A needy patient follows his psychiatrist on vacation, disrupting his life and family while inadvertently helping them confront their own issues.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Unwanted Guest
Dr. Leo Marvin takes on needy patient Bob Wiley, who follows him to his family vacation home, disrupting his carefully controlled life.
Key Events
First Therapy Session — Bob meets Dr. Marvin for therapy Characters: Bob Wiley, Dr. Leo MarvinLocation: Dr. Marvin's Office
Vacation Announcement — Dr. Marvin announces his upcoming vacation Characters: Dr. Leo Marvin, Bob WileyLocation: Dr. Marvin's Office
Bob Tracks Marvin — Bob follows Dr. Marvin to his home Characters: Bob WileyLocation: City Streets
Country House Arrival — Bob uninvited at Marvin's vacation home Characters: Bob Wiley, Dr. Leo Marvin, Fay MarvinLocation: Marvin's Country House
The Invasion of Popularity
Bob wins over Marvin's family and neighbors while Dr. Marvin's professional facade begins to crumble under the pressure.
Key Events
Family Introduction — Bob meets Marvin's family Characters: Bob Wiley, Dr. Leo Marvin, Fay Marvin, Sigmund "Siggy" Marvin, Anna Marvin, Lily MarvinLocation: Marvin's Living Room
Bob Wins Over Family — Bob becomes popular with Marvin's family Characters: Bob Wiley, Fay Marvin, Sigmund "Siggy" MarvinLocation: Marvin's Property
Siggy's Fear Confrontation — Bob helps Siggy overcome his fear of water Characters: Bob Wiley, Sigmund "Siggy" MarvinLocation: Lake
Dr. Marvin's Breakdown — Dr. Marvin loses his professional composure Characters: Dr. Leo Marvin, Bob WileyLocation: Marvin's Study
The Doctor's Descent
Dr. Marvin's mental state deteriorates as Bob's manipulative behavior escalates, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
Key Events
Neighbor Visit — Bob befriends elderly neighbors Characters: Bob Wiley, Mr. Guttman, Mrs. GuttmanLocation: Guttman's House
Dr. Marvin's Book Deal — Dr. Marvin discusses his new book deal Characters: Dr. Leo Marvin, Phil, Carswell Fensterwald, M.D.Location: Restaurant
Bob's Fake Suicide — Bob fakes suicide to manipulate Dr. Marvin Characters: Bob Wiley, Dr. Leo MarvinLocation: Marvin's House
Dr. Marvin's Mental Break — Dr. Marvin has a complete mental breakdown Characters: Dr. Leo Marvin, Bob Wiley, Fay MarvinLocation: Marvin's House
The Final Breakthrough
In the climax, Bob confronts Dr. Marvin about his own issues, leading to a breakthrough in their therapeutic relationship.
Key Events
Final Confrontation — Bob confronts Dr. Marvin about his issues Characters: Bob Wiley, Dr. Leo Marvin, Fay Marvin, Sigmund "Siggy" MarvinLocation: Marvin's House
Resolution — Dr. Marvin finally helps Bob properly Characters: Bob Wiley, Dr. Leo Marvin, Fay Marvin, Sigmund "Siggy" MarvinLocation: Marvin's House
Story Breakdown
Therapeutic Relationship — The complex dynamic between Bob and Dr. Marvin
Initial Sessions — Bob's first therapy with Dr. Marvin
Vacation Interruption — Bob follows Marvin to his family home
Professional Breakdown — Dr. Marvin loses his composure
Final Breakthrough — Bob helps Dr. Marvin confront his issues
Family Dynamics — How Bob affects Marvin's family relationships
Initial Resistance — Marvin's family is wary of Bob
Bob's Popularity — Family members grow fond of Bob
Siggy's Transformation — Bob helps Siggy overcome his fears
Marital Strain — Fay prefers Bob over her husband
Character Arcs — The personal growth of main characters
Bob's Independence — Bob learns to be less dependent
Dr. Marvin's Humility — Marvin loses his professional arrogance
Siggy's Confidence — Siggy gains self-assurance
Before going on vacation, self-involved psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin has the misfortune of taking on a new patient: Bob Wiley. An exemplar of neediness and a compendium of phobias, Bob follows Marvin to his family's country house. Dr. Marvin tries to get him to leave; the trouble is, everyone loves Bob. As his oblivious patient makes himself at home, Dr. Marvin loses his professional composure and, before long, may be ready for the loony bin himself.
