Babe: Pig in the City 1998
Directed by
George Miller
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
A few weeks following the events of the first film, Farmer Arthur Hoggett finds himself injured in an accident while he and Babe attempt to repair the farm’s well. This unfortunate event leaves his wife, Esme, to manage the farm on her own. With the looming threat of eviction at the month’s end due to unpaid mortgage, Esme decides to take Babe to a sheepdog herding contest, hoping that the prize money will be enough to save their home.
In the bustling city of Metropolis, an overly zealous beagle named Snoop mistakenly signals that he and Esme are transporting drugs at the airport, causing them to miss their flight and resulting in a few days’ delay before they can head back. Initially struggling to find pet-friendly accommodation, Esme and Babe finally find refuge at the Flealands Hotel, managed by the kind-hearted Miss Floom, who welcomes stray animals into her establishment.
Once settled, Babe is separated from Esme and encounters a group of cheeky chimpanzees – Bob, his expectant wife Zootie, and her younger brother Easy – along with Thelonius, a refined Bornean orangutan who serves Miss Floom’s aging uncle, Fugly. Babe is reluctantly roped into their clown act, initially hesitant until he learns that he could potentially earn money, which he sees as crucial for the farm’s rescue. Unfortunately, his involvement leads to chaotic mishaps rather than success. Meanwhile, Esme, believing Babe has gone missing, embarks on a search, only to find herself arrested due to a misunderstanding involving police and a motorcycle gang.
The following morning brings more chaos as Fugly ends up in the hospital after bingeing on food. With their caretaker in distress, the other animals at the hotel grow hungry, leading the chimpanzees to scheme a theft from a nearby store, with Babe used as a decoy to divert the attention of guard dogs. In a twist of fate, Babe ends up saving one of the dogs, forging a new bond that makes the grateful dog his bodyguard.
Just as things seem bleak, Babe’s best friend, Ferdinand, arrives at the hotel and joyfully reunites with him following the birth of Zootie’s twins. However, their joy is short-lived when animal control officers, alerted by the Flooms’ hostile neighbor, Hortense, raid the hotel and capture most of the animals. Babe, Ferdinand, and two remaining guests – the Flooms’ capuchin, Tug, and a disabled Jack Russell Terrier named Flealick – hatch a plan to infiltrate the animal control facility and rescue their captured friends.
After their successful mission, Esme returns to the now-chaotic hotel, where she finds Miss Floom grieving her uncle’s fate and the lost animals. Determined, they confront Hortense and track down the animals to a charity dinner, leading to a heartwarming reunion. With newfound determination, Miss Floom decides to sell the hotel, using the funds to help Esme save their farm. As Esme resumes her responsibilities while Arthur finally completes the repair on the water pump, he affectionately tells Babe, > “That’ll do, Pig. That’ll do.”
Timeline
Arthur's Accident
Farmer Arthur Hoggett is injured in an accident while attempting to repair the farm's well with Babe. This injury leaves his wife, Esme, alone to manage the farm, creating a sense of urgency and pressure as they face eviction.
Esme's Dilemma
Faced with the threat of eviction due to unpaid mortgage payments, Esme decides to take Babe to a sheepdog herding contest. She hopes that the prize money will be sufficient to save their home from foreclosure, demonstrating her determination.
Snoop's Mistake
In Metropolis, the overly enthusiastic beagle Snoop mistakenly alerts authorities that he and Esme are carrying drugs at the airport. This blunder results in them missing their flight and delays their return home by several days.
Finding Refuge
Esme and Babe have difficulties finding pet-friendly accommodations after their airport mishap. Eventually, they find shelter at the Flealands Hotel, warmly managed by Miss Floom, who welcomes stray animals.
Encounter with Chimpanzees
At the hotel, Babe is unexpectedly separated from Esme and meets a group of mischievous chimpanzees, including Bob and his relatives. Despite his initial reluctance, he is drawn into their clown act as he sees it as a chance to earn money for the farm.
Start of Chaos
Babe's involvement in the clown act leads to a series of comedic mishaps, ultimately proving unsuccessful in earning money. Meanwhile, Esme believes Babe has gone missing, escalating her worries as she begins searching for him.
Esme's Arrest
During her search for Babe, Esme encounters a misunderstanding involving local police and a motorcycle gang. This unfortunate turn of events leads to her arrest, compounding the troubles of her already stressful situation.
Fugly's Mishap
The next morning brings chaos as Fugly, Miss Floom's aging uncle, ends up hospitalized after overeating. With Fugly in distress, the other animals at the hotel face hunger, spurring the chimpanzees to plot a food heist.
The Heist Plan
Babe is ingeniously utilized as a decoy in the chimpanzees' plan to steal food from a nearby store. In a surprising turn, he ends up saving one of the guard dogs, which leads to a newfound friendship and protection.
Ferdinand's Arrival
Babe's best friend Ferdinand arrives joyfully at the hotel, marking a sweet reunion following the birth of Zootie's twins. Unfortunately, their happiness is cut short when animal control officers raid the hotel, capturing many animals.
The Rescue Mission
In the aftermath of the raid, Babe, Ferdinand, and two other animals devise a plan to infiltrate the animal control facility to rescue their captured friends. This daring mission highlights their bravery and loyalty to their companions.
Esme's Return
Esme returns to the now-chaotic hotel and finds Miss Floom mourning her uncle's passing and the loss of the animals. Instead of succumbing to despair, they rally together to confront the local neighbor who alerted animal control.
The Heartwarming Reunion
Esme and Miss Floom trace the captured animals to a charity dinner, leading to an emotional reunion with their friends. This moment underscores the theme of community and the bonds formed during adversity.
New Beginnings
Miss Floom resolves to sell the Flealands Hotel, using the proceeds to assist Esme in saving her farm. This decision reflects her commitment to supporting her friends and the future of the Hoggett family.
A Final Bond
As Arthur Hoggett finally fixes the water pump upon Esme's return, he affectionately commends Babe, saying, 'That'll do, Pig. That'll do.' This signifies a heartfelt bond between them and the resilience they've shown through their challenges.
Characters
Babe
Babe is a kind-hearted pig with a strong desire to prove himself. Throughout the film, he faces various challenges but remains determined to help save the farm. His innate ability to connect with others fosters bonds that are crucial to overcoming adversity.
Esme Hoggett
Esme is a devoted and resilient character who takes on the responsibility of saving the farm after her husband is injured. Her love for Babe and determination to succeed drives her actions throughout the film, showcasing her strength and commitment to family.
Miss Floom
Miss Floom is the warm-hearted manager of the Flealands Hotel, welcoming stray animals into her home. Her nurturing nature and kindness create a safe haven for Babe and his friends, serving as a pivotal support during their chaotic journey.
Hortense
Hortense serves as the antagonist of the story, representing hostility towards the animals at the hotel. Her character brings tension to the plot, as her actions ultimately lead to conflict, exemplifying the opposition faced by the main characters.
Setting
Time period
The time period is contemporary, as the events unfold shortly after the first film. This modern setting reflects the struggles and resilience of small-town life contrasted against the backdrop of a vibrant city.
Location
Metropolis
Metropolis is a bustling city known for its fast pace and diverse urban life. It serves as the primary backdrop for Babe and Esme's adventure, where they navigate various challenges. The cityscape is filled with opportunities and tribulations, highlighting the contrast between the simple farm life and urban complexity.
Themes
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Home
The theme of home is central to the story as Esme struggles to save their family farm from eviction. Throughout the film, the characters engage in various adventures, all centered around the desire to return home and maintain their livelihood. The warmth of home serves as a driving force behind their actions.
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Friendship
Friendship is depicted through Babe's relationships with other animals, such as Ferdinand and the group of chimpanzees. Their bonds are tested throughout their adventures, and they support each other in times of crisis. These friendships ultimately help them to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.
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Chaos
The movie frequently illustrates the theme of chaos through mishaps and misunderstandings that escalate at the Flealands Hotel. From the arrest of Esme to the unexpected schemes of the animals, chaos drives the narrative and contributes to both comedic and heartfelt moments in the film.
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