The film follows Wallace Ritchie (played by Bill Murray), a bumbling and naive American tourist who travels to London to visit his brother James (played by Peter Gallagher). James, who is involved in a complex espionage plot, arranges for Wallace to participate in a live interactive theater experience called “Theater of Life” as a birthday present.
However, a case of mistaken identity leads Wallace to believe that he is actually involved in a real-life spy operation, rather than a staged performance. Unaware of the true nature of the events unfolding around him, Wallace inadvertently becomes embroiled in a series of dangerous and comedic situations.
As Wallace stumbles his way through the streets of London, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including Boris “The Butcher” Blavasky (played by Alfred Molina), a Russian crime lord, and Lori (played by Joanne Whalley), an aspiring actress who is hired to play the role of a femme fatale in the theater experience.
Meanwhile, the real spies behind the scenes mistake Wallace for an undercover agent and believe that he is onto their plans. They attempt to manipulate Wallace into carrying out their schemes, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and misadventures.
Despite his complete ignorance of the danger he is in, Wallace manages to unwittingly thwart the villains’ plans and save the day through sheer luck and incompetence. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about courage, resourcefulness, and the importance of living in the moment.
In the end, Wallace discovers the truth about the theater experience and realizes that he was never actually in any real danger. He returns home to America with a newfound sense of confidence and adventure, forever changed by his whirlwind trip to London.
“The Man Who Knew Too Little” is praised for its clever premise, witty humor, and Bill Murray’s charming performance as the clueless protagonist. It’s a lighthearted and entertaining comedy that delights audiences with its absurd premise and infectious sense of fun.