What Is Get Smart About?
The premise of Get Smart in 258 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a world where high‑tech espionage meets slapstick absurdity, the once‑quiet corridors of CONTROL are thrown into chaos after a sudden breach. The agency’s stoic chief, seeing a flash of potential in the eager analyst Maxwell Smart, makes an unexpected appointment that propels him from behind a desk to the front lines of covert operations. Maxwell carries a lifelong reverence for the legendary Agent 23, hoping to prove himself worthy of the iconic number 86 while grappling with the weight of an agency that has always prized polished professionalism over improvisation.
Teaming up with the cool‑headed and highly competent Agent 99, Maxwell steps into a partnership that balances his enthusiastic—but often clumsy—approach with her seasoned poise. Their dynamic crackles with witty banter and a shared determination to keep the world safe, even as they navigate a bureaucracy that struggles to adapt to unconventional methods. The duo’s chemistry injects a breezy, almost cinematic rhythm into the otherwise tense atmosphere of spycraft, hinting at both comedic missteps and moments of genuine heroism.
The looming threat comes from the shadowy organization KAOS, whose schemers Siegfried and Shtarker plot a cascade of chaos that could ripple far beyond the agency’s walls. Armed with a dazzling array of off‑beat gadgets—ranging from absurdly inventive watches to other quirky contraptions—Maxwell must rely on his quick wit and newfound confidence to outthink the adversaries. The film’s tone swings between tongue‑in‑cheek humor and the classic high‑stakes tension of a spy thriller, inviting the audience to wonder whether an analyst‑turned‑agent can truly become the hero he’s always admired.
What Happens in Get Smart?
The complete story of Get Smart, from the first scene to the last, in 499 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Maxwell “Max” Smart, portrayed by Steve Carell, works as an analyst at the classified American intelligence agency known as CONTROL. Eager to join the ranks of field agents like his hero, Agent 23, Max excels in the entrance tests but is unexpectedly turned down for promotion by the Chief, played by Alan Arkin, who believes Max’s analytical talents are better suited for his current role. However, when CONTROL faces an assault by the nefarious terrorist group KAOS, led by the cunning Siegfried, the agency’s agents are exposed, leaving only Max and Agent 99, skillfully portrayed by Anne Hathaway, to tackle the threat while others are relegated to desk jobs.
Max is elevated to the position of field agent, taking on the title of Agent 86. Despite his new status, Agent 99 is hesitant to partner with him due to his reputation for clumsiness. The duo makes a daring entrance into Russia via parachute, determined to track KAOS’ recent procurement of nuclear materials through their lead bomb-maker, Krstic. As they infiltrate a lavish party hosted by Krstic, they discover the alarming details surrounding a concealed KAOS nuclear weapons facility masquerading as a bakery in Moscow.
Confronted by Krstic and his henchmen, Max’s ability to shoot becomes pivotal. In a harrowing encounter with Siegfried and his right-hand man, Shtarker, Max learns that their identities have been compromised by a double agent within their ranks. Despite an escape that results in the destruction of the weapons factory, Max finds himself facing Dalip, a KAOS operative. Drawing on his experience from listening to spy chatter, Max persuades Dalip to let him and 99 escape.
With CONTROL unaware of the real threat, Siegfried demands a ransom of $200 billion, threatening to disseminate nuclear detonation codes to hostile nations. Meanwhile, Max, unjustly labeled a double agent and locked away by CONTROL, receives a coded radio message from Dalip revealing Siegfried’s sinister plot. Seizing an opportunity, Max breaks free and commandeers a series of vintage cars, eventually catching a ride on a military jet to Los Angeles, where he joins forces with 99, the Chief, and Agent 23.
As the plot unfolds with KAOS’s scheme to plant a nuclear bomb in Walt Disney Concert Hall, Max uncovers the truth about the real double agent, Agent 23, through an ingenious twist involving his Geiger counter-equipped watch. In an action-packed sequence, Max pursues 23 while navigating chaos and danger, ultimately rescuing 99 from imminent peril as their SUV hurtles toward tracks facing an oncoming train.
Concluding this intense series of events, Max saves the day by preventing the bomb from detonating during a live concert, disrupting the orchestra at just the right moment. With Siegfried’s plot foiled and chaos at bay, the conclusion sees a new addition, a robot named Hymie, arriving at CONTROL, as Max achieves his dream of becoming a real spy with Agent 99 by his side. The film wraps up with both Max and 99 departing CONTROL headquarters, beginning a promising new chapter together.
Get Smart Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Max's Ambition Revealed” to “Departing CONTROL”. 9 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Max's Ambition Revealed
Maxwell 'Max' Smart works as an analyst at CONTROL, harboring dreams of becoming a field agent like his idol Agent 23. Despite excelling in the entrance tests, he is denied promotion by the Chief, who believes Max's analytical skills are more beneficial in his current role.
Where:CONTROL Headquarters
- 2
Attack by KAOS
CONTROL is put on high alert as the nefarious terrorist group KAOS launches an assault, exposing many of CONTROL's agents. With the agency's forces compromised, only Max and Agent 99 are left to fight back against the threat posed by KAOS.
Where:CONTROL Headquarters
- 3
Max Becomes Agent 86
In response to the crisis, Max is unexpectedly elevated to the position of field agent, taking on the title of Agent 86. Although excited by his promotion, Agent 99 is cautious about teaming up with him due to his clumsy reputation.
- 4
Parachute Entrance to Russia
Max and Agent 99 make a daring parachute descent into Russia as they set out to investigate KAOS' acquisition of nuclear materials. This bold move marks the beginning of their dangerous mission to confront the criminal organization.
Where:Russia
- 5
Infiltrating the Party
The duo infiltrates a lavish party hosted by the KAOS bomb-maker Krstic, searching for clues about a concealed nuclear weapons facility. During the party, they uncover critical details that point toward a hidden KAOS operation disguised as a bakery in Moscow.
Where:Moscow
- 6
Confrontation with Krstic
Max and Agent 99 are confronted by Krstic and his henchmen, putting Max's shooting skills to the test. This harrowing encounter leads to a chaotic scuffle that ultimately results in the destruction of the weapons factory.
Where:Bakery in Moscow
- 7
Discovery of the Double Agent
During a tense meeting with Siegfried and his right-hand man Shtarker, Max discovers that a double agent has compromised their mission. This revelation escalates the urgency of their situation as they realize the full extent of the betrayal.
- 8
Siegfried's Demands
With CONTROL unaware of the looming threat, Siegfried makes a shocking demand for a ransom of $200 billion. He threatens to release nuclear detonation codes, putting the entire world at risk if his demands are not met.
- 9
Max's Imprisonment
Unjustly marked as a double agent, Max finds himself imprisoned by CONTROL. During his confinement, he receives a covert radio message from Dalip, which reveals Siegfried's true plans, igniting his determination to escape.
Where:CONTROL Prison
- 10
The Great Escape
Seizing the opportunity provided by Dalip's message, Max stages a dramatic breakout. He commandeers several vintage cars and eventually hijacks a military jet, making his way to Los Angeles to reunite with Agent 99.
Where:Los Angeles
Show the other 5 events of Get Smart Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Uncovering the Real Double Agent
While plotting to thwart KAOS's scheme, Max deduces that the real double agent is actually Agent 23. This shocking twist reveals the betrayal within CONTROL and sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation.
- 12
Rescue Mission for Agent 99
In a thrilling chase, Max pursues Agent 23 as chaos unfolds around them. He successfully rescues Agent 99 from imminent danger, as their SUV speeds toward a train track with a train rapidly approaching.
- 13
Preventing the Nuclear Detonation
At the climax of the movie, Max races against time to prevent a nuclear bomb from detonating during a live concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall. His timely intervention disrupts the orchestra, averting disaster.
Where:Walt Disney Concert Hall
- 14
A New Beginning
With Siegfried's attack foiled and the world safe again, CONTROL introduces a new member, a robot named Hymie. Max finally achieves his dream of becoming a real spy with Agent 99 by his side, marking the start of a promising partnership.
Where:CONTROL Headquarters
- 15
Departing CONTROL
The film concludes with Max and Agent 99 leaving the CONTROL headquarters together. Their departure signals a new chapter in their lives, filled with excitement and espionage adventures.
Who Are the Main Characters in Get Smart?
3 characters, among them Maxwell 'Max' Smart (Steve Carell), Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) and The Chief (Alan Arkin): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Maxwell 'Max' Smart (Steve Carell)
Played by Steve Carell
Maxwell Smart is an earnest but clumsy analyst turned field agent who aspires to be a top spy. Despite his initial setbacks and moments of incompetence, he demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness that ultimately lead to his success. Max's evolution from a desk analyst to a hero highlights themes of growth and determination.
- 🕵️ Agent
- 💼 Analyst
- 🚀 Aspirational
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Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway)
Played by Anne Hathaway
Agent 99 is a skilled and confident field agent, reluctant to partner with Max initially due to his reputation. Throughout the film, she showcases her intelligence and capability, ultimately supporting and believing in Max's potential. Her character balances strength with vulnerability, enhancing the story's emotional depth.
- 👩🎤 Skilled Agent
- 💪 Strong
- ❤️ Supportive
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The Chief (Alan Arkin)
Played by Alan Arkin
The Chief oversees the operations of CONTROL and provides a guiding presence for Max and Agent 99. He possesses a pragmatic approach to intelligence work, often emphasizing the importance of strategic planning over reckless action. His character embodies the essence of leadership amidst chaos.
- 👔 Leadership
- 🏢 CONTROL
- 📑 Strategic
Where and When Is Get Smart Set?
Get Smart is set in CONTROL headquarters, Moscow, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Russia. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern spy themes and technology used in intelligence work. The dynamics of international terrorism and espionage are prominent, resonating with current global security concerns.
Where
CONTROL headquarters, Moscow, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Russia
CONTROL headquarters serves as the primary operations base for the American intelligence agency, known for dealing with classified intelligence. Moscow is presented as a key location, illustrating the infiltration of a hidden KAOS nuclear facility concealed within a bakery. The Walt Disney Concert Hall becomes critical as the target for a nuclear threat, showcasing its significance in the climax of the film.
- 🏢 CONTROL headquarters
- 🇷🇺 Moscow
- 🎭 Walt Disney Concert Hall
What Are the Themes of Get Smart?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Espionage, Partnership and Betrayal.
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01
Espionage
Espionage is central to the plot, with the protagonist, Max, striving to prove himself in the world of secret agents. The film showcases the trials of undercover work, from the humorous to the high-stakes, as Max and Agent 99 navigate a web of deception and sabotage. The contrast between Max's ineptitude and his eventual heroics emphasizes the often unpredictable nature of spy work.
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02
Partnership
The partnership between Max and Agent 99 evolves throughout the film, demonstrating the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges. Initially hesitant, Agent 99 learns to trust Max as they face formidable foes together. Their dynamic reflects themes of growth, trust, and collaboration in the pursuit of a common goal.
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03
Betrayal
Betrayal plays a critical role in the film, exemplified by the presence of a double agent that complicates Max and Agent 99's mission. This theme is woven through the storyline as characters grapple with loyalty and deception, culminating in a dramatic revelation. The omnipresent anxiety of betrayal underscores the narrative tension and challenges faced by intelligence operatives.
What Kind of Film Is Get Smart?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced, goofy spy spoof that delivers a lighthearted and frequently humorous adventure, centered on a clumsy but eager analyst who must step up to save the day with his more capable partner.
- humorous
- energetic
- silly
- adventurous
- eager
- goofy
- spy spoof
- undercover mission
- bumbling hero
- partnership
Quiz
How well do you remember Get Smart? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Get Smart
Stream it on Howdy and YouTube TV, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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