Going Ape! (1981) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Foster's inheritance of three apes turns his attempt to manage an unusual household into a dangerous struggle to protect them.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

An Unexpected Inheritance

At the circus's final performance, Foster learns that the circus will be sold and its proceeds distributed. His father's will makes Foster responsible for three apes, and Lazlo helps him take on the task.

Key Events

• Circus Final Performance — At his father's final circus performance, Foster learns the circus will be sold. Characters: Foster, Lazlo Location: Circus
• Estate Distribution Announced — Foster learns the sale proceeds will be divided among his father's daughters and friends. Characters: Foster Location: Circus
• Three Apes Inherited — The will makes Foster responsible for three apes. Characters: Foster, Lazlo Location: Circus
• Lazlo Offers Help — Lazlo helps Foster manage the animals entrusted to him. Characters: Foster, Lazlo Location: Unspecified

A Household Under Strain

Foster struggles to manage the apes at home while trying to preserve an ordinary life. Cynthia warns him that he cannot keep the unusual household secret and persuades him to abandon an illegal plan to change the will.

Key Events

• Unruly Household — Foster struggles to manage the apes' unruly behavior at home. Characters: Foster, Lazlo Location: Foster's home
• Cynthia Warns Foster — Cynthia warns that Foster cannot hide his unusual household from their neighbor. Characters: Foster, Cynthia Location: Foster's home
• Illegal Will Proposal — Foster considers paying to change the will; Cynthia warns him it is illegal and could land him in jail. Characters: Foster, Cynthia Location: Unspecified
• Foster Abandons the Plan — Foster gives up the plan after Cynthia challenges his judgment. Characters: Foster, Cynthia Location: Unspecified

The Search for the Apes

An explosion at Foster's home is followed by suspicious people searching for the animals. Police involvement and the threat of further danger force Foster and his companions to hide and move the apes.

Key Events

• Home Explosion — An explosion at Foster's home brings suspicious people searching for the apes. Characters: Foster, Lazlo Location: Foster's home
• Searchers Confront the Group — Foster and the others face suspicious people looking for the animals. Characters: Foster, Lazlo Location: Foster's home
• Apes Hidden and Moved — Police involvement and further danger force the group to hide and move the apes. Characters: Foster, Lazlo Location: Unspecified
• Zebrewski Arrives — Zebrewski arrives with the police and reveals he knew Foster's father. Characters: Foster, Zebrewski Location: Unspecified

A Hospital Standoff

Zebrewski arrives with the police and shows concern for Foster. After evading intruders, Foster's group regroups at a hospital, where an armed confrontation ends with Foster pleading for an ape's safety and the outcome unresolved.

Key Events

• Intruders Evaded — Foster and his companions try to evade intruders and regroup. Characters: Foster, Lazlo Location: Unspecified
• Group Regroups at Hospital — Foster and his companions regroup at a hospital after evading intruders. Characters: Foster, Lazlo Location: Hospital
• Foster Pleads for Ape — An armed man confronts the group; Foster pleads for an ape's safety, and the outcome remains unresolved. Characters: Foster, Lazlo Location: Hospital

Story Breakdown

• Circus Inheritance — Foster learns about the circus sale and the responsibility assigned to him by his father's will.
  • Final Performance — Foster attends his father's final circus performance and learns the circus will be sold.
  • Three Apes — The will entrusts three apes to Foster.
• Lazlo's Assistance — Lazlo helps Foster handle the animals and the practical consequences of the inheritance.
  • Animal Care — Lazlo helps Foster with the apes.
  • Home Disorder — Foster struggles with the apes' unruly behavior at home.
• Cynthia's Warnings — Cynthia cautions Foster about secrecy and rejects his proposed attempt to change the will illegally.
  • Neighbor Concern — Cynthia warns that Foster cannot keep the unusual household secret from Zebrewski.
  • Plan Abandoned — Foster drops the illegal proposal after Cynthia challenges his judgment.
• Threats at Home — An explosion and the arrival of people searching for the apes make the situation dangerous.
  • Home Explosion — An explosion occurs at Foster's home.
  • Suspicious Searchers — Suspicious people confront the group while looking for the animals.
• Hiding the Apes — Police involvement and continued danger force Foster's group to protect and move the animals.
  • Police Involvement — The threat of further danger brings police into the crisis.
  • Relocation Effort — The group hides and moves the apes while Foster tries to keep everyone together.
• Zebrewski's Arrival — Zebrewski arrives with the police and expresses concern for Foster.
  • Known Family Connection — Zebrewski reveals that he knew Foster's father.
  • Concern for Foster — Zebrewski believes Foster needs someone to look after him.
• Hospital Confrontation — After evading intruders, Foster's companions regroup at a hospital and face an armed threat.
  • Hospital Regrouping — Foster and his companions regroup at the hospital.
  • Unresolved Plea — Foster pleads for an ape's safety, and the excerpt ends without revealing the outcome.

Directed by

Jeremy Joe Kronsberg

Key Cast

• Tony Danza — Foster
• Jessica Walter — Fiona
• Stacey Nelkin — Cynthia
• Danny DeVito — Lazlo
• Merie Earle — Binocular Lady