Ernest Goes to Jail

Ernest P. Worrell is a clumsy bank employee who is called for jury duty. Due to a scheme by a dishonest lawyer, Ernest is switched with a criminal boss who looks exactly like him. While the crime boss takes over Ernest's job at the bank, Ernest is imprisoned and sentenced to death. During his execution by electric chair, he survives and gains superhuman abilities. He uses these powers to break out of prison and stop the impostor from robbing the bank.

Directed by John Cherry, this comedy is the second of three films he helmed for the series, following Ernest Goes to Camp and preceding Ernest Scared Stupid. The movie stars Jim Varney in the title role, with a supporting cast including Gailard Sartain, Bill Byrge, Barbara Tyson, Barry Scott, and Randall Cobb. Produced by Silver Screen Partners IV, Touchstone Pictures, and Emshell Producers, the film earned 25 million USD at the worldwide box office. Audience reception is mixed, with a rating of 5.5/10 on IMDb based on 11,000 votes and a rating of 5.1/10 on TMDB from 183 votes.