Buy & Cell (1989) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A framed financial adviser turns imprisonment into an illicit investment enterprise before renewed government scrutiny threatens him again.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

A Fraudulent Downfall

An SEC investigation reaches Herbie's company, where his boss frames him for stock fraud. Herbie is sent to prison as a result of the accusation.

Key Events

• SEC Investigates Company — An SEC investigation begins at Herbie's company. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Herbie's company
• Herbie Is Framed — Herbie's boss frames him for stock fraud during the investigation. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Herbie's company
• Fraud Charges Follow — The fraud accusation makes Herbie responsible for the alleged stock scheme. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Herbie's company
• Herbie Enters Prison — Herbie is sent to prison after being framed for stock fraud. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Prison

The Prison Adviser

While incarcerated, Herbie advises a fellow inmate on investments. The success of that advice causes other prisoners to seek his financial guidance.

Key Events

• Herbie Enters Prison — Herbie is sent to prison after being framed for stock fraud. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Prison
• Investment Advice Begins — While incarcerated, Herbie advises a fellow inmate on investments. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Prison
• Advice Proves Successful — Herbie's investment advice succeeds, establishing his financial credibility. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Prison
• Prisoners Seek Guidance — Other prisoners begin seeking Herbie's financial guidance. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Prison

An Enterprise Behind Bars

The demand for Herbie's guidance creates growing capital that needs to be managed. He establishes CON INC and operates it from inside the facility while avoiding detection.

Key Events

• Prisoners Seek Guidance — Other prisoners begin seeking Herbie's financial guidance. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Prison
• Capital Starts Growing — The growing demand for advice leads to an expanding pool of capital. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Prison
• CON INC Is Established — Herbie establishes CON INC to manage the growing capital. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Prison
• Business Operates Inside — Herbie operates CON INC from inside the prison facility. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Within the prison facility

Investigations Return

The IRS and SEC launch inquiries into CON INC. Their scrutiny places Herbie in renewed legal trouble.

Key Events

• Enterprise Avoids Detection — Herbie's enterprise evades detection by the warden and guards. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Within the prison facility
• IRS Opens Inquiry — The IRS launches an inquiry into CON INC. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Within the prison facility
• SEC Reopens Investigation — The SEC joins the renewed inquiry into Herbie's business. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Within the prison facility
• Legal Trouble Returns — The government inquiries place Herbie in renewed legal trouble. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Prison
• Business Faces Scrutiny — Herbie must face the consequences of the investigations into CON INC. Characters: Herbie Altman Location: Prison

Story Breakdown

• Company Investigation — The initial SEC investigation creates the circumstances for Herbie's downfall.
  • SEC Inquiry — The SEC investigates Herbie's company.
  • Fraud Framing — Herbie's boss frames him for stock fraud.
• Prison Sentence — The fraud accusation removes Herbie from his company and places him in prison.
  • Fraud Charges — Herbie is made responsible for alleged stock fraud.
  • Incarceration — Herbie is sent to prison.
• Investment Advice — Herbie's financial knowledge gives him a new role inside prison.
  • Fellow Inmate — Herbie advises a fellow inmate on investments.
  • Successful Guidance — The investment advice proves successful.
• Growing Demand — Herbie's success expands his influence among the incarcerated population.
  • Prisoner Requests — Other prisoners seek Herbie's financial guidance.
  • Growing Capital — The demand creates capital that must be managed.
• CON INC Formation — Herbie formalizes his financial activity by establishing CON INC.
  • Business Creation — Herbie establishes CON INC.
  • Capital Management — The enterprise is created to manage growing capital.
• Hidden Prison Enterprise — CON INC operates from inside the facility while Herbie attempts to avoid detection.
  • Internal Operation — Herbie runs the enterprise from within prison.
  • Avoiding Detection — The business evades the warden and guards.
• Government Inquiry — Renewed IRS and SEC scrutiny threatens Herbie with further legal trouble.
  • IRS Investigation — The IRS launches an inquiry into CON INC.
  • Legal Jeopardy — The renewed inquiries place Herbie in legal trouble again.

Directed by

Robert Boris

Key Cast

• Robert Carradine — Herbie Altman
• Randall 'Tex' Cobb — Wolf
• Malcolm McDowell — Warden Tennant
• Roddy Piper — Cowboy
• Tony Plana — Raoul