What Is The Beverly Hillbillies About?
The premise of The Beverly Hillbillies in 336 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In an unexpected turn of fortune, a humble oilman from the Arkansas hills strikes black gold while simply trying to protect his land. The windfall is enough to uproot his entire family and plant them in the dazzling, palm‑lined avenues of Beverly Hills, where mansions glitter and the pace of life is measured in cocktail parties rather in corn‑cob fences. The story opens with the sheer astonishment of moving from a world of jackrabbits and jukeboxes to one of designer boutiques and polished marble, setting the stage for a classic fish‑out‑of‑water comedy.
The Clampett clan arrives as a lively package: Jed Clampett, the modest patriarch whose newfound wealth is matched only by his down‑home sensibility; his spirited daughter Elly May, whose earnest charm is untouched by city glitter; the ever‑practical nephew Jethro, whose big‑mouth optimism fuels the family’s adventurous spirit; the matriarch known affectionately as Granny, whose stubborn kindness anchors the group; and the ever‑supportive Aunt Pearl, who pushes the move as a chance for a fresh start. Their rustic manners and unpretentious humor clash delightfully with the sleek, meticulously curated lifestyle of their new surroundings.
Soon they encounter the polished elite of their gilded neighborhood, including the formidable head of the local bank, Drysdale, and his impeccably efficient secretary Miss Jane Hathaway. Their presence hints at a world where social etiquette and hidden agendas mingle, and where Jed’s search for a new spouse attracts a parade of eager, and occasionally opportunistic, admirers. The contrast between the Clampetts’ warm, unpolished honesty and the city’s polished veneer creates a fertile ground for misunderstandings that sparkle with witty banter.
The film rides a bright, breezy tone, balancing the lavish excess of Beverly Hills with the heartfelt simplicity of country life. As the family navigates glittering parties, unfamiliar customs, and the occasional schemer’s smile, the audience is invited to relish the comical friction that arises when unabashed sincerity meets high‑society expectation. The result is a charming, laugh‑filled exploration of family, identity, and the surprising ways richness can be measured.
What Happens in The Beverly Hillbillies?
The complete story of The Beverly Hillbillies, from the first scene to the last, in 609 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Jed Clampett, a hillbilly from Arkansas, accidentally discovers oil on his land while shooting at a jackrabbit, and suddenly his simple life is on the brink of a monumental change. When Ozark Mountain Oil shows serious interest in purchasing the property, Jed is offered a staggering sum of $1 billion, a figure that could rewrite his family’s future. Caught between comfort and opportunity, he consults those closest to him, and the idea of a new start begins to take shape.
During a family dinner, his sister, Aunt Pearl Aunt Pearl, argues that a change of scenery would do Jed’s daughter a world of good. Pearl and Jethro push for a move, and soon Jed, his daughter Elly May Clampett, Granny, and his nephew hit the road in Jethro’s rattling old truck, heading for Beverly Hills, California. Granny is reluctant but ultimately agrees to join the adventure as they embrace a city of glitz, glass, and a pace that couldn’t be more different from their Ozark home.
Upon arrival, Drysdale, the powerful head of the Commerce Bank of Beverly Hills, sends out his sharp-eyed secretary, Miss Jane Hathaway Miss Jane Hathaway, to meet the newcomers. The Clampetts’ arrival triggers initial misunderstandings—Jane even calls the Beverly Hills Police after mistaking them for burglars. After realizing Jed’s stubborn insistence on having Jane manage his affairs, Drysdale quietly relents and rehires her, hoping to keep a wary eye on the new neighbors while maintaining his own grip on their fortune.
As the Clampetts settle into their sprawling new estate next door to Drysdale, a cautionary dynamic unfolds: Drysdale’s son, Morgan Morgan Drysdale, is drawn to Elly May, who remains unpolished but endearingly earnest, while Jane finds herself navigating the chasm between etiquette and the Clampetts’ rough-hewn charm. Meanwhile, a scheming con artist, Laura Jackson Laura Jackson, teams with her partner Woodrow Tyler Woodrow Tyler to engineer a plan that could drain Jed’s newly earned fortune. Laura pretends to be a French etiquette teacher, Laurette Voleur, and sets out to win Jed’s hand, hoping to secure a marriage that would transfer his wealth into a Swiss account.
Before the wedding can occur, Granny overhears Laura and Woodrow scheming and even catches them sharing a kiss. Gashed by the betrayal, Granny resolves to expose the scam, but the pair quickly overpower her and ship her off to Los Viejos Nursing Home under the pretense that she’s their unstable relative. The wedding draws near, and the would-be con artists push ahead with their plan, but Jane soon uncovers the ruse. She discovers Laura’s true identity and, with Granny’s information, Racing against time, Jane and Barnaby Jones Barnaby Jones—the private investigator she enlists—work to foil the scheme and rescue Granny.
Jane disguises herself as a nurse and frees Granny, while a crucial call alerts the truth to Jed. Granny and Jane reach the wedding just in time, and they disrupt the scam, with Laura and Woodrow’s calculations collapsing when Jane uses a shotgun to disable the laptop they planned to use for the money transfer. The authorities move in, arresting Laura and Woodrow for their role in the plot, and Jed, guided by the setback, chooses to celebrate their misadventure rather than force a procession to the altar.
With the wedding canceled, the Clampetts decide to throw “one hellacious shindig” instead—a boisterous, country-inflected celebration that honors their family, their oil fortune, and the quirky, aspirational life they’re learning to navigate in Beverly Hills. The film closes on a note of uproarious reconciliation and the sense that, despite the cultural clash, the Clampetts’ bonds remain intact as they forge ahead into a new chapter together. > “one hellacious shindig”
The Beverly Hillbillies Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Oil discovery and deal” to “A celebratory shindig”. 14 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Oil discovery and deal
Jed Clampett accidentally discovers oil on his Arkansas land when he shoots at a jackrabbit. Ozark Mountain Oil offers to buy the property for about $1 billion, triggering a life-changing opportunity. Jed consults his sister Pearl Bodine, who suggests that a change of scenery for Elly May would be good.
When:early Where:Arkansas
- 2
Decision to move and contract signing
After weighing the offer, Jed decides to sign the contract. The family begins preparations to move to Beverly Hills, California. They load up Jethro's old truck with their possessions, and Granny reluctantly agrees to go along.
When:midday Where:Arkansas
- 3
Departure to Beverly Hills
Jed and his clan depart Arkansas for Beverly Hills, California to begin a new life. The move marks a drastic shift from their mountain roots to glamorous urban living. They arrive and begin setting up their new home.
Where:Arkansas and Beverly Hills
- 4
Arrival and Jane Hathaway's arrival
The Clampetts arrive at their new Beverly Hills estate next to Drysdale's, catching Milburn Drysdale's eye. Drysdale sends his secretary Jane Hathaway to oversee their finances. Upon their arrival, Jane mistakes them for burglars and calls the Beverly Hills Police.
Where:Beverly Hills, California
- 5
Drysdale fires and rehiring
After learning the mistake, Drysdale briefly fires Jane but soon rehires her to supervise the Clampetts’ affairs because Jed insists on having her. Jane begins managing their finances and navigating the quirks of high-society banking. This rough start sets up ongoing tension between the banker and his neighbors.
Where:Beverly Hills, California
- 6
Elly May and Morgan's budding friendship
Drysdale and his wife push their son Morgan to befriend Elly May, who develops a crush on him. Jane also finds herself the object of Jethro's affections, while the Clampetts observe the evolving social dynamics of their new town.
Where:Beverly Hills, California
- 7
Jed seeks a husband for Elly May
Jed asks Jane to help turn Elly May into a proper lady and to arrange a marriage for himself as well. He hopes a suitable match will stabilize their new life in Beverly Hills. Jane agrees to act as matchmaker while evaluating who might fit their unconventional client.
Where:Beverly Hills, California
- 8
The con begins: Laurette Voleur
Woodrow Tyler, a Drysdale bank associate, schemes with his girlfriend Laura Jackson to steal Jed's money by marrying Laura. Laura feigns interest in Jed and orchestrates a plan that culminates in an impending wedding with a fake etiquette teacher, Laurette Voleur.
When:leading up to the wedding Where:Beverly Hills, California
- 9
Granny uncovers the plot and is captured
Granny overhears Laura and Woodrow discussing the scam and witnesses their kiss. She threatens to expose them, but they seize the opportunity and have her committed to Los Viejos Nursing Home to keep her quiet.
When:before the wedding Where:Los Viejos Nursing Home
- 10
Wedding plans and Laurette's identity
On the wedding day, Laurette's scheme looks to proceed with the transfer of Clampett funds to a Swiss account after the ceremony. Jane learns Laurette's true identity and enlists help to stop the con. She also continues to search for Granny and to monitor the situation.
When:wedding day Where:Beverly Hills, California
Show the other 4 events of The Beverly Hillbillies Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Jane rescues Granny
Jane tracks down the private investigator Barnaby Jones and disguises herself as a nurse to break Granny out of the nursing home. She informs Granny about Laurette and Tyler's scheme, and they jointly plan to thwart the con.
Where:Beverly Hills, California
- 12
Confrontation at the wedding
Jane and Granny arrive at the wedding to foil Laurette and Tyler's plan. Laura and Tyler attempt to complete the marriage and trigger the money transfer, but the Clampetts' allies intervene and the plan begins to unravel.
When:at the wedding Where:Beverly Hills, California
- 13
Laptop destroyed; criminals arrested
Jane grabs a shotgun and destroys the laptop, preventing the money from moving to Swiss accounts. The police arrest Laura and Woodrow, ending the con and sparing Jed's fortune. The wedding falls apart, but Jed decides to celebrate in his own way.
When:climax Where:Beverly Hills, California
- 14
A celebratory shindig
With the scam thwarted and the wedding off, Jed declares that they should have one hellacious shindig to celebrate their Beverly Hills life. The Clampetts embrace their new home as a place of opportunity and humor, marking the start of their adventures in Hollywood.
When:aftermath Where:Beverly Hills, California
Who Are the Main Characters in The Beverly Hillbillies?
9 characters, among them Jed Clampett (Jim Varney), Elly May Clampett (Erika Eleniak) and Granny Daisy Moses (Cloris Leachman): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Jed Clampett (Jim Varney)
Played by Jim Varney
A hillbilly patriarch from Arkansas who stumbles into wealth when oil is found on his land. He remains rudimentary yet fiercely loyal to his family, navigating Beverly Hills with a mix of pride and naiveté while trying to do right by them. His simple sensibilities contrast with the opulence around him, driving both humor and heart.
- 👨👩👧 Family
- 💰 Wealth
- 🗺️ Rural roots
-
Elly May Clampett (Erika Eleniak)
Played by Erika Eleniak
Jed's daughter who brings warmth and animal-loving sincerity to the family. She adapts to city life with curiosity and optimism, while remaining loyal to her roots and loved ones. Her straightforward charm helps bridge the gap between rural manners and Hollywood manners.
- 🌺 Youthful charm
- 💖 Romance
- 🐾 Animal-lover
-
Granny Daisy Moses (Cloris Leachman)
Played by Cloris Leachman
A sharp-witted matriarch who guards the Clampetts' money and heritage. She distrusts outsiders and meddling relatives but acts as a protective voice for her family, foiling scams with boldness and grit. Her feisty meddling anchors the heart of the clan.
- 🧓 Older woman
- 🛡️ Protector
-
Jethro Bodine (Diedrich Bader)
Played by Diedrich Bader
Jed's nephew, a goofy, well-meaning but somewhat clueless relative. His naive optimism adds humor and a touch of innocence to the city's sophisticated setting.
- 😂 Comedy
- 🤝 Family ties
-
Milburn Drysdale (Dabney Coleman)
Played by Dabney Coleman
CEO of the Commerce Bank of Beverly Hills who manages Jed's fortune with a focus on control and status. He views wealth as leverage over others and becomes a central player in the power games of the Clampetts' new life. His rivalry with the Clampetts creates tension, satire, and opportunities for reconciliation.
- 🏦 Banking
- 🧭 Control
-
Jane Hathaway (Lily Tomlin)
Played by Lily Tomlin
Drysdale's secretary who becomes an ally to the Clampetts. She evolves from initial misjudgments to taking decisive action to protect Jed and Elly May. Her resourcefulness helps foil the con and restore trust.
- 💼 Secretary
- 🕵️ Wit
-
Laura Jackson (Lea Thompson)
Played by Lea Thompson
Con artist who collaborates with Woodrow to marry Jed and steal his fortune, posing as an etiquette teacher to manipulate him. Her plan hinges on deception and manipulation, threatening the Clampetts' security.
- 🕵️ Deception
- 💘 Romance
-
Woodrow Tyler (Rob Schneider)
Played by Rob Schneider
A crafty con artist playing partner to Laura, orchestrating the scam to siphon Jed's money. He uses charm and misdirection to manipulate the Clampetts and trusted friends, escalating conflict.
- 🕵️ Crime
- 🧠 Schemes
- MD
Morgan Drysdale (Kevin Connolly)
Played by Kevin Connolly
Milburn Drysdale's son who is pushed to befriend Elly May. His arc touches on romance and the social expectations of a wealthy circle.
- 💘 Romance
- 🏛️ Elite society
Where and When Is The Beverly Hillbillies Set?
The Beverly Hillbillies is set in Arkansas, Beverly Hills and California. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Arkansas, Beverly Hills, California
The Clampetts begin in rural Arkansas after oil is found on Jed's land and relocate to Beverly Hills, California. The move swaps Ozark country for glamorous urban life, setting up a sharp contrast between simple roots and high-society excess. The new California backdrop fuels wealth-driven conflicts, social intrigue, and a fish-out-of-water comedy.
- 🏞️ Rural Arkansas
- 🏙️ Beverly Hills
- 🏥 Nursing Home
What Are the Themes of The Beverly Hillbillies?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Wealth Shift, Culture Clash and Deception and Rescue.
-
01
Wealth Shift
A sudden leap from poverty to immense wealth exposes the Clampetts to the glitz and greed of Beverly Hills. Money changes family dynamics, trust, and how others treat them, creating both opportunities and tension. The satire centers on how wealth invites calculated schemes and social manipulation.
-
02
Culture Clash
The Clampetts' straightforward rural sensibilities collide with the etiquette and ambitions of elite California society. Their blunt honesty undercuts pretension, while romance and friendship test boundaries across social classes. The clash drives humor and growth for the characters.
-
03
Deception and Rescue
A con artist scheme targets Jed's fortune, but Granny and Jane Hathaway work to uncover it and save the Clampetts. The plot threads weave crime, family loyalty, and quick wit, culminating in a foiled plan and a celebratory ending.
What Kind of Film Is The Beverly Hillbillies?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A consistently upbeat and silly comedy that delivers a feel-good experience as a charmingly naive country family navigates the absurdities of high society with their innocence intact.
- humorous
- lighthearted
- whimsical
- feel-good
- playful
- silly
- fish out of water
- rags to riches
- culture clash
- family bonds
Content notes: fraud, elder endangerment.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Beverly Hillbillies? Test yourself on the story.
