Based on the novel by Jerzy Kosinski.

Company credits take from film, however, according to the AFI catalog online, the production company name was Lorimar Film-und Fernsehproduktion GmbH. According to the copyright catalog, the film was made in association with C I P-Europaeische Treuhand, A.G. Accoding to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards database (Oscars.org), Being there was a U.S.A. - West German co-production.

Summary from Allmovie.com.

This component has the end credits for the TV release version, which differ from the end credits for the theatrical release.LC also holds the end credits for the theatrical release version, under the title, [Being there--theatrical release end credits]. DLC

LC holds additional material on this title. Consult reference librarian. DLC

Sources used: Internet movie database, June 22, 2020; Oscars.org, June 22, 2020; M/B/RS Film and Television catalog card; Variety, December 19, 1979, p. 19 viewed online, June 22, 2020 via Variety.com; the New York times, December 20, 1979, viewed June 22, 2020 via ProQuest Historical Newspapers; Allmovie.com June 22, 2020.

Cinematography, Caleb Deschanel ; editor, Don Zimmerman ; music, Johnny Mandel ; production design, Michael Haller ; art direction, James Schoppe ; set decoration, Robert Benton.

Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, Melvyn Douglas, Jack Warden, Richard Dysart, Richard Basehart, Ruth Attaway, Dave Clennon, Fran Brill, Denise DuBarry, Oteil Burbridge, Ravenell Keller III.

Having lived his life as the gardener on a millionaire's estate, Chance knows of the real world only what he has seen on TV. When his benefactor dies, Chance walks aimlessly into the streets of Washington D.C., where he is struck by a car owned by wealthy Eve Rand. Identifying himself, the confused man mutters "Chance...gardener," which Eve takes to be "Chauncey Gardiner." Eve takes him to her home to convalesce, and because Chance is so well-dressed and well-groomed, and because he speaks in such a cultured tone, everyone in her orbit assumes that "Chauncey Gardiner" must be a man of profound intelligence. No matter what he says, it is interpreted as a pearl of wisdom and insight. He rises to the top of Washington society, where his simplistic responses to the most difficult questions (responses usually related to his gardening experience) are highly prized by the town's movers and shakers. In fact, there is serious consideration given to running Chance as a presidential candidate.

This film was selected for the National Film Registry.