What Is See No Evil, Hear No Evil About?
The premise of See No Evil, Hear No Evil in 284 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling heart of New York City, the streets pulse with a chaotic blend of honking taxis, perpetual chatter, and the relentless rhythm of urban life. Against this vibrant backdrop, two unlikely entrepreneurs find themselves sharing a cramped newsstand—Wally, a blind man whose world is defined by touch and intuition, and Dave, a deaf man who navigates the city through sight and silence. Their partnership is built on a fragile but charming choreography of gestures, written notes, and a deepening trust that turns a simple business venture into a lively dance of misunderstanding and mutual reliance.
The film’s tone is a buoyant mix of slapstick comedy and heartfelt camaraderie, where everyday obstacles become sources of laughter and ingenuity. As the duo confronts the challenges of running a stall—misread signs, accidentally misplaced newspapers, and the occasional bewildered customer—their contrasting senses highlight both the absurdity and the ingenuity of adapting to a world that rarely accommodates their disabilities. The city itself feels like a character, its crowded sidewalks and noisy subways providing both obstacles and opportunities for the pair to showcase their heightened awareness.
All is not tranquil, however; the ordinary rhythm of their lives is suddenly disrupted by the ominous ripple of a nearby murder. The incident casts a shadow over the neighborhood, pulling Wally and Dave into an investigation that tests the limits of their unique abilities. Forced to rely on hyper‑sensory perception and their growing friendship, they must navigate a maze of clues, misunderstandings, and a hapless detective who can’t quite keep up. The story promises a delightful blend of humor, suspense, and the unbreakable bond forged between two men who learn to see and hear the world in each other’s stead.
What Happens in See No Evil, Hear No Evil?
The complete story of See No Evil, Hear No Evil, from the first scene to the last, in 717 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the bustling streets of New York City, a deaf man named Dave Lyons has found himself in a rather precarious situation. As he steps off the curb, he halts when the signal abruptly flashes “Don’t Walk.” Just then, a van approaches, horn blaring. Startled, Dave turns to see the driver, who, in a moment of frustration, calls him a “dumb idiot.” Fueled by anger, Dave retaliates, asserting that the driver is the real “dumb idiot.” Wallace “Wally” Karue, portrayed by Richard Pryor, mistakenly believes Dave is directing his ire at him, sparking a heated confrontation. However, with Dave unable to hear and Wally unable to see, the situation spirals comically out of control until Wally’s caring sister, Adele, intervenes, leading the blind man into the subway.
In the subsequent events, Wally, having lost his money at the racetrack, is driven by Adele to a job interview where he insists on walking unaided. Encountering another blind man who mistakenly asks for assistance across the street, Wally inadvertently guides him directly into the path of a moving van. Seeking employment, he stumbles into Dave’s shop, but miscommunication ensues as Dave, distracted, doesn’t realize Wally is attempting to converse. The escalating misunderstanding reaches a peak when Wally, frustrated and furious, challenges Dave, who bluntly confirms his deafness. Their chaotic encounter highlights their disabilities, leading to a physical confrontation where Dave ingeniously utilizes clock directions to help Wally incapacitate their aggressor.
Later, the two men are found seated in a park, enjoying ice cream and swapping life stories. Wally opens up about his blindness, resulting from a drunk driving incident, while Dave recounts his gradual loss of hearing from scarlet fever in his teenage years. He shares a poignant confession of his fear of public embarrassment. In a humorous attempt to lift Dave’s spirits, Wally humorously suggests he can alleviate Dave’s anxiety by sticking ice cream on his head, a gesture oddly liberating as onlookers remain oblivious.
Days later, the plot thickens when Wally is outside retrieving newspapers. His bookie, Scotto, pays a visit, inadvertently bringing danger along with him as it becomes clear he is being hunted by the mafia. The beautiful mafia hitwoman, Eve, and her assistant, Kirgo, enter the picture when Scotto’s refusal to cooperate leads to a brutal assassination right before Dave’s eyes. With chaos ensuing, Wally trips over Scotto’s lifeless body, leading to a series of panicked events where the police arrive, wrongly assuming that Dave is the murderer due to his inability to hear instructions. Wally’s frantic defense reveals the truth, but both men end up in the police station, suspected of the crime due to Wally’s significant gambling debts.
Meanwhile, Eve and Kirgo realize the value of the gold coin Scotto had thrown into the tip box earlier. Posing as lawyers, they concoct a plan to secure bail for Dave and Wally, leading to a series of mismatches where Wally begins to piece together Eve’s taunting perfume and Dave recalls her striking silhouette. With a plan to escape, the duo utilizes sheer luck and cunning as they evade the police, finding themselves embroiled in a political protest crowd before confronting Eve and Kirgo again.
As the escapades continue, the pair, pushing their physical boundaries, resort to outrageous disguises at a medical convention to track down the criminals and recover the stolen gold coin, which is no ordinary piece of currency but a room temperature superconductor. Their rushed antics lead to hysterical confrontations, including Wally taking the stage as a faux Swedish doctor and Dave’s unexpected, yet comedic, run-in with Eve in the shower, showcasing their resourcefulness and undeniable friendship.
A dramatic climax unfolds as Eve lays a trap at Sutherland’s estate, leading to a near-death encounter with the ruthless Kirgo, who faces a shocking demise. In the aftermath of their brave escapade, Wally and Dave successfully evade capture and bring Eve’s power play down. The story culminates in a heartwarming note as the two friends indulge in ice cream once more, each playfully planning to continue their light-hearted rivalry by smashing their cones on each other’s heads, signifying their enduring bond amidst the chaos.
Through humor, resolve, and a unique twist of fate, this extraordinary journey of Wally and Dave showcases that even in peril, friendship and laughter can illuminate the darkest paths.
See No Evil, Hear No Evil Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Dave Encounters a Van” to “Full Circle”. 13 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Dave Encounters a Van
In New York City, Dave Lyons, a deaf man, steps off the curb and momentarily hesitates upon seeing the 'Don't Walk' signal. A van drives up behind him, honking its horn, which touches off a misunderstanding that leads to a heated exchange between him and the driver.
Where:New York City
- 2
Wally's Frustration
Wallace 'Wally' Karue, a blind man, mistakes Dave's yelling as a challenge and attempts to confront him. His sister, Adele, intervenes, pulling him away to a subway station before he can escalate a conflict with Dave.
Where:Subway Station
- 3
Wally's Job Interview
After visiting the racetrack and losing money, Wally heads to a job interview, insisting on going alone. On his way, he mistakenly guides another blind man into traffic, showcasing the struggles of navigating the world without sight.
- 4
The Job Offer
Wally arrives at Dave's store to request a job. Unfortunately, Dave is distracted and does not comprehend Wally’s lip movements, leading to an explosive confrontation between the two when Wally realizes Dave is deaf.
Where:Dave's Store
- 5
The Park Encounter
Dave and Wally bond over ice cream in a park, exchanging stories about their disabilities. Wally shares his determination to not let his blindness define him, while Dave reveals his fear of being the center of attention due to his deafness.
Where:Park
- 6
The Shooting Incident
While in the store, Wally's bookie, Scotto, comes in, and a beautiful mafia hitwoman named Eve arrives. After a tense interaction, Eve shoots Scotto, leaving Dave, who is unaware of the situation, to tackle the aftermath.
Where:Dave's Store
- 7
The Arrest
As police think Dave and Wally are implicated in Scotto's murder, chaos ensues. Wally yells that Dave is deaf just before the police swoop in and make the arrest, raising the stakes significantly for the disabled duo.
Where:Police Station
- 8
Planning Their Escape
At the police station, they conspired to escape their predicament. Eventually, they manage to trick the police and flee, entering a large crowd of political protesters to evade capture.
Where:Police Station
- 9
The Hotel Plot
After a series of misadventures, Dave and Wally find themselves at a hotel, disguising as Swedish doctors due to a medical convention. They aim to locate the crooks who have caused them so much trouble.
Where:Hotel
- 10
The Showdown in the Greenhouse
In a tense showdown at Sutherland's estate, Wally distracts guard dogs while Dave climbs through a window to rescue Adele. The situation intensifies when Kirgo, one of the antagonists, dies unexpectedly during a confrontation.
Where:Sutherland's Estate
Show the other 5 events of See No Evil, Hear No Evil Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Gunfight
In a twist of fate, Wally and Dave must engage in a dangerous gunfight using only their senses. This climactic moment showcases the unique struggles and empowerment of the two disabled men.
Where:Sutherland's Office
- 12
Eve's Revenge
Eve reveals her ruthless side by attempting to maintain control over the situation. However, her plans unravel as Dave and Wally fight back, showcasing their resilience against adversity.
- 13
A Close Call with the Police
As they escape the chaos, Dave and Wally narrowly avoid capture by police in an adventurous chase scene. This ignites a new bond between the two as they navigate the streets of New Jersey amidst unforeseen challenges.
Where:New Jersey
- 14
Returning to the Park
In the aftermath of their escapades, Dave and Wally find comfort in a familiar park, sharing a laugh over ice cream. The joyous moment symbolizes their enduring friendship and resilience.
Where:Park
- 15
Full Circle
To signify their deepening friendship, Dave attempts to return the favor from earlier by smashing his ice cream cone on Wally's head. This humorous act underscores the bond they have formed throughout their adventure.
Where:Park
Who Are the Main Characters in See No Evil, Hear No Evil?
4 characters, among them Dave Lyons (Gene Wilder), Wallace 'Wally' Karue (Richard Pryor) and Eve (Joan Severance): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Dave Lyons (Gene Wilder)
Played by Gene Wilder
Dave Lyons is a deaf man who is hesitant and fearful of drawing attention to his disability. His transformation throughout the movie shows a growth in confidence, especially through his friendship with Wally. Despite his challenges, Dave displays resourcefulness and a willingness to engage in humor, which makes him a relatable character.
- 🦻 Deaf
- 🤪 Comedic
- 🕴️ Resourceful
-
Wallace 'Wally' Karue (Richard Pryor)
Played by Richard Pryor
Wally Karue is a blind man with a stark determination to not let his blindness define him. His spirited nature and quick wit create a dynamic character full of life. Alongside Dave, he manages to navigate their misadventures, demonstrating resilience and a humorous outlook on their predicaments.
- 👁️ Blind
- 🎉 Spirited
- 🤠 Resilient
- E(
Eve (Joan Severance)
Played by Joan Severance
Eve is a mafia hitwoman whose beauty and charm disguise her deadly skills. She presents a formidable challenge to Dave and Wally, yet her character also adds an unexpected layer of complexity as she navigates her feelings and motivations. Her interactions with the protagonists highlight themes of deception and the blurred lines of morality.
- 🔫 Dangerous
- 💃 Femme Fatale
- 😏 Deceptive
- A(
Adele (Kirsten Childs)
Played by Kirsten Childs
Adele is Wally's protective sister, showcasing her role as a grounded character in the chaos around her. She embodies a strong sense of loyalty to her brother while often being frustrated by his antics. Her pragmatic approach provides balance to Wally's adventurous spirit.
- 👩👧 Protective
- 🌟 Loyal
- 😖 Frustrated
Where and When Is See No Evil, Hear No Evil Set?
See No Evil, Hear No Evil is set in New York City and Great Gorge. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events of the movie unfold in a contemporary setting, capturing the essence of modern urban life. Social issues surrounding disability and the contrasting capabilities of the characters reflect a more progressive time where such narratives are explored with humor and sensitivity.
Where
New York City, Great Gorge
New York City is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and diverse communities. It serves as the backdrop for the misadventures of two disabled men, showcasing the challenges and humor found in urban life. Great Gorge, a nearby resort, becomes the setting for the climax, hosting a medical convention and adding a layer of intrigue to the story.
- 🏙️ City
- 🏞️ Resort
What Are the Themes of See No Evil, Hear No Evil?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Deception and Resilience.
-
01
Friendship
The theme of friendship is central to the narrative, as the bond between Wally and Dave transcends their disabilities. Their relationship showcases loyalty, understanding, and the ability to handle life's challenges together. This camaraderie highlights the importance of connection and support.
-
02
Deception
Deception plays a crucial role in the film, with characters often disguising their true intentions. The humorous misunderstandings that arise from the protagonists' disabilities further contribute to this theme. The reliance on wit and cunning becomes essential for survival in a world where trust is scarce.
-
03
Resilience
Resilience is a key theme as both main characters navigate their disabilities and societal challenges. Despite their physical limitations, they demonstrate an unwavering spirit, showcasing that determination and creativity can triumph over adversity. Their journey emphasizes the ability to rise above obstacles with humor and perseverance.
What Kind of Film Is See No Evil, Hear No Evil?
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, slapstick comedy that follows two men with disabilities on a chaotic adventure, turning a serious murder investigation into a series of hilarious mishaps and deepening their unlikely friendship.
- slapstick
- quirky
- comedic
- chaotic
- mischievous
- resourceful
- disability
- buddy comedy
- witness to crime
- false accusation
Content notes: murder, gun violence.
Quiz
How well do you remember See No Evil, Hear No Evil? Test yourself on the story.
