``Being There'' legendary comedian Peter Sellers etched into his masterpiece

It's funny how an innocent gardener is misunderstood by those around him.

Being There(Sellers) has worked as a gardener at a mansion in Washington, D.C., for many years, and has never left the mansion grounds, spending his time outside of work watching TV. All his knowledge comes from TV. One day, the head of the family passes away, and when he is informed by his lawyer that he has no right to claim the inheritance, Being There packs his things and heads out for the first time, but he has no where to go. While wandering around the city, Being There is captivated by the sight of himself reflected on a video camera and accidentally swerves into the road, only to have his leg pinched by a passing luxury limousine. In the car was Eve (Shirley MacLaine), the wife of Benjamin Rand (Melvyn Douglas), a business magnate and close confidant of the American president.

From here on, Being There's fate changes dramatically. Although he himself remains an innocent and ignorant gardener, those around him begin to treat him like a big deal. That's why it's called a satirical comedy. When Being There is asked his name by Eve, he replies, ``Being There, Gardiner'' (Being There the Gardener), but the misunderstanding begins when she accidentally mishears him as ``Chancey Gardiner.''

"Being There" preview

Benjamin, who is recuperating from an illness, expands on the idea that Being There, who at first glance appears to be an old-fashioned businessman who has failed in business, says, ``Business owners are like gardeners,'' and struggles with the recession. They mistake it for a metaphor for rebuilding the American economy. Benjamin also introduces Being There to businessmen and the president (Jack Warden). The president, who is influenced by the idea that managers are gardeners, even mentions Being There's name in his speeches. The FBI and CIA investigate Being There's background, but of course nothing comes of it. The president loses his confidence when a new Being There arises, and his night life with his wife is ruined. Benjamin says that after meeting Being There, he is no longer afraid of dying. And, due to her ignorance, Eve becomes deeply fascinated by the Being There that no matter how much she knocks, the door to her heart won't open.

It's funny how an innocent gardener is misunderstood by those around him.