What Is Bananas About?
The premise of Bananas in 354 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In bustling New York City, a melancholy product tester drifts through a world of quirky inventions and restless ambition. Fielding Mellish spends his days evaluating absurd gadgets—heated toilet seats, office‑bound exercise contraptions—while wondering whether his lack of a college degree has left his life forever half‑baked. His routine is upended when a spirited college activist knocks on his door, seeking signatures for a cause that feels both far‑away and oddly urgent. That visitor, Nancy, is as passionate about social change as she is devoted to yoga, and her fiery conviction offers Fielding a glimpse of purpose he has long been missing.
The film unfolds against a backdrop that blends the cramped, neurotic rhythm of 1970s Manhattan with the colorful, chaotic pulse of a fictional Caribbean republic. The political climate of San Marcos, though never fully explained, crackles with absurdity and satire, providing a fertile playground for the movie’s off‑beat humor. Woody Allen’s early comedic voice is unmistakable—dry, self‑deprecating wit collides with surreal situations, producing a tone that feels simultaneously intimate and wildly farcical. The world is one where everyday anxieties are magnified by the surreal, allowing ordinary concerns to echo in exaggerated, yet oddly resonant, ways.
At the heart of the story is the uneasy chemistry between a timid, introspective man and an idealistic, outspoken woman. Fielding is awash in self‑doubt, constantly measuring his worth against the expectations of his parents and society, while Nancy embodies a restless desire to make a difference, often pulling him into causes that feel larger than life. Their tentative romance is a dance of mismatched expectations, where love becomes both a sanctuary and a catalyst for reckless adventure.
As the duo’s connection deepens, Fielding finds himself drawn into an international maelstrom that promises both danger and personal revelation. The film teeters between slapstick mishaps and poignant reflection, inviting the audience to wonder how far a shy, ordinary man will go when love, politics, and absurdity collide. The journey promises laughter, self‑discovery, and a whimsical exploration of what it means to step beyond one’s comfort zone, all delivered with the signature neurotic charm that defines early Woody Allen cinema.
What Happens in Bananas?
The complete story of Bananas, from the first scene to the last, in 748 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
On an episode of the Wide World of Sports, American sportscasters Don Dunphy and Howard Cosell deliver shocking news: the president of the island Republic of San Marcos has been assassinated and replaced by the ruthless dictator, General Emilio M. Vargas (Carlos Montalbán). In the bustling streets of New York City, we meet the hapless Fielding Mellish, portrayed by Woody Allen. Fielding, a disheartened product researcher at General Equipment, tests bizarre inventions such as electrically heated toilet seats and the “Execusizer,” a fitness device cleverly integrated into office furniture for busy executives. Despite his comical antics, Fielding feels unfulfilled and attributes his misfortunes to not having completed his college education.
Fielding’s loneliness ends unexpectedly when Nancy, a passionate college activist portrayed by Louise Lasser, knocks on his door seeking signatures for a petition that advocates American support for the San Marcos revolutionaries fighting against their corrupt new leader. While Nancy juggles her commitments to political activism and yoga, Fielding persuades her to go out with him. Their time together leads to political rallies and even passionate nights, filling Fielding with newfound joy. Yet, his happiness is short-lived when Nancy confesses during an emotional breakup that she yearns for a partner who embodies leadership, awareness, and maturity. Feeling defeated, Fielding makes the impulsive choice to leave his old life behind and travel to San Marcos, the destination he and Nancy had once envisioned visiting together.
Before his departure, he shares the news of his trip with his parents, who are in the midst of a surgical operation. His father, a surgeon disappointed that Fielding isn’t pursuing a similarly distinguished career, urges him to embrace his potential, while his mother offers her unconditional support. Upon arriving in the impoverished San Marcos, where citizens are forced to pay the weight of manure to the tyrant Vargas, Fielding quickly finds himself in a perilous situation. After an awkward dinner with Vargas, where Fielding awkwardly attempts to reason with the dictator, he narrowly escapes an assassination plot orchestrated by Vargas’ henchmen, only to be captured by the true rebels who seek his aid.
Amidst the chaos of revolution, Fielding is thrust into a world of gunfire, warfare training, and unexpected raids—all while believing that taking risks is a “tremendous drawback” to his sex life. He trains with the rebels, acquires knowledge on survival, and even orchestrates a food raid to feed his comrades. As the plot thickens, the rebels desperately attempt to kidnap the British ambassador, leading to a series of unfortunate events where Fielding’s clumsiness turns an operation into comedic chaos, all while evading Vargas’ soldiers.
As Vargas teams up with various factions, his regime crumbles, forcing him to flee to Miami. The rebels rejoice, but their victory is bittersweet; chaos ensues as Esposito, the new ruler, begins implementing absurd laws. It soon becomes clear that the power has taken a toll on him. Fielding, reluctantly assuming the role of president, quickly realizes that their newly-acquired status is threatened by global perceptions of them as either Communist insurgents or American lackeys. Faced with relentless challenges, Fielding’s advisers push him to travel to the United States for support, even as he acknowledges his modest background as a mere product tester.
Donning a disguise, Fielding bravely ventures back home, where he’s met with fanfare and confusion, as his interpreter hilariously misrepresents his English statements. During a fundraiser, he attempts to make a light joke about a farmer’s scandalous life but quickly realizes the inappropriateness of his audience. In a twist of fate, he reunites with Nancy, who remains blissfully unaware of his true identity until a passionate encounter reveals the truth, leading her to reconsider their relationship.
As Fielding becomes embroiled in legal trouble, the authorities label him a subversive. His trial sees a parade of bizarre testimonies, including one from J. Edgar Hoover himself, humorously trying to conceal his identity. Although he struggles as his own lawyer, Fielding’s comic misadventures garner sympathy from some, leading to a lighthearted yet serious outcome: he remains free under the condition that he avoid the judge’s neighborhood.
In a charming conclusion, Fielding proposes to Nancy, and their wedding night becomes the subject of hilarious coverage by Dunphy and Cosell, who provide commentary as the couple celebrates their union.
Fielding’s journey through love, politics, and the absurdity of life captures a comedic yet poignant narrative filled with the highs and lows that make for a classic story wrapped in humor, love, and existential questions about identity and purpose.
Bananas Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Assassination of President” to “A Proposal and Wedding”. 15 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Assassination of President
The president of the island Republic of San Marcos is assassinated, paving the way for a brutal dictatorship under General Emilio M. Vargas. This shocking news is delivered by sportscasters Don Dunphy and Howard Cosell on an episode of *Wide World of Sports*.
Where:San Marcos
- 2
Introduction to Fielding Mellish
In the bustling streets of New York City, we are introduced to Fielding Mellish, a disheartened product researcher. He tests bizarre inventions, but despite his comedic undertakings, he feels deep dissatisfaction with his life.
Where:New York City
- 3
Meeting Nancy
Fielding's life takes a turn when he meets Nancy, a passionate college activist seeking signatures for a petition that supports the San Marcos revolutionaries. Their connection leads to a blossoming relationship filled with political rallies and romance.
Where:Fielding's apartment
- 4
Emotional Breakup
During a heartfelt conversation, Nancy reveals her frustration with Fielding's lack of leadership and maturity, leading to a painful breakup. Defeated, Fielding decides to leave his unfulfilling life behind and travel to San Marcos.
Where:Fielding's apartment
- 5
Parental Support
Before leaving for San Marcos, Fielding confides in his parents, who are preoccupied with a surgical operation. His father expresses disappointment in Fielding's career choices, while his mother offers words of encouragement, showing her unconditional love.
Where:Hospital
- 6
Arrival in San Marcos
Fielding arrives in impoverished San Marcos, immediately thrust into a world of tyranny where citizens suffer under General Vargas's rule. He witnesses the harsh realities faced by the locals, deepening his resolve to help.
Where:San Marcos
- 7
Dinner with Vargas
During a tense dinner with General Vargas, Fielding awkwardly attempts to reason with the dictator. This encounter leads to Fielding narrowly escaping an assassination plot created by Vargas’ henchmen.
Where:Vargas's palace
- 8
Training with Rebels
Fielding is captured by rebels who enlist his help in their fight against Vargas. As Fielding trains with them, he learns survival skills while managing to conduct a food raid to support his newfound allies.
Where:Rebel hideout
- 9
Kidnapping Chaos
As the rebels plan to kidnap the British ambassador, Fielding's clumsiness leads to comedic complications and turmoil during their operation. His misstep only adds to the chaos as they evade Vargas’s forces.
Where:San Marcos
- 10
Vargas Flees
With various factions fighting against him, General Vargas's regime begins to crumble, forcing him to flee to Miami. The rebels rejoice in their unexpected victory, although new challenges quickly arise.
Where:San Marcos
Show the other 5 events of Bananas Hide the last 5 events
- 11
New Leadership Challenges
In the aftermath of Vargas's departure, the rebels face instability as their new leader, Esposito, implements nonsensical laws. Fielding is inadvertently thrust into the role of president, realizing the weight of leadership.
Where:San Marcos
- 12
Journey to the U.S.
Fielding, donned in disguise, undertakes a mission back to the United States to secure support for his new government. His journey is met with mixed reactions as his interpreter hilariously miscommunicates his intentions.
Where:United States
- 13
Reunion with Nancy
Amidst the fundraising events, Fielding unexpectedly reunites with Nancy, who remains unaware of his true identity. Their interactions unfold warmly until a passionate encounter leads her to discover the reality of his situation.
Where:Fundraiser event
- 14
Legal Trouble
Fielding faces legal challenges as authorities label him a subversive following his return. His trial features odd testimonies, including one from J. Edgar Hoover, and results in Fielding's comical escape from harsher punishment.
Where:Courtroom
- 15
A Proposal and Wedding
In a lighthearted conclusion, Fielding proposes to Nancy, culminating in a wedding that draws humorous commentary from Dunphy and Cosell. Their celebration marks a significant milestone in Fielding's journey of love and personal growth.
Where:Wedding venue
Who Are the Main Characters in Bananas?
3 characters, among them Fielding Mellish (Woody Allen), Nancy (Louise Lasser) and General Emilio M. Vargas (Carlos Montalbán): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Fielding Mellish (Woody Allen)
Played by Woody Allen
Fielding Mellish is a disheartened product tester who seeks fulfillment in a world filled with absurdity. His journey from an aimless existence in New York to becoming involved in a revolution reveals his comedic yet complex character arc. Fielding's blend of awkwardness, idealism, and charm illustrates the struggles of finding purpose and connection amidst societal expectations.
- 🧑🔬 Product Tester
- 🍕 Awkwardness
- 🌍 Activist
-
Nancy (Louise Lasser)
Played by Louise Lasser
Nancy is a passionate college activist who influences Fielding's journey towards self-discovery and political engagement. Her enthusiasm for social causes and personal growth adds depth to her character, illustrating the struggles between personal desires and societal responsibilities. Despite her strong convictions, her relationship with Fielding showcases the challenges of compatibility in the face of changing ideals.
- 📚 Activist
- 💪 Strong-willed
- 💔 Romantic
- GE
General Emilio M. Vargas (Carlos Montalbán)
General Vargas represents the oppressive force against which the revolutionaries fight, embodying tyranny and absurdity. His interactions with Fielding are both comical and alarming, underscoring the film's critique of authoritarianism. Vargas's character serves as a foil to Fielding, illustrating the drastic differences between ambitious individuals and those who wield power with finesse.
- 👮 Dictator
- 🎭 Antagonist
- 😠 Ruthless
Where and When Is Bananas Set?
Bananas is set in San Marcos and New York City (1970s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1970s
The film is set in the 1970s, a tumultuous time marked by political upheaval and social activism across the globe. This era saw a rise in youthful discontent, where college students rallied against oppressive regimes and societal norms, reflecting a growing demand for change. The backdrop of revolution and political engagement feeds into the film's narrative of personal and societal transformation.
Where
San Marcos, New York City
New York City serves as the bustling backdrop for Fielding Mellish's initial misadventures, showcasing the energetic urban life and diverse social issues of the 1970s. In contrast, the island Republic of San Marcos represents a chaotic and impoverished locale under a dictatorship, known for its revolutionary fervor and struggles against corrupt leadership. The stark differences between these two places highlight the film's exploration of political activism and personal growth.
- 🌆 City
- 🌍 Island
What Are the Themes of Bananas?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Revolution and Love & Identity.
-
01
Revolution
The theme of revolution permeates the narrative as characters like Fielding Mellish become unwittingly involved in the political struggles of San Marcos. The juxtaposition of personal growth against the backdrop of societal chaos encapsulates the notion that individual actions can inadvertently intersect with larger historical movements. Fielding's journey embodies the absurdity and unpredictability of being thrust into a struggle for freedom.
-
02
Love & Identity
Fielding’s romantic endeavors with Nancy serve as a vehicle for exploring themes of love and the quest for identity. His relationships and experiences force him to confront his self-worth and aspirations, highlighting the comedic yet poignant quest for connection in a complex world. The evolution of these personal dynamics against a political backdrop accentuates the intertwined nature of personal and societal identity.
What Kind of Film Is Bananas?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A rapid-fire, absurdist satire that follows a neurotic everyman through a series of increasingly ridiculous political misadventures, delivering a constant stream of slapstick humor and romantic foibles.
- absurd
- quirky
- lighthearted
- slapstick
- satirical
- romantic
- political satire
- social activism
- revolution
- coming of age
Content notes: political assassination, military dictatorship.
Quiz
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Where to Watch Bananas
Stream it on Hoopla and The Roku Channel, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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