Who’s the Man?

Who’s the Man?

Year: 1993

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: Ted Demme

ActionDramaComedy

In this hip‑hop‑flavored whodunit, Ed Lover and Dr. Dre play hapless barbers who quit the shop for a stint as police officers. Their overly strict sergeant, Sgt. Cooper, constantly badgers them, but the duo stumble onto a major criminal scheme and manage to crack the case using their unconventional, comedic methods.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Who’s the Man? yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Who’s the Man? (1993)

Trace every key event in Who’s the Man? (1993) 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

Nick pushes Ed and Dre toward the police academy

Their boss Nick suggests they should try out for the police academy, sensing a better fit than barbering. Ed and Dre resist at first, but Nick's threat of unemployment forces them to apply. They surprisingly get accepted into the program.

Harlem barbershop
2

Becoming New York City police officers

They are accepted into the New York City police force, a surprising turn from their barbering days. This marks a dramatic career shift and sets the stage for their pursuit of justice.

New York City
3

Tragedy hits: Nick dies and the shop is lost

A tragedy claims Nick's life and destroys the barbershop they once worked in. Ed and Dre become enforcers of the law and decide to investigate the incident, convinced it was murder.

Harlem, NYC
4

Suspect: Demetrius, a crooked developer

While canvassing the streets, they hear rumors that Demetrius may be connected to Nick's death and the destruction of their shop. They begin digging for dirt on him, hoping to uncover a motive.

Streets of New York City
5

Cops and criminals block the investigation

A hostile Sergeant and a moody detective stand in their way, and even reluctant street hoods are reluctant to cooperate. The case becomes tangled as they chase possible leads.

Police precinct and city streets
6

Suspension from duty

Their superiors doubt their story and suspend them from the force. Undeterred, Ed and Dre keep investigating on their own, determined to prove the case.

New York City
7

Warehouse lead and weapon cache

A solid lead sends them to a warehouse where they discover a significant cache of guns. The find strengthens their case and provides material for an arrest.

Warehouse in NYC
8

Arrest of Demetrius

With the new evidence, they arrest Demetrius. They soon learn that Demetrius did not kill Nick, but the trail leads elsewhere.

New York City
9

The killer revealed: Lionel

It is revealed that Nick's friend Lionel, who worked for Demetrius, murdered him after Nick refused to sell his shop. Ed and Dre arrest Lionel.

New York City
10

Offer to return to the force

Ed and Dre are offered their jobs back but they decline, choosing to quit. They want to avoid the violence of police work.

New York City
11

Back to the barber shop

They return to their old Harlem barbershop only to find oil seeping from the floor, hinting at the wider conspiracy behind Nick's death.

Harlem barbershop
12

Reopening with a twist

The shop reopens but with a chaotic vibe as Ed and Dre continue to give customers haircuts that are far from perfect.

Harlem barbershop

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:26

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Who’s the Man? Summary

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Who’s the Man? Summary

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Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Who’s the Man?. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Who’s the Man?

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Who’s the Man? Spoiler-Free Summary

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