Peter Sellers
Chance ('Chauncey Gardiner')
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Being There is a 1979 American satirical comedy-drama film starring Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, and Melvyn Douglas. Directed by Hal Ashby, it is based on the 1970 novel of the same name by Jerzy Kosiński, and adapted for the screen by Kosiński and the uncredited Robert C. Jones.
Feb 8, 1980 · A simpleminded gardener becomes a trusted advisor to a powerful tycoon and an insider in Washington politics after the death of his employer. IMDb provides cast and crew information, user and critic reviews, trivia, goofs, quotes, soundtracks and more for this Oscar-winning film.
- (78K)
- Comedy, Drama
- Hal Ashby
- 1980-02-08
Peter Sellers plays Chance, a simple-minded gardener who becomes a powerful advisor by accident. Ebert praises the film's subtle humor and social critique, and questions its final image of Chance walking on water.
A simple-minded gardener (Peter Sellers) is mistaken for a wealthy and wise man by a powerful businessman (Melvyn Douglas) and becomes a social sensation. Read critics' reviews, watch the trailer, and find out where to stream or buy this smart and subtle satire.
- (62)
- Hal Ashby
- PG
- Peter Sellers
Mar 10, 2023 · Being There was a heartfelt satire of modern life, but it featured a surprise twist ending that left a lot of questions unanswered. Released in 1979 to rave reviews from critics, Being There was a unique film for the era and managed to weave a humorous story through subtle character moments.
- Dalton Norman
- Author
Chance (Peter Sellers) is a middle-aged gardener who lives in the townhouse of a wealthy man in Washington D.C. Chance seems very simple-minded and has lived in the house his entire life, tending the garden, with virtually no contact with the outside world.
A mentally retarded gardener (Peter Sellers) becomes a social and political influencer by accident, using his TV knowledge as a guide. Read Roger Ebert's analysis of this risky, off-the-wall comedy and its provocative metaphor.
