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Plot Summary


After completing an arduous seven years at college, Thomas R. “Tommy” Callahan III (Chris Farley) barely manages to graduate from Marquette University and makes his way back to his hometown of Sandusky, Ohio. There, he is welcomed by his father, the prominent industrialist and widower Thomas R. “Big Tom” Callahan, Jr. (Brian Dennehy), who gifts him an executive position at the family’s auto parts company, Callahan Auto. In addition to offering Tommy a place in the family business, Big Tom surprises him with news of his engagement to Beverly Barrish-Burns (Bo Derek), a woman he met during a stay at a fat farm. This new development also means that Beverly’s son Paul (Rob Lowe) will become Tommy’s stepbrother.

However, at the wedding ceremony, tragedy strikes as Big Tom unexpectedly suffers a heart attack and passes away. After the funeral, a gloomy atmosphere descends over the company; the bank, shaken by the loss, retracts its promise of a loan for a new brake pad division and demands immediate repayment of Callahan Auto’s debts. Ray Zalinsky (Dan Aykroyd), the owner of a rival company—Zalinsky Auto Parts—steps in with an offer to buy out Callahan Auto while the company’s shares are still desirable. Nevertheless, Tommy proposes an alternative: to secure the bank’s support with a deal that allows it to retain his inherited shares and house in return for helping the brake pads sales. The bank consents, but with a catch—they require proof of the company’s viability by selling 500,000 brake pads. Failure means bankruptcy, while success opens avenues for Big Tom’s brake pad venture.

Determined, Tommy embarks on a cross-country sales journey alongside his father’s overly devoted assistant, Richard Hayden (David Spade), leading to a comedic exploration of their initially fraught relationship, fraught with tension. On their way, they face numerous obstacles, including car troubles and Tommy’s social anxiety impacting sales prospects. Yet, amidst this chaos, Tommy’s unique talent for reading people begins to shine through, allowing him to connect and ultimately sell effectively as they reach their sales target.

Unbeknownst to them, Beverly and Paul are revealed to be scheming con artists rather than a mother and son duo. As Paul sabotages company computers to dim their sales achievements, Beverly quickly approves the sale of Callahan Auto to Zalinsky, believing it to be their best escape plan. Tommy and Richard, determined not to give in, manage to travel to Chicago disguised as flight attendants to confront Zalinsky. However, their desperation leads them to devise a bold plan: using road flares, they attract the attention of live television news, and with Michelle—a sales manager who teams up with them—they crash a crucial meeting.

Through sheer resilience and clever persuasion, Tommy invokes Zalinsky’s own catchphrase, emphasizing support for “the American working man.” This strategy captivates television viewers back in Sandusky and prompts Zalinsky to consider their demands. Unbeknownst to them, Michelle reveals Beverly’s hidden criminal past; her marriage to Big Tom was illegitimate, creating substantial stakes. As the truth unfolds, the tables turn—Tommy, now recognized as Big Tom’s rightful heir, secures the company from Zalinsky’s grips, rendering their deal null and void.

In the film’s climactic finale, Tommy rises to lead Callahan Auto Parts, delivering a heartfelt speech to his dedicated employees, ensuring they feel valued. As the story draws to a close, it captures a poignant moment with Tommy reflecting on his father’s legacy while drifting on a serene lake, ready to embark on new adventures with Michelle’s family.

Timeline


Tommy Graduates College

After seven long years of hard work and perseverance, Tommy finally graduates from Marquette University. This achievement marks a significant milestone in his life, as he is eager to return to his hometown of Sandusky, Ohio, ready to start his new journey.

Marquette University

Return to Sandusky

Tommy arrives back in his hometown of Sandusky, Ohio, where he is welcomed with open arms by his father, Big Tom. The reunion is filled with mixed emotions as Tommy transitions from a student to taking on responsibilities in the family business.

Sandusky, Ohio

Job Offer at Callahan Auto

Big Tom surprises Tommy with an executive position at Callahan Auto, the family's auto parts company. This opportunity presents Tommy with a chance to prove himself and honor his father's legacy in the business world.

Callahan Auto

Big Tom's Engagement

In a surprising turn of events, Big Tom announces his engagement to Beverly, a woman he met during a stay at a fat farm. This news adds a layer of complexity to Tommy's life as it brings Beverly's son, Paul, into the picture as his stepbrother.

Tragedy Strikes

During the wedding ceremony, Big Tom suffers a sudden heart attack, leading to tragedy for the family. His passing marks a turning point in Tommy's life, thrusting him into adult responsibilities he is not yet prepared for.

Wedding Ceremony

The Bank's Withdrawal

In the wake of Big Tom's death, the bank retracts its promise of financial support for a new brake pad division. This action puts Callahan Auto in jeopardy, as the company now faces immediate demands for repayment of its debts.

Callahan Auto

Offer from Zalinsky

Ray Zalinsky, owner of a rival auto parts company, approaches Tommy with an offer to buy out Callahan Auto. Zalinsky's interest highlights the vulnerability of Tommy's family business, pushing him to consider alternatives.

Tommy's Proposal to the Bank

Determined to save Callahan Auto, Tommy proposes a deal to the bank. He offers to keep his inherited shares and house while working to sell 500,000 brake pads to prove the company's viability, showing initiative in a dire situation.

Embarking on a Sales Journey

Tommy, alongside his father's assistant Richard, embarks on a cross-country sales journey to sell brake pads. Initially fraught with comedic tension, their relationship begins to evolve as they work together towards a common goal.

Various Locations

The Road Challenges

Tommy and Richard encounter numerous challenges on their journey, including car troubles and Tommy's struggles with social anxiety. Despite these setbacks, Tommy’s unique ability to read people begins to emerge, aiding their sales efforts.

Various Locations

Beverly and Paul's True Intentions

What appears to be a supportive mother-son duo turns out to be a scam, as Beverly and Paul plot against Tommy. Paul sabotages the company's sales efforts, while Beverly moves to sell Callahan Auto to Zalinsky, prioritizing their escape.

Confronting Zalinsky

In a desperate move, Tommy and Richard disguise themselves as flight attendants to infiltrate a crucial meeting with Zalinsky. They aim to confront him and stop the planned sale of Callahan Auto, showcasing their determination.

Chicago

Live Television Stunt

In a bold attempt to draw attention to their cause, Tommy, Richard, and Michelle use road flares to crash into a live television news segment. This gamble is a bid to rally public support for their fight against Zalinsky's takeover.

Chicago

Unraveling the Truth

The truth comes to light when Michelle reveals Beverly's criminal past, exposing the illegitimacy of her marriage to Big Tom. This revelation raises the stakes significantly, shifting the power dynamics in the ongoing conflict.

Tommy's Triumph and Reflection

In a triumphant finale, Tommy seizes leadership of Callahan Auto, delivering an inspiring speech to his employees. The film closes with a reflective moment as Tommy honors his father's legacy while preparing for a new chapter in his life.

Callahan Auto

Characters


Thomas R. "Tommy" Callahan III

Tommy Callahan is a well-meaning but bumbling character who navigates the complexities of life and business following his father's death. Despite his initial lack of confidence and social anxiety, he demonstrates resourcefulness and a surprising ability to connect with others, which ultimately leads to his success.

👨‍🎓 Graduate 🎉 Optimistic 🌱 Determined

Richard Hayden

Richard is the devoted assistant to Tommy's father who joins Tommy on his sales journey. Initially reluctant and sarcastic, he becomes an essential ally and friend, providing comedic relief while also gradually rooting for Tommy’s success.

👔 Assistant 😂 Sarcastic 🤝 Supportive

Thomas R. "Big Tom" Callahan, Jr.

Big Tom is the patriarchal figure whose unexpected death sets the movie’s events into motion. He embodies the struggles of small-business ownership and provides a legacy that motivates Tommy throughout the film.

👨‍👦 Father 🏭 Industrialist

Beverly Barrish-Burns

Beverly is portrayed as a confident and self-serving woman whose marriage to Big Tom complicates Tommy's life. As a con artist, she represents the deceit and betrayal that Tommy must navigate in his journey to save the family business.

👩‍👦‍👦 Deceptive 💔 Unfaithful

Setting


Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting that reflects the early 1990s America, where economic challenges and family dynamics play crucial roles. The era is characterized by the struggle of small businesses in a competitive market, emphasizing themes of perseverance and resilience.

Location

Sandusky, Ohio

Sandusky, Ohio, is a vibrant city located on the shores of Lake Erie, known for its rich industrial heritage and amusement parks. It serves as the perfect backdrop for the story of Tommy, highlighting the contrasts between small-town life and the challenges of running a business.

🏙️ City 🌊 Lakeside

Themes


👔

Family Legacy

Family legacy is a central theme in the film as Tommy strives to uphold his father's name and legacy after his untimely death. The pressure of running Callahan Auto amidst adversity showcases the lengths to which one will go to preserve familial honor and company integrity.

🚗

Business Survival

The struggle for business survival is depicted through Tommy's quest to save Callahan Auto from bankruptcy. This theme highlights the importance of innovative thinking and tenacity in the face of corporate takeovers and financial uncertainties.

😂

Comedy

Comedy plays a significant role in the narrative, as Tommy and Richard's misadventures provide humor amid serious circumstances. Their dynamic and humorous interactions not only entertain but also reinforce the message that laughter can be found even in difficult situations.

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