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Plot summary

Creepshow 2 (1987) Plot Summary & Timeline

Creepshow 2 (1987) movie poster

Creepshow 2 is a 1987 fantasy and horror film, running 1 hour 32 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 661 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 19 key events in order, 3 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 Creepshow 2.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
19
characters profiled
3
themes explained
3
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Creepshow 2 (1987) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 32m
Genres
Fantasy, Horror, Comedy
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Creepshow 2 About?

The premise of Creepshow 2 in 309 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the small town where a weather‑worn newsstand serves as the hub of imagination, a mysterious courier known only as the Creepshow Creep delivers the latest issue of a macabre comic to a curious boy named Billy. The pages flicker to life, turning the shop into a portal for three self‑contained tales of dread. The framing sequence is steeped in a playful, comic‑book aesthetic that masks an undercurrent of unease, inviting the audience to peer behind ordinary scenes and wonder what lurks just out of sight.

The first story unfolds in a fading desert mining town, where an aging couple tend a modest general store. When a sacred cigar‑store Indian statue—revered by the local Indigenous community—gets mistreated, an ancient sense of justice awakens. The narrative balances the quiet rhythm of frontier life with an escalating, almost mythic tension, hinting that the very objects of reverence may hold their own fierce agency.

The second vignette drifts onto a secluded lake, where a group of college friends seek a night of carefree adventure. Their tranquil raft becomes the stage for an otherworldly, gelatinous presence that slides beneath the surface, turning water into an unpredictable threat. The tone here mixes youthful bravado with an encroaching primal fear, suggesting that the calm of nature can be a thin veil for something far more alien.

The final piece follows Annie Lansing, a high‑powered businesswoman speeding home after a long day. A fleeting encounter with a hitchhiker triggers a lingering sense of guilt that refuses to be ignored, as unseen forces begin to shadow her every mile. This tale blends modern anxiety with classic revenge folklore, hinting that the road itself may become a relentless mirror of one’s own misdeeds. Across all three segments, Creepshow weaves a darkly comic tapestry where ordinary lives intersect with supernatural reckonings, leaving the viewer poised between amusement and apprehension.

Full plot

What Happens in Creepshow 2?

The complete story of Creepshow 2, from the first scene to the last, in 661 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.

Spoilers ahead

A delivery truck arrives at a quaint newsstand in a small town, eagerly awaited by a young boy named Billy. As the truck’s back shutter opens, a sinister figure, the Creepshow Creep, reveals himself, dropping off the latest issue of Creepshow to Billy’s delight. As the package magically opens, Billy starts to dive into the thrilling contents.

“Old Chief Wooden Head” follows the story of an elderly couple, Ray and Martha Spruce, portrayed by George Kennedy and Dorothy Lamour, who run a general store in a dwindling Arizona silver mining town. Despite their humble demeanor, their lives take a dark turn when a Native American elder, Benjamin Whitemoon, visits them. He leaves behind sacred turquoise jewelry as collateral for his tribe’s debts before saying goodbye.

Later, as the couple attends to their store, they fall victim to a brutal robbery led by Benjamin’s estranged nephew, Sam, armed with a shotgun, along with two friends. They ransack the store mercilessly and demand the turquoise from a resisting Ray. A tragic confrontation ensues, resulting in the deaths of the Spruces. However, their wooden sentinel, Old Chief Wooden Head, comes to life, seeking vengeance for his fallen friends. In a terrifying sequence, he takes out Sam’s friends one by one, utilizing his deadly arrows and fierce strength. Cornering Sam, Old Chief Wooden Head proves unstoppable, and in a grisly scene, he exacts his final revenge.

The following morning, Benjamin finds the bag containing the turquoise returned to him. Upon visiting the store, he discovers Old Chief Wooden Head once again displays the artifacts of his wrath, including Sam’s scalp. With a sorrowful heart, he wishes the Spruces eternal peace.

In an Animated Interlude, Billy is seen at the local post office retrieving a package he sent, containing a bulb for a carnivorous Venus Flytrap. Dismissed by a skeptical clerk, Billy prepares to head home, determined to prove the package’s worth.

“The Raft” introduces a terrifying lake experience for four college friends—Deke, Laverne, Randy, and Rachel—who venture to a secluded raft. Their joy quickly turns to horror as a mysterious black blob attacks, consuming Rachel before their eyes. Panic ensues as Deke attempts to swim back for help, only to meet a grim fate as the blob drags him beneath. The pair left, Randy and Laverne, endure a harrowing night clinging to the raft, too scared to sleep. The next morning, everything seems calm until the creature strikes again, leading to a grotesque demise for Laverne, leaving only Randy to make a desperate plunge to safety. However, even in his victory, he is swiftly claimed by the horror lurking beneath the surface, leaving no trace of their presence behind, save for a faded “No Swimming” sign.

In the next Animated Interlude, Billy faces off against a gang of bullies who steal and crush his flytrap bulb. In a moment of defiance, he retaliates and flees, setting the stage for an unfolding horror.

The concluding segment, “The Hitchhiker,” paints a sinister tale of Annie Lansing, an unfaithful businesswoman who accidentally kills a hitchhiker during a frantic drive home. Initially, her attempt to evade responsibility seems successful, but the hitchhiker’s ghostly presence becomes her relentless tormentor, haunting her every mile, no matter how many times she runs him over. A disoriented Annie crashes her car, believing she has escaped the nightmare. Yet, when she steps out, the hitchhiker re-emerges, mangled and bloody, delivering his eerie line, “Thanks for the ride, lady.”

As the story spirals to its grim conclusion, Annie’s husband discovers her lifeless body from carbon monoxide poisoning, the hitchhiker’s sign ominously lying nearby.

Finally, in the Epilogue, Billy leads the bullies into a tangled lot of plant life as a means of escape. Just as they corner him, the smashed bulb’s effects reveal themselves as giant Venus Flytraps spring to life, devouring the gang. Nearby, the Creep watches with a gleeful cackle as he drives off, delivering yet another issue of Creepshow to unsuspecting townsfolk.

Timeline

Creepshow 2 Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

19 key events in the order they happen, from “Billy Awaits the Delivery” to “The Creepshow Creep Watches”. 18 events name a place, across 11 locations.

  1. 1

    Billy Awaits the Delivery

    A delivery truck arrives at a quaint newsstand in a small town, creating a sense of excitement for a young boy named Billy. As the truck's shutter opens, he eagerly anticipates the arrival of the latest issue of *Creepshow*.

    Where:Small Town Newsstand

  2. 2

    The Creepshow Creep Arrives

    The sinister figure known as the Creepshow Creep emerges from the truck, unveiling a magical package filled with chilling stories. Billy's delight turns into anticipation as he prepares to dive into the thrilling contents of the issue.

    Where:Small Town Newsstand

  3. 3

    Introduction of Ray and Martha

    The story shifts to an elderly couple, Ray and Martha Spruce, who operate a general store in a dwindling Arizona silver mining town. Their gentle nature contrasts sharply with the dark events that are soon to unfold.

    Where:Arizona Silver Mining Town

  4. 4

    The Visit from Benjamin Whitemoon

    Benjamin Whitemoon, a Native American elder, visits the Spruces, leaving behind sacred turquoise jewelry as collateral for a debt. He bids them farewell, foreshadowing the tragic events that will soon follow.

    Where:Spruce General Store

  5. 5

    The Brutal Robbery

    The couple falls victim to a brutal robbery orchestrated by Benjamin's estranged nephew, Sam, and his friends. Armed with a shotgun, they mercilessly ransack the store, seeking the turquoise jewelry.

    Where:Spruce General Store

  6. 6

    The Tragic Confrontation

    In a tragic turn of events, Ray defies the robbers, leading to a deadly confrontation that results in the deaths of both Ray and Martha. Their tragic end marks a pivotal moment in the story.

    Where:Spruce General Store

  7. 7

    Old Chief Wooden Head Comes to Life

    The Spruces' wooden sentinel, Old Chief Wooden Head, springs to life, seeking vengeance for his fallen friends. He begins his ruthless quest to take out Sam's accomplices one by one, using his deadly arrows.

    Where:Spruce General Store

  8. 8

    Final Revenge on Sam

    In a harrowing climax, Old Chief Wooden Head corners Sam and executes his final act of vengeance. The scene is grisly, marking the end of Sam's terror and the beginning of a haunting legacy.

    Where:Spruce General Store

  9. 9

    Benjamin Finds the Turquoise

    The following morning, Benjamin finds the bag containing the turquoise jewelry returned to him. Yet, when he visits the store, he is met with a chilling sight—Old Chief Wooden Head displays the spoils of his revenge.

    Where:Spruce General Store

  10. 10

    The Animated Interlude: Billy's Package

    In an animated interlude, Billy visits the local post office to retrieve a package containing a bulb for a carnivorous Venus Flytrap. The skeptical clerk dismisses his excitement, but Billy remains determined.

    Where:Local Post Office

Show the other 9 events of Creepshow 2
  1. 11

    The Lake Escape

    In 'The Raft', four college friends—Deke, Laverne, Randy, and Rachel—head to a secluded lake. Their outing quickly turns to horror as they are attacked by a mysterious black blob that consumes Rachel.

    Where:Secluded Lake

  2. 12

    A Desperate Fight for Survival

    As panic sets in, Deke tries to swim for help but meets a grim fate at the hands of the blob. Left alone, Randy and Laverne endure a terrifying night on the raft, too frightened to sleep.

    Where:Raft on the Lake

  3. 13

    The Blob Strikes Again

    The next morning, calmness is misleading as the blob attacks once more, leading to a grotesque demise for Laverne. Randy's desperate attempt to escape ends in tragedy when he too is claimed by the creature.

    Where:Lake

  4. 14

    The Animated Interlude: Facing Bullies

    In another animated segment, Billy encounters a group of bullies who steal and crush his flytrap bulb. In a bold act of defiance, he retaliates before fleeing, setting the stage for more horror.

  5. 15

    Annie's Fatal Mistake

    In 'The Hitchhiker,' Annie Lansing accidentally kills a hitchhiker during a reckless drive. Although she initially evades responsibility, she soon finds herself haunted by the ghostly presence of the victim.

    Where:On the Road

  6. 16

    The Unending Torment

    Despite her attempts to escape, the hitchhiker’s apparition relentlessly haunts Annie, appearing every time she tries to flee. Her panic culminates in a deadly crash, marking the start of her torment.

    Where:On the Road

  7. 17

    Annie's Demise

    In a tragic conclusion, Annie’s husband discovers her lifeless body due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The eerie presence of the hitchhiker lingers, alongside the sign of his fatal accident.

    Where:Annie's Home

  8. 18

    Billy's Final Escape

    In the epilogue, Billy leads the bullies into a tangled lot of plant life as a means of escape. The smashed bulb's effects come alive, as giant Venus Flytraps spring to life, devouring the gang.

    Where:Tangled Lot

  9. 19

    The Creepshow Creep Watches

    As chaos ensues, the Creepshow Creep watches with glee from a distance. He drives off, delivering yet another issue of *Creepshow* to unsuspecting townsfolk, hinting at more horror to come.

    Where:Small Town

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Creepshow 2?

3 characters, among them Ray Spruce (George Kennedy), Annie Lansing and Old Chief Wooden Head: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • George Kennedy as Ray Spruce (George Kennedy) in Creepshow 2

    Ray Spruce (George Kennedy)

    Played by George Kennedy

    Ray Spruce is a kind-hearted elderly shopkeeper who runs a general store with his wife, Martha. He embodies the spirit of small-town America, displaying warmth and generosity. However, his protective instincts lead to tragedy when he confronts intruders, showcasing the vulnerability of goodness in the face of brutality.

    • 👴 Elderly
    • 🏪 Shopkeeper
    • 💔 Tragic Hero
  • AL

    Annie Lansing

    Annie Lansing is an ambitious businesswoman torn between her desires and morality. Her moment of panic leads to a fatal accident, sparking a descent into madness as she becomes haunted by her guilt. Annie's character illustrates the heavy consequences of her decisions, leading to a gripping exploration of character flaws.

    • 👩 Businesswoman
    • 😔 Guilt
    • 🚗 Tragic Victim
  • OC

    Old Chief Wooden Head

    Old Chief Wooden Head is a wooden sentinel imbued with supernatural strength, awakened by vengeance after the tragic demise of the Spruces. His character serves as a powerful symbol of retribution, illustrating how the spirit of justice can manifest in unexpected forms. He becomes an iconic figure in the horror narrative, embodying the weight of history and retribution.

    • 🌲 Sentinel
    • ⚡ Supernatural
    • ⚰️ Vengeful Spirit
Setting

Where and When Is Creepshow 2 Set?

Creepshow 2 is set in Arizona, a small town and a secluded lake (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Contemporary

The events occur in a modern setting, capturing the essence of current societal relations and the darker themes of human nature. The film reflects contemporary issues such as crime, betrayal, and the supernatural, commonly prevalent in horror narratives of today.

Where

Arizona, a small town, a secluded lake

The story is set in a dwindling silver mining town in Arizona, known for its rich history but struggling today. The general store run by Ray and Martha Spruce serves as the town's hub, highlighting the couple's connection to the community. Additionally, a remote lake becomes a site of terror for a group of college friends, creating a stark contrast between the quaint town life and the supernatural horrors lurking nearby.

  • 🏜️ Arizona
  • 🌊 Lake
  • 🏪 Store
Themes

What Are the Themes of Creepshow 2?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Revenge, Guilt and Survival.

  1. 01

    Revenge

    Revenge is a central theme as Old Chief Wooden Head seeks to exact justice for the wrongful deaths of Ray and Martha Spruce. The narrative showcases the lengths one will go to avenge loved ones, even transcending death. This theme resonates throughout, indicating that unrighteous acts can summon a reckoning.

  2. 02

    Guilt

    The haunting presence of the hitchhiker serves as a physical embodiment of guilt for Annie Lansing after she commits a hit-and-run. Her escalating paranoia reflects the inescapability of guilt, illustrating how unresolved actions can follow an individual relentlessly. The film explores the mind's torment when burdened with wrongdoing.

  3. 03

    Survival

    The story of Deke, Laverne, Randy, and Rachel emphasizes the theme of survival against overwhelming odds. As they confront an unknown, deadly force, their struggle to stay alive encapsulates the terror and desperation that arises when faced with life-threatening situations. The film illustrates that survival often comes at a great cost.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Creepshow 2?

Dark in tone, with variable pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Dark
Pacing
Variable
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
High
Ending
Bleak

A dark and often grotesque horror anthology that delivers a relentless series of vengeful tales, creating a sinister and fatalistic atmosphere punctuated by moments of playfully macabre humor.

  • vengeful
  • anxious
  • grotesque
  • sinister
  • fatalistic
  • haunting
  • revenge
  • supernatural justice
  • karmic retribution
  • survival horror

Content notes: graphic violence, murder, gore, death of children/teens, haunting, body horror.

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FAQ

Creepshow 2 Plot Questions

4 quick answers about Creepshow 2, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page.

What is Creepshow 2 about?

In the small town where a weather‑worn newsstand serves as the hub of imagination, a mysterious courier known only as the Creepshow Creep delivers the latest issue of a macabre comic to a curious boy named Billy.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Creepshow 2 take place?

Creepshow 2 is set in Arizona, a small town and a secluded lake (Contemporary). The events occur in a modern setting, capturing the essence of current societal relations and the darker themes of human nature.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Creepshow 2?

The story follows Ray Spruce (George Kennedy) (played by George Kennedy), Annie Lansing and Old Chief Wooden Head.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Creepshow 2?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Revenge, Guilt and Survival.

The themes explained

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