Chance, played by Peter Sellers, is a middle-aged man who is mentally challenged and has lived his entire life working as a gardener for a wealthy man in Washington D.C. After his employer dies, Chance is forced to leave the house and venture out into the real world for the first time.
Due to his poor communication skills and lack of education, Chance struggles to adapt to his new surroundings. However, he soon attracts the attention of wealthy businessman Ben Rand (Melvyn Douglas) and his wife, Eve (Shirley MacLaine), who mistake his simple, garden-related musings for profound philosophical insights.
As Chance becomes more involved in the Rand's social circle, his popularity and influence grow, turning him into a prominent figure in the political world. Despite his lack of understanding of the complexities of politics and society, Chance's simplistic ideas begin to captivate and influence those around him, including the President of the United States.
Being There is a satirical commentary on the power of perception and the influence of media on politics. It features Sellers in a highly-praised performance as the innocent and naive Chance, who inadvertently becomes a political and social icon. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards and is regarded as a classic in both comedy and drama genres.