S.O.B. 1981

Felix Farmer's Rise

Felix Farmer, played by Richard Mulligan, achieves enormous success as a producer-director in Hollywood. His reign in the film industry is marked by significant accolades and high-profile projects that define his career.

The Disastrous Flop

The turning point comes when Felix’s latest project turns out to be a massive failure, marking the beginning of his downward spiral. Critics and audiences alike pan the film, leading Felix into a state of despair and self-doubt.

First Suicide Attempt

In his turmoil, Felix attempts to end his life by carbon monoxide poisoning in his car. However, in a twist of fate, the vehicle unexpectedly shifts into gear, resulting in a wild drive that ends with the car plunging into the Pacific Ocean.

Second Suicide Attempt

After surviving his first attempt, Felix tries to find peace by using the kitchen oven's gas. Just as he makes the attempt, two guests arrive and distract him, causing yet another interruption before he can succeed.

Failed Hanging Attempt

Continuing his desperate attempts, Felix tries to hang himself from a rafter upstairs. The plan goes awry when he crashes through the floor, dramatically landing on Polly Reed, a gossip columnist who adds to the chaos of his life.

Moment of Clarity

In a final act of desperation, Felix grabs a police officer's gun but is halted by an unexpected encounter with a charming woman. This moment leads him to a revelation about the missing ingredient in his films: Free Love!

Sedation and Revelry

Following his moments of despair, Felix is sedated, and his friends take over his beach house. During this time, wild parties ensue, filled with debauchery and distractions, showcasing the excesses of Hollywood life.

Reviving the Movie Project

After regaining inspiration, Felix decides to reinvent his failed project into a soft-core pornographic musical featuring his wife, Sally Miles, played by Julie Andrews. This endeavor indicates his determination to redeem his reputation and career.

Financial Ruin

Felix invests nearly all his savings to buy back the existing footage and finance further production of the reinvented film. He risks everything, knowing that another failure could lead to financial ruin for both him and Sally.

Studio Manipulations

Initially supportive, studio head David Blackman quickly shifts tactics as the film starts showing potential. Using community property laws, they manipulate Sally into signing over distribution and final-cut rights, marking a betrayal.

The Bank Vault Heist

In desperation, Felix attempts to retrieve the movie negatives from a bank vault, armed only with a water pistol. Unfortunately, police mistake it for a real gun, leading to a tragic climax that culminates in his death.

Shockwaves of His Death

Felix’s unexpected death sends shockwaves through his circle of friends and associates, including Tim Culley, Ben Coogan, and Dr. Finegarten. They grapple with the implications of his passing and the loss of their friend.

The Burial Plan

In a bizarre twist, Felix's friends concoct a plan to give him a burial at sea, opting to steal his body from a funeral home. They replace it with that of a lesser-known actor who had died, creating a surreal situation.