Harry and the Hendersons 1987
Directed by
William Dear
Made by
Universal Pictures
Harry and the Hendersons Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Harry and the Hendersons (1987). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
After a relaxing camping getaway in the scenic Cascade mountains, George Henderson embarks on a journey back to his suburban Seattle home with his family. However, fate has other ideas when he accidentally collides with a massive Bigfoot while driving his station wagon. Thinking they’ve discovered a ticket to fame and wealth, the Henderson family opts to transport the creature back to their vehicle, totally unaware that it is very much alive.
Later that evening, George takes the initiative to investigate this giant being, only to find that it has somehow survived the encounter and escaped into the night. To his surprise, he discovers the creature rummaging through their kitchen, having upturned the refrigerator in search of food. As the family begins to observe the Bigfoot’s remarkable intelligence and friendly nature, George decides to return it to its natural habitat, affectionately naming it “Harry.”
Despite Harry’s first escape, George is determined to reconnect with his newfound friend. He attempts to coax Harry back into their station wagon, but the creature becomes frightened and bolts away, leaving the family to figure out their next steps amidst a growing media sensation surrounding the mysterious being.
While the Hendersons aim to return to their usual life, sightings of Harry escalate, resulting in an uproar of public intrigue. Driven by the desire to find his lost friend, George visits the distinguished North American Museum of Anthropology, where he seeks the wisdom of Dr. Wallace Wrightwood, a self-proclaimed expert on Bigfoot.
After sharing his contact details with the museum staff, George continues his search, only to have Jacques LaFleur, a famed French-Canadian hunter-turned-Bigfoot tracker, unexpectedly appear at their home. As the chase intensifies and Harry dodges capture by both hunters and authorities, George becomes embroiled in a high-stakes game of pursuit.
The tension reaches its peak when George steps in to protect Harry from LaFleur’s grasp, sparking a chain of events that will ultimately challenge the Henderson family’s courage and their bond with the enigmatic Bigfoot.
Harry and the Hendersons Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Harry and the Hendersons (1987) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Camping Trip in the Cascade Mountains
The Henderson family embarks on a relaxing camping getaway in the picturesque Cascade mountains. They enjoy the beauty of nature and bond as a family amidst the serene environment, unknowingly setting the stage for an unusual adventure ahead.
Accident with Bigfoot
While driving back home to Seattle, George Henderson collides with a massive Bigfoot. This unforeseen event drastically alters their journey, setting off a series of unexpected circumstances as they decide to take the creature with them.
Bigfoot in the Kitchen
Later that evening, George discovers that the creature has survived and escaped into the night. To his amazement, he finds it rummaging through their kitchen, showcasing its remarkable intelligence as it searches for food.
Naming the Creature
As the family observes the friendly nature of the Bigfoot, George affectionately names it 'Harry.' Their bond begins to form as they see Harry not just as a creature, but as a friend in need of help.
Harry's First Escape
George attempts to coax Harry into their station wagon for a second time, but the creature becomes frightened and escapes once more. This incident adds urgency to their plans as they realize the challenge of keeping Harry safe.
Media Sensation
Following Harry's antics, media attention escalates around the mysterious sightings of Bigfoot. The Henderson family finds themselves thrust into the public eye, grappling with the implications of their discovery while trying to maintain their privacy.
Visit to the Museum
Determined to find Harry, George visits the North American Museum of Anthropology. He seeks insight from Dr. Wallace Wrightwood, a reputed Bigfoot expert, hoping to gain advice on how to safely locate and reunite with his newfound friend.
Jacques LaFleur Arrives
Out of the blue, Jacques LaFleur, a famed hunter and Bigfoot tracker, arrives at the Henderson home. This unexpected visit introduces new tension, as LaFleur has his sights set on capturing Harry for himself.
The Pursuit Begins
As the chase for Harry heats up, the Hendersons become increasingly entangled in the pursuit. George finds himself torn between protecting Harry and dealing with the eager hunters surrounding them, including LaFleur.
George's Daring Rescue
In a climactic moment, George steps in to protect Harry from LaFleur's aggressive attempts to capture him. This act of bravery solidifies the bond between George and Harry, highlighting the lengths he will go to defend his friend.
Confrontation with Authorities
With LaFleur's pursuit intensifying, authorities get involved as reports of Bigfoot sightings swell. The Family must navigate the challenges of evading not just the hunters, but also the law, as they aim to keep Harry safe.
The Family's Resolve
As events unfold, the Henderson family rallies together to protect Harry from both hunters and media pressure. Their unity is tested, but the determination to keep their new friend safe brings them closer than ever.
Returning Harry to Nature
After a series of heart-pounding adventures, George decides it’s time to return Harry to his natural habitat. This emotional farewell underscores the importance of friendship, freedom, and the wild spirit that Harry represents.
A New Beginning
Finally, with Harry back in the wild, the Henderson family reflects on their extraordinary journey. They return to their suburban life changed, forever marked by their friendship with an extraordinary creature.
Harry and the Hendersons Characters
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George Henderson (John Lithgow)
George is a loving father and husband, characterized by his adventurous spirit and deep sense of responsibility towards his family. His journey from a skeptical individual to a compassionate protector of Harry showcases his character development throughout the film. George embodies the essence of curiosity as he evolves to embrace the extraordinary circumstances thrust upon him.
Harry and the Hendersons Settings
Learn where and when Harry and the Hendersons (1987) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflective of a family-oriented yet adventurous lifestyle. The clash between ordinary suburban life and the extraordinary occurrence of encountering Bigfoot evokes themes of curiosity and the impact of media on personal experiences.
Location
Cascade Mountains, Seattle, North American Museum of Anthropology
The Cascade Mountains are known for their stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and outdoor adventure opportunities, providing a picturesque backdrop for the Henderson family's camping trip. Seattle, a vibrant city nestled between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, serves as their suburban home where everyday life collides with the extraordinary. The North American Museum of Anthropology is a renowned institution dedicated to the study of cultural artifacts and history, playing a crucial role in George’s quest to understand and reunite with Harry.
Harry and the Hendersons Themes
Discover the main themes in Harry and the Hendersons (1987). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Friendship
The bond between George and Harry illustrates the importance of friendship and loyalty, transcending species and the societal perception of what it means to connect. George's determination to return Harry to the wild showcases his growth and empathy towards a being considered an outsider. This pivotal theme encourages viewers to embrace differences and form unlikely friendships.
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Nature
The film highlights the significance of nature and wildlife, symbolized through Harry's connection to the Cascade Mountains. It raises awareness about the protection of natural habitats and the coexistence of humans and creatures. Through George's journey, viewers are reminded of the beauty of nature and the responsibility to respect and safeguard it.
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Media Frenzy
The escalating media attention surrounding Harry's existence serves as a commentary on society's fascination with the extraordinary. It explores how sensationalism can affect individuals and disrupt family life. The film critiques the effects of public scrutiny and the pressure that comes with fame, even in the realm of myth.
Harry and the Hendersons Spoiler-Free Summary
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In the soft‑light of the Pacific Northwest, a modest suburban household returns from a weekend in the mist‑kissed Cascades, eager to slip back into ordinary life. George Henderson leads his family home, his practical demeanor tempered by a quiet yearning for something more than the predictable rhythm of work and chores. The landscape outside their Seattle home hums with pine‑scented mystery, setting a tone where the line between everyday routine and the uncanny feels pleasantly blurred.
A sudden, fateful encounter on a winding forest road thrusts the Hendersons into a world they never imagined—a massive, gentle creature that stumbles out of the shadows and into their unwitting care. Naming the newcomer Harry, they discover a being whose size and silence conceal a surprising tenderness and cleverness. The family’s initial shock gives way to a fragile camaraderie, as they grapple with the practicalities of hiding a legend in their kitchen and the sheer wonder of sharing space with a legend of folklore.
The film balances warm, slapstick humor with genuine affection, inviting viewers to watch a typical American family navigate the chaos that ensues when the extraordinary nests among the familiar. As the Hendersons juggle school drop‑offs, work meetings, and late‑night fridge raids, the presence of their new, towering houseguest sparks both laughter and heartfelt moments, reminding us that love and curiosity can flourish in the most unexpected of circumstances. The tone remains light‑hearted yet sincere, promising a story where the heart of the home expands far beyond its walls, all while keeping the audience guessing just how far the gentle giant’s influence will ripple through their ordinary lives.
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