Steal Big Steal Little
Ruben and Robby are twin brothers, adopted by Mona, one of the wealthiest - and most eccentric - women in Santa Barbara. Ruben is devoted to Mona, but Robby is more devoted to her money. So when Mona leaves her fortune and estate to Ruben it starts a battle between brothers that soon leads to madness, mayhem, and even attempted murder. On Ruben's side is Lou Perilli an ex-Chicago cop and used car dealer who knows the law - and how to get around it. On Robby's side is ruthless businessman Reed Tyler, who is out to turn a swift profit on Mona's property. Walking a shifty line between them is Eddie Agopian, the family lawyer, who doesn't care which side wins as long as he's on the winner's side. But whether they're stealing big or stealing little, they're all stealing in this hilarious comedy about greed, power... and brotherly love.
The film box office disappointment against its respectable budget of $25.0M, earning $6.3M globally (-75% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its compelling narrative within the comedy genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Steal Big Steal Little (1995) showcases strategically placed dramatic framework, characteristic of Andrew Davis's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 53 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes Ruben Martinez lives a simple, honest life working the ranch land he loves, while his twin brother Robby pursues wealth and status in the city. Their adoptive mother Mona is dying, setting up the contrast between the brothers' values.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Mona dies and her will reveals she's leaving the entire ranch to Ruben, the brother who shares her values. Robby is furious and immediately begins plotting to contest the will and seize the land for development.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The Collapse moment at 85 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Robby succeeds in getting the will overturned or Ruben faces imminent legal defeat. The ranch appears lost, and with it, the community and way of life Ruben fought to preserve. Ruben's faith in justice and family dies., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 90 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Ruben executes his final plan, combining his knowledge of his brother with his community support and moral authority. The final confrontation between brothers where their opposing values clash definitively. Resolution of the land dispute in a way that honors Mona's legacy., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Steal Big Steal Little's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Steal Big Steal Little against these established plot points, we can identify how Andrew Davis utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Steal Big Steal Little within the comedy genre.
Andrew Davis's Structural Approach
Among the 8 Andrew Davis films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Steal Big Steal Little takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Andrew Davis filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Andrew Davis analyses, see Code of Silence, Holes and Chain Reaction.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Ruben Martinez lives a simple, honest life working the ranch land he loves, while his twin brother Robby pursues wealth and status in the city. Their adoptive mother Mona is dying, setting up the contrast between the brothers' values.
Theme
A character observes that "you can't measure a man's worth by what he owns," establishing the film's central theme about true wealth versus material greed.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the two brothers' contrasting worlds: Ruben's connection to the land and community, Robby's scheming business dealings. Mona's failing health and the valuable California ranch at stake. The brothers' childhood as Mexican orphans adopted by a wealthy American woman.
Disruption
Mona dies and her will reveals she's leaving the entire ranch to Ruben, the brother who shares her values. Robby is furious and immediately begins plotting to contest the will and seize the land for development.
Resistance
Ruben debates whether he can really fight his brother and the powerful forces aligned against him. Robby assembles lawyers and corrupt officials to steal the land. Ruben receives advice from the community and workers who depend on the ranch remaining undeveloped.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The fun of watching Ruben outwit his brother's schemes while maintaining his integrity. Legal maneuvers, community organizing, and the clash between development and preservation. The comedic aspects of the twin brothers' opposition plays out.
Opposition
Robby intensifies his attacks, using corruption, intimidation, and legal manipulation. Ruben's allies face pressure and threats. The community begins to fracture under the strain. Ruben's flaws—perhaps his naivety about his brother's depths of greed—become liabilities.
Collapse
Robby succeeds in getting the will overturned or Ruben faces imminent legal defeat. The ranch appears lost, and with it, the community and way of life Ruben fought to preserve. Ruben's faith in justice and family dies.
Crisis
Ruben processes the devastating loss, questioning whether his values mean anything in a corrupt system. Dark night where he must reconcile his love for his brother with the reality of who Robby has become.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Ruben executes his final plan, combining his knowledge of his brother with his community support and moral authority. The final confrontation between brothers where their opposing values clash definitively. Resolution of the land dispute in a way that honors Mona's legacy.