Year: 1972
Runtime: 94 mins
Language: English
Director: Peter Bogdanovich
A screwball comedy. Remember them? The accidental mix-up of four identical plaid overnight bags leads to a series of increasingly wild and wacky situations.
Get a spoiler-free look at What’s Up, Doc? (1972) 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 bustling heart of San Francisco, a sleek hotel becomes the unlikely stage for a far‑crowing comedy of errors. Howard Bannister, a mild‑mannered musicologist on a scholarly pilgrimage, arrives with his meticulous fiancée Eunice Burns, ready to chase an academic grant. Their orderly plans are instantly upended when they cross paths with the magnetic, free‑spirited Judy Maxwell, a perpetual student of life who somehow slips into the hotel without a reservation. The trio’s contrasting temperaments—Howard’s earnestness, Eunice’s tight‑knotted precision, and Judy’s lovable chaos—spark a lively chemistry that fuels the story’s madcap rhythm.
At the core of the confusion lies an unassuming set of identical plaid overnight bags, each belonging to a different party staying on the same floor. The bags, seemingly ordinary, become the pivot around which a cascade of mistaken identities and accidental swaps spins. As the night deepens, the characters find themselves navigating a tangled web of expectations, secrets, and the ever‑present hum of a city that never quite sleeps. The hotel corridors echo with witty banter, hurried footfalls, and the subtle music of a world where every turn may lead to an unexpected encounter.
The film’s tone is a breezy blend of classic screwball energy and a modern, self‑aware sparkle. With rapid‑fire dialogue, slap‑stick set pieces, and a backdrop that celebrates San Francisco’s quirky charm, the story invites the audience to revel in the delightful absurdity of a single mix‑up magnified into a whirlwind of far‑cical moments. It’s a celebration of how strangers can collide, collide again, and perhaps discover that the most unexpected partnerships are the ones that leave the biggest imprint on a night that refuses to follow any script.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 23:05
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
High-energy comedies built on misunderstandings and chaotic pursuits.If you enjoyed the frantic energy and mistaken identities of What’s Up, Doc?, you'll love these movies. This collection focuses on comedies that build elaborate, madcap plots out of chaotic pursuits and witty misunderstandings, creating a uniquely fast-paced and hilarious viewing experience.
The narrative typically starts with an innocent case of mistaken identity or a swapped object, which quickly spirals out of control. The plot is propelled by a series of chases—on foot, in vehicles, through elaborate settings—as characters desperately try to correct the initial error, only to make things exponentially worse. The journey is a rollercoaster of near-misses and escalating absurdity, culminating in a resolution that ties up the chaos in a satisfying, often romantic, bow.
Movies in this thread share a commitment to high-energy, physical comedy and intricate plotting. They are united by a breakneck pace, a light and playful tone, and a narrative structure that feels like a perfectly constructed Rube Goldberg machine of comedic events.
Films where the real world bends to the rules of animated slapstick.For viewers who loved the cartoon-like energy and slapstick destruction of What’s Up, Doc?, this thread finds similar movies. These films share a whimsical, exaggerated reality where the comedy is broad, physical, and delightfully over-the-top, making for a buoyant and hilarious escape.
Stories in this thread unfold with a sense of escalating, rule-breaking absurdity. Characters often bounce back from mishaps unscathed, and the environment itself becomes a character—prone to collapsing, exploding, or transforming for comedic effect. The emotional journey is minimal; the focus is squarely on the joyous, chaotic ride and the inventive ways characters navigate their topsy-turvy world.
These films are grouped by their shared aesthetic of exaggerated reality and physical comedy. They prioritize visual gags and a spirit of anarchic fun over deep drama, creating a cohesive vibe of lighthearted, inventive chaos that feels distinctly cartoonish.
Don't stop at just watching — explore What’s Up, Doc? in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what What’s Up, Doc? is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of What’s Up, Doc?, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of What’s Up, Doc? with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape What’s Up, Doc?. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about What’s Up, Doc?: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like What’s Up, Doc? that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
What’s Up, Doc? (1972) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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