off‑kilter comedy and bittersweet drama, letting the absurdity of a “canine” claimant sit squarely beside the very real pressures of a massive inheritance.

Reggie—the spoiled, restless brother who never learned the value of hard work—has been left to shoulder the responsibility of the windfall. He lives under the watchful, increasingly unsteady eye of his mother, Margaret, whose affection is tangled with eccentricities that include an odd fixation on stray cats. Adding to the domestic chaos is Rhonda, Reggie’s new wife whose life has already begun to spiral as the money slips through their fingers. Their cramped, cat‑filled home becomes a stage where old grievances and new ambitions clash, setting a tone that is equal parts uncomfortable and oddly tender.

Enter Bobo, the two‑year‑old who vanished into the Alaskan wilderness and was raised by a pack of timber wolves. Now, a determined biologist, Penny, returns him to a world that no longer matches his wild instincts. Bobo’s behavior—a blend of human curiosity and animal instinct—throws the already fragile family dynamics into fresh disarray, inviting both humor and empathy. His presence hints at a deeper question: what truly defines “civilized” when nature and nurture have been so dramatically rewired?

The film balances its quirky premise with a genuine exploration of loyalty, identity, and the strange ways money can expose hidden desires. As each character navigates the thin line between parody and pathos, the story invites viewers to wonder how far anyone will go to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs—whether that claim is grounded in cash, love, or something far more instinctual.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:41

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Whimsical Fish-Out-of-Water Farces like Walk Like a Man

Chaotic comedies about characters hilariously out of their element.If you enjoyed the absurd humor of Walk Like a Man, you'll like these movies featuring characters hilariously out of their depth. This list includes similar comedies with a whimsical tone, steady pacing, and lighthearted stories about unconventional individuals navigating strange new worlds.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a simple plot that serves as a framework for comedic set pieces. A unique individual—whether raised in the wild, from another time, or simply possessing an eccentric worldview—is thrust into a conventional society. The narrative conflict arises from their struggle to adapt, which is usually resolved in a positive, heartwarming way that validates their uniqueness.

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These films are grouped by their shared core premise of a fish-out-of-water character driving the comedy. They have a consistent whimsical tone, medium intensity, and light emotional weight, prioritizing amusing chaos and a hopeful, happy resolution over heavy drama or complex plots.

Absurd Inheritance Comedies like Walk Like a Man

Laugh as fortunes bring out the worst in relatives, with a happy ending.Find more movies like Walk Like a Man about chaotic family disputes over money. These comedies share a lighthearted take on greed and inheritance, featuring steady pacing, medium stakes, and a happy ending where avarice is humorously defeated.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves the reading of a will or the arrival of an unexpected heir, which immediately creates conflict. Greedy family members hatch ludicrous schemes to secure the fortune, while the protagonist—often an underdog—remains genuine. The story unfolds through farcical plans and misunderstandings, culminating in a courtroom showdown or public exposure where greed is defeated and decency triumphs.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific plot catalyst (inheritance dispute) and thematic focus (family greed vs. innocence). They maintain a balance of medium intensity and light emotional weight, using the high stakes of money to generate comedy rather than genuine drama, ensuring a consistently amusing and hopeful vibe.

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