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Plot summary

Bride of Boogedy (1987) Plot Summary & Timeline

Bride of Boogedy (1987) movie poster

Bride of Boogedy is a 1987 comedy and horror film directed by Oz Scott, running 1 hour 30 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 529 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 10 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Bride of Boogedy.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
10
themes explained
3
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Bride of Boogedy (1987) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m
Director
Oz Scott
Genres
Comedy, Horror, Family
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Bride of Boogedy About?

The premise of Bride of Boogedy in 284 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the sleepy, mist‑kissed town of Lucifer Falls, the Davis family has finally found a rhythm after a year of uneasy adjustments. Carlton and Eloise strive to keep the household grounded while their three spirited children—Jennifer, the quick‑witted teen, and her younger brothers Corwin and Aurie—explore the quirks of small‑town life. The community’s charm is a blend of autumn fairs, whispered legends, and a gentle undercurrent of the supernatural that never quite fades away.

Beneath the town’s friendly façade, an old menace stirs. The specter known as Mr. Boogedy has resurfaced, his presence felt in lingering chills and nervous glances. His attention seems oddly fixed on the enigmatic Widow Marion, whose eerie grace adds a layer of mystery to the otherwise ordinary streets. At the same time, the local general‑store proprietor, Tom Lynch, watches the Davis family with a mixture of suspicion and rivalry, especially when it comes to Carlton’s growing popularity among the neighbors.

As the season rolls toward the much‑anticipated Lucyfest Carnival, the whole town buzzes with excitement. Colorful tents and lively music promise a night of frivolity, yet Tom Lynch harbors a secret plan to undermine the festivities. Whispers suggest he may resort to sabotage unless something—or someone—intervenes. The possibility that Boogedy’s return could intersect with the carnival’s chaos adds a palpable tension that hovers over the celebrations.

Amid the swirling anticipation, the Davis family finds themselves at the heart of a delicate balance between ordinary life and the uncanny. United by love and a shared sense of daring, they prepare to face whatever shadows loom over their home and the town’s biggest event, setting the stage for a spooky, yet humor‑laden, adventure that tests the bonds of family and community.

Full plot

What Happens in Bride of Boogedy?

The complete story of Bride of Boogedy, from the first scene to the last, in 529 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 9 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

A year after the events of the first story, the Davis family has settled into Lucifer Falls and mostly fits in with the town’s rhythm. The peace is almost complete, save for one gruff holdout: Tom Lynch, the stubborn general store owner who never fully trusts Carlton Carlton Davis and the growing fame he’s gained among the locals. Yet even as the town subtly embraces them, a darker worry threads through the days: Jennifer Davis and her younger brothers, Corwin Davis and Aurie Davis, begin to sense that the legendary menace of Mr. Boogedy might return for vengeance, despite a warning from the fortune teller Madeleinska.

That fear is reinforced by vivid nightmare visits the children endure, in which they discover a strange, glowing key that seems to unlock a path to a fog-laden graveyard. In their dream, a towering statue of Boogedy animates to threaten them while the ghostly presence of Jonathan calls out from the shadows. When they wake, they find the key—no longer glowing—in the basement, and they scramble to convince their parents that Boogedy has come back to torment them all. The mystery deepens as the kids wander the town and reach a cemetery on the outskirts, where the caretaker Lazarus reveals the ominous statue of William Hanover—the true name behind the Boogedy legend.

Carlton and Eloise Davis attempt to quash their children’s fears with a staged seance, hoping to prove that Boogedy is gone for good. Instead, their performance accidentally stirs the spirit, and the statue’s split opens the door to a darker reality—an event that seems to be aided when Lynch tries to sever the store’s power. The disturbing turn continues when Carlton, now under the malevolent influence of Boogedy, exhibits strange and frightening behavior. He makes his way to the basement, retrieves the magic cloak that vanished after the earlier encounter, and begins a terrifying chase through the house. Only Eloise’s visiting brother, Elmer, and a brave resolve from the family can push back against the growing menace.

The danger escalates at the Lucyfest Carnival, where Mr. Boogedy, possessing Tom Lynch, brings the Davis family’s wax horror icons to life and leads Lynch toward the cemetery. There, the cloak is placed upon the statue, and Boogedy is restored in full power. The carnival descends into chaos as the spectral force spreads, and Boogedy hypnotizes and summons Eloise, who has dressed as The Widow Marian for the event.

Hope returns when Madeleinska and Lynch’s remorseful cooperation open a doorway to the past. The group summons the ghost of Jonathan, who reveals the crucial steps needed to send Boogedy back to the underworld. They race back to the cemetery, opening the gateway with the glowing key and summoning Boogedy forth while Eloise is brought into danger. Jennifer, dressed as a Marian decoy, distracts Boogedy long enough for Carlton to seize Eloise and pull her to safety. In a final, coordinated effort, the key is used to close the doorway, banishing the specter once again. As the world quiets and the danger subsides, Jonathan’s ghost plays one last, lighthearted joke as the family departs, leaving the town to rebuild in the wake of the haunting.

Timeline

Bride of Boogedy Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Davis family arrives in Lucifer Falls” to “Jonathan's last joke as they depart”. 14 events name a place, across 12 locations.

  1. 1

    Davis family arrives in Lucifer Falls

    The Davis family has settled in Lucifer Falls about a year after the previous story. They’ve integrated with the town, enjoying a quiet, almost normal life, except for Tom Lynch who resents Carlton’s growing popularity. A cloud of unease settles over them as rumors hint that Mr. Boogedy may return for revenge.

    When:Year after the first story Where:Lucifer Falls

  2. 2

    Lynch clashes with Carlton

    Tom Lynch, the grumpy general store owner, deepens his hostility toward Carlton and dismisses the Davis children’s warnings. He publicly distrusts Carlton’s influence and tries to undermine him in town. The tension between the two families hints at a larger menace looming over Lucifer Falls.

    Where:Lucifer Falls

  3. 3

    Warning about Boogedy's return

    Jennifer, Corwin, and R.E. sense that Boogedy may be back and dangerous. A fortune teller named Madeleinska warns the family to brace for trouble and to take the threat seriously. The warning plants seeds of fear that will soon feel all too real.

    Where:Davis residence / Lucifer Falls

  4. 4

    Nightmare: key and graveyard omen

    The brothers share a nightmare in which a glowing key appears and leads them to a foggy graveyard. A looming statue of Boogedy comes to life and attacks, while the ghost of Jonathan calls out to them from the shadows. The dream foreshadows a looming confrontation.

    When:Night Where:Graveyard (dream sequence)

  5. 5

    Key found in the basement

    The children awaken to find the mysterious key waiting in the basement, no longer glowing. They scramble to convince their parents that Boogedy has indeed returned, even as the family remains skeptical. The basement becomes a focal point for their new mission.

    Where:Davis basement

  6. 6

    Caretaker Lazarus points to the statue

    The town caretaker Lazarus guides the children to the cemetery and reveals the ominous statue of William Hanover, Boogedy's real name. The visit deepens the mystery and ties the legend to concrete landmarks. The statue becomes a symbol of the haunting to come.

    Where:Cemetery outskirts

  7. 7

    Faux seance backfires and awakens Boogedy

    Carlton's parents stage a pretend seance to prove Boogedy is gone, but their ruse backfires. The statue splits open, awakening the demon’s spirit, and power fluctuations threaten to empower Boogedy further. The incident pushes the family toward a desperate confrontation.

    Where:Davis home

  8. 8

    Carlton possessed; cloak retrieved

    Carlton becomes briefly possessed by Boogedy and is driven through the house in frightening ways. He retrieves the magic cloak from the basement, reactivating the demon’s influence. Eloise’s brother Elmer arrives to lend aid, helping to call for Jonathan’s ghost to intervene.

    Where:Davis home

  9. 9

    Carnival night: Boogedy returns via Lynch

    At the Lucyfest Carnival, Boogedy possesses Lynch and brings the wax horror icons in the Davis storefront to life. He leads Lynch toward the cemetery, and the cloak is placed on his statue, restoring Boogedy to full power. The carnival slips toward chaos as the horror escalates.

    When:Evening Where:Lucyfest Carnival / Davis storefront / Cemetery

  10. 10

    Boogedy destroys the carnival

    Boogedy unleashes his powers, turning the carnival into a nightmare and leaving destruction in his wake. Eloise, dressed as The Widow Marian, is hypnotized and drawn toward Boogedy, meeting a chilling summons. The town teeters on the edge of fear as the heroics escalate.

    When:During climax Where:Lucyfest Carnival

Show the other 4 events of Bride of Boogedy
  1. 11

    Jonathan's ghost reveals how to banish Boogedy

    With the reluctant help of a remorseful Lynch and Madeleinska's guidance, the group summons the ghost of Jonathan. He reveals the ritual needed to send Boogedy back to the underworld and restore the peace of the town. The plan hinges on courage and timing.

    When:Climax Where:Carnival / Cemetery

  2. 12

    Key opens the underworld doorway

    The group returns to the cemetery and uses the key to open the doorway to the underworld, summoning Boogedy back along with Eloise. The moment is tense as the two are drawn toward the same fate. The key becomes the critical instrument to end the haunting.

    When:Finale Where:Cemetery

  3. 13

    Final rescue and banishment

    Jennifer appears as a Marian decoy to misdirect Boogedy while Carlton and the others pull Eloise to safety. They seize Boogedy with the help of the key and banish his spirit once more. The danger recedes, leaving the family and town shaken but safe.

    When:Finale Where:Cemetery / Davis storefront

  4. 14

    Jonathan's last joke as they depart

    As the group leaves the graveyard, Jonathan's ghost delivers one final prank, injecting a note of humor into the closing moment. The town gradually returns to normal, though the memory of Boogedy lingers. The spectral friend hints that the door to the underworld remains watched.

    Where:Leaving the cemetery

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Bride of Boogedy?

10 characters, among them Carleton Davis (Richard Masur), Eloise Davis (Mimi Kennedy) and Jennifer Davis (Tammy Lauren): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 9 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Richard Masur as Carleton Davis (Richard Masur) in Bride of Boogedy

    Carleton Davis (Richard Masur)

    Played by Richard Masur

    Patriarch of the Davis family, Carleton is skeptical of Boogedy at first but becomes a conduit for danger after the spirit possesses him. He embodies a stern protectiveness that clashes with fear, and his possession drives a pivotal chase through the house. Eventually he regains control with help from Eloise and Elmer, contributing to the plan to banish Boogedy.

    • 👨‍👩‍👧 Family leader
    • 🧭 Determined
    • 👀 Tense
  • ED

    Eloise Davis (Mimi Kennedy)

    Played by Mimi Kennedy

    Maternal and resourceful, Eloise helps orchestrate the group’s defense against Boogedy. She enlists unconventional methods, including a faux seance, and collaborates with Jonathan’s ghost for guidance. Her quick thinking and resilience are crucial to guiding the family through the crisis.

    • 👩‍👧‍👦 Protective
    • 🧠 Resourceful
    • 🕯️ Calm
  • JD

    Jennifer Davis (Tammy Lauren)

    Played by Tammy Lauren

    The Davises’ daughter who senses the supernatural danger and participates in the family’s plan. She demonstrates courage and quick thinking, notably when she helps lead a plan involving a Marian decoy to mislead Boogedy. Her involvement highlights the family’s collaborative approach to confronting fear.

    • 👧 Brave
    • 🧭 Quick-thinking
    • 🤝 Team player
  • CD

    Corwin Davis (David Faustino)

    Played by David Faustino

    The Davis son who experiences nightmares that foreshadow events. He discovers the key that becomes central to the thwarting of Boogedy, showing how a child’s perception can guide the family toward the truth. His curiosity drives parts of the investigation and confrontation.

    • 🧒 Imaginative
    • 🔎 Curious
    • 🗝️ Key seeker
  • AD

    Aurie Davis (Joshua Rudoy)

    Played by Joshua Rudoy

    The younger son whose creeping dread mirrors the escalating danger around the family. He participates in the search for answers and contributes to the overall sense of a household under siege by a malevolent force.

    • 🧒 Observant
    • 🕵️ Curious
    • 🪶 Persistent
  • Eugene Levy as Tom Lynch (Eugene Levy) in Bride of Boogedy

    Tom Lynch (Eugene Levy)

    Played by Eugene Levy

    The grumpy general store owner who dislikes Carleton’s rising popularity. He becomes a vessel for Boogedy’s return when possessed, aiding the ghost by aiding its physical manifestations at the storefront and in the cemetery.

    • 🛍️ Store owner
    • 😠 Grumpy
    • 👤 Possessed
  • M(

    Madeleinska (Karen Kondazian)

    Played by Karen Kondazian

    A fortune teller who provides warnings about Boogedy and offers guidance to counter the haunting. Her insights help frame the supernatural danger and connect the living with the ghostly history surrounding Lucifer Falls.

    • 🔮 Oracle
    • 🗝️ Guidance
    • 🌀 Mysterious
  • L(

    Lazarus (Vincent Schiavelli)

    Played by Vincent Schiavelli

    The cemetery caretaker who reveals the existence of the statue of William Hanover, the true identity of Mr. Boogedy. He acts as a quiet informant about the town’s haunted lore and the important locations tied to the specter.

    • 🏚️ Cemetery guide
    • 🗺️ Lore keeper
    • 👁️ Observer
  • WH

    William Hanover / Mr. Boogedy (Howard Witt)

    Played by Howard Witt

    The ghostly antagonist whose returning presence drives the plot. Boogedy possesses Tom Lynch and later asserts his power by animating wax figures at the Davis storefront and pressing toward a full return from the underworld.

    • 👹 Villain
    • 🪄 Possessor
    • 🗝️ Master of the cloak
  • J(

    Jonathan (Ghost)

    The ghost whose presence and history reveal how to banish Boogedy. He guides the group toward a method to reopen the doorway to the underworld and restore balance, offering a crucial reveal that helps end the haunting.

    • 👻 Helpful spirit
    • 🧭 Guide
    • 🕯️ Messenger
Setting

Where and When Is Bride of Boogedy Set?

Bride of Boogedy is set in Lucifer Falls, cemetery outskirts, Davis storefront and Lucyfest Carnival (Late 1980s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Late 1980s

The story unfolds in a late 1980s setting, a period of suburban life infused with quirky humor and ghostly folklore. It takes place roughly a year after the events of the first film, placing the Davises in a familiar, clockwork community that is suddenly unsettled. Technology, fashion, and routines reflect the era, even as supernatural threats encroach. The time frame anchors the narrative in a specific era of American small-town storytelling.

Where

Lucifer Falls, cemetery outskirts, Davis storefront, Lucyfest Carnival

Lucifer Falls is a close-knit American town where the Davis family becomes part of the community. The cemetery on the town’s edge and the seasonal Lucyfest Carnival provide moody settings that blur the line between everyday life and supernatural happenings. The newly acquired storefront ties the family to public life, turning ordinary business into a stage for the haunting. The town’s atmosphere blends small-town charm with creeping dread as Boogedy returns.

  • 👥 Small town
  • 🏪 General store
  • 🎡 Carnival
Themes

What Are the Themes of Bride of Boogedy?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Hauntings, Family and Courage and Illusion vs Reality.

  1. 01

    Hauntings

    A vengeful spirit resurfaces to terrorize a family and their town. The haunting cycles between eerie visions, animated statues, and cryptic warnings that escalate danger. The ghost’s power grows when provoked, forcing the family to confront a haunted legacy. The haunting tests their courage and cohesion, driving them to take action together.

  2. 02

    Family and Courage

    The Davis family unites to protect one another from a supernatural threat. The children’ s experiences spark investigation, while the parents confront fear and denial. Trust, teamwork, and personal sacrifice become the keys to survival. Courage emerges as the cornerstone of facing the unknown.

  3. 03

    Illusion vs Reality

    A faux seance and performative bravado threaten to unleash real danger. The line between trickery and truth collapses when the fake ritual awakens the spirit. The carnival and storefront set pieces become battlegrounds where deception nearly costs them everything. In the end, truth and cooperation reveal the real path to banishing the ghost.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Bride of Boogedy?

Whimsical in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Whimsical
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A playful and spooky family adventure that balances supernatural threats with lighthearted humor, centered on a family banding together to protect their town from a mischievous ghost.

  • spooky
  • playful
  • family-friendly
  • adventurous
  • funny
  • supernatural
  • ghost
  • family bonds
  • possession
  • carnival

Content notes: possession, child endangerment.

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FAQ

Bride of Boogedy Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Bride of Boogedy, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Bride of Boogedy about?

In the sleepy, mist‑kissed town of Lucifer Falls, the Davis family has finally found a rhythm after a year of uneasy adjustments. Carlton and Eloise strive to keep the household grounded while their three spirited children—Jennifer, the quick‑witted teen, and her younger brothers Corwin and…

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Bride of Boogedy take place?

Bride of Boogedy is set in Lucifer Falls, cemetery outskirts, Davis storefront and Lucyfest Carnival (Late 1980s). The story unfolds in a late 1980s setting, a period of suburban life infused with quirky humor and ghostly folklore.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Bride of Boogedy?

The story follows Carleton Davis (Richard Masur) (played by Richard Masur), Eloise Davis (Mimi Kennedy) (played by Mimi Kennedy), Jennifer Davis (Tammy Lauren) (played by Tammy Lauren) and Corwin Davis (David Faustino) (played by David Faustino); the character guide covers 10 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Bride of Boogedy?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Hauntings, Family and Courage and Illusion vs Reality.

The themes explained

Who directed Bride of Boogedy?

Bride of Boogedy (1987) was directed by Oz Scott and runs 1 hour 30 minutes.

Oz Scott’s films

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