Ernest Rides Again 1993
Directed by
John R. Cherry III
Made by
Emshell Producers
Plot Summary
That endearing and somewhat foolish janitor, Ernest P. Worrell, works at a local college and unexpectedly crosses paths with a history professor named Dr. Abner Melon. Their adventure begins when Ernest discovers an antique metal plate at a construction site. Excited, he shares his find with Dr. Melon, who theorizes it may have originated from a legendary American Revolutionary War cannon called “Goliath,” a name inspired by the infamous biblical giant. Dr. Melon, who has faced skepticism for his belief that the true Crown Jewels of England were hidden within this long-lost cannon during the Revolutionary War, seeks to validate his ideas.
Eager to uncover the truth, Ernest and Dr. Melon embark on a quest that leads them to an abandoned mine near the construction site. However, their journey takes a treacherous turn when they are pursued by the nefarious antiquity collector and Dr. Melon’s rival, Dr. Glencliff. Their escapade results in a breathtaking chase through the countryside, especially when British agents catch wind of their antics and set out to reclaim the jewels. Complicating matters further, Dr. Melon’s wife, Nan, has her own agenda, seeking the jewels for herself amidst the chaos.
As the frantic chase continues, an unlikely bond forms between Ernest and Dr. Melon, despite the peril surrounding them. After a disastrous crash involving the cannon in a forest, Ernest surprisingly discovers the jewels inside the gunpowder kegs rather than within the barrel as legend suggested. In a humorous twist, after placing the crown on his head, he finds it humorously stuck. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Glencliff captures him, taking him to his clinic with nefarious intentions to surgically remove the crown.
In a timely twist, Dr. Melon unites with Nan, persuading her to assist in rescuing Ernest. Meanwhile, at the clinic, an amusing but chaotic escape unfolds as Ernest leads Dr. Glencliff on a wild chase through the facility. Cornered and desperate, he confronts Dr. Glencliff in a comical showdown over the crown just as Dr. Melon, alongside the police, arrives to the rescue. In a climactic moment, just as Dr. Glencliff attempts to decapitate Ernest with an axe, Dr. Melon saves the day by using the very antique plate Ernest uncovered, knocking Dr. Glencliff out cold.
As British authorities arrive, they inform Ernest that the crown must return to its rightful place. However, he comically explains that it’s stuck on his head, prompting the astonished authorities to declare him the King of England by virtue of wearing it. In a light-hearted moment, Dr. Melon cleverly removes it by playfully distracting Ernest, causing the crown to plop off amid everyone’s laughter. This playful finale culminates in a friendly squabble over who would make a better king, leading to a heartwarming moral: the value of friendship far exceeds any status or treasure.
Timeline
Ernest Discovers the Metal Plate
While working at a local college, janitor Ernest P. Worrell stumbles upon an antique metal plate at a construction site. Excited by his find, he decides to share it with Dr. Abner Melon, a history professor, igniting the first spark of their adventure.
The Legend of Goliath
Dr. Melon examines the metal plate and theorizes it could belong to an American Revolutionary War cannon named 'Goliath.' This cannon is said to have hidden the true Crown Jewels of England, a belief that Dr. Melon passionately defends despite facing skepticism.
Quest for the Truth
Eager to validate Dr. Melon's theory, Ernest and the professor embark on a quest to an abandoned mine near the construction site. Armed with a mix of enthusiasm and naivety, they dig deeper into the mystery surrounding the legendary cannon.
Pursued by Dr. Glencliff
Their journey turns perilous as they are pursued by the nefarious antiquity collector, Dr. Glencliff, who aims to seize the jewels for himself. The two friends find themselves in a wild chase through the countryside, heightening the stakes of their adventure.
Nan's Secret Agenda
Amidst the chaos, Dr. Melon's wife, Nan, becomes involved with her own hidden agenda. She seeks to acquire the jewels for herself, adding a layer of complexity to the already tumultuous situation as doubt and mistrust begins to creep in.
Crash and Discovery
During a frantic chase, a disastrous crash occurs involving the cannon in a nearby forest. In a surprising twist, Ernest finds the jewels hidden inside gunpowder kegs, which were not expected to hold such treasures, leading to a comedic realization.
Ernest's Crown Mishap
After discovering the jewels, Ernest humorously places one of the crowns on his head, only for it to get stuck. This comical situation leads to his capture by Dr. Glencliff, who plans on extracting the crown with sinister intentions.
Dr. Melon and Nan Team Up
Realizing Ernest is in grave danger, Dr. Melon teams up with Nan to rescue him. They devise a plan to infiltrate Dr. Glencliff's clinic, combining their efforts to save their friend from his nefarious clutches.
The Chaotic Escape
Inside the clinic, an amusing series of events unfold as Ernest leads Dr. Glencliff on a wild chase. The comedic exchanges create a chaotic atmosphere, showcasing Ernest's cleverness even in the direst circumstances.
Climactic Showdown
In a tense moment, Dr. Glencliff attempts to decapitate Ernest with an axe, but just in time, Dr. Melon and the police arrive. Using the antique plate, Dr. Melon knocks Glencliff out, turning the tide of the encounter.
The King of England?
As British authorities arrive at the scene, they note that the crown must return to its rightful place. However, Ernest humorously explains it is stuck on his head, leading to a hilarious proclamation that he is now the King of England.
Crowning Moment
In a light-hearted twist, Dr. Melon cleverly distracts Ernest, allowing the crown to finally plop off his head. Laughter ensues among the authorities, cementing the absurdity of the situation and the value of friendship.
A Friendly Debate
The finale unfolds as Ernest and Dr. Melon engage in a playful squabble over who would make a better king. Their banter wraps up the adventure with the story's moral that highlights the value of friendship over any treasures or titles.
Characters
Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney)
Ernest P. Worrell is an endearing, albeit bumbling janitor whose enthusiasm often leads him into chaotic situations. His naive optimism and determined spirit drive the plot forward, as he inadvertently uncovers historical secrets. Despite his foolishness, Ernest's heart is in the right place, making him a lovable protagonist.
Dr. Abner Melon (Tom Butler)
Dr. Abner Melon is a passionate history professor dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the past. His scholarly nature often puts him at odds with skepticism but fuels his commitment to the discovery of the lost cannon. Throughout the adventure, he demonstrates resilience and ingenuity, forming a valuable partnership with Ernest.
Dr. Glencliff (Alf Humphreys)
Dr. Glencliff is the antagonist of the film, characterized by his nefarious intentions to seize the treasures for himself. His cunning and assertive nature creates tension throughout the story as he pursues Ernest and Dr. Melon. A shrewd collector, he represents the darker side of the quest for antiquities.
Nan (Linda Kash)
Nan is Dr. Melon's wife, adding complexity to the storyline with her own motives for seeking the treasures. Her character oscillates between supportive and opportunistic, showcasing a different facet of desire for the jewels. Ultimately, she plays a key role in aiding Ernest's escape, revealing her strengths.
Setting
Time period
The events of 'Ernest Rides Again' draw on the historical intrigue of the American Revolutionary War, relating to the legendary lost cannon, 'Goliath.' It reflects a time rich in adventure, where myths and treasures intertwine, leading the characters on a comical and treacherous journey.
Location
local college, abandoned mine, countryside, clinic
The movie unfolds primarily in a local college where Ernest works as a janitor, leading to their historical discovery. An abandoned mine becomes the focal point of their adventurous quest, steeped in Revolutionary War lore. The surrounding countryside serves as a backdrop for their thrilling chases, while the clinic represents the chaotic climax of their escapade.
Themes
🤝
Friendship
The theme of friendship is central to the movie, emphasizing the bond formed between Ernest and Dr. Melon as they navigate their wild adventure. Despite their differences, they support and rely on each other, demonstrating that camaraderie is more valuable than treasures. Their relationship culminates in a playful yet sincere recognition of the importance of working together in the face of adversity.
🏴☠️
Adventure
Adventure is a driving force in the film, as Ernest and Dr. Melon embark on an exhilarating quest to uncover hidden treasures from the past. Their thrilling escapades through the countryside and encounters with antagonists showcase the unpredictability of their journey. The film portrays how curiosity and daring can lead to unexpected and humorous outcomes.
🔑
Treasure
Treasure serves as the symbolic crux of the film, representing both material wealth and the underlying truths of friendship. The legendary Crown Jewels become a focal point for the characters’ desires, driving their actions and creating conflict. Ultimately, the true treasure lies not only in riches but in the experiences and relationships built along the way.
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