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Plot summary

Crocodile Dundee II (1988) Plot Summary & Timeline

Crocodile Dundee II (1988) movie poster

Crocodile Dundee II is a 1988 action and adventure film directed by John Cornell, running 1 hour 48 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 579 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 4 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 Crocodile Dundee II.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
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Crocodile Dundee II (1988) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 48m
Director
John Cornell
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Crocodile Dundee II About?

The premise of Crocodile Dundee II in 297 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the bustling heart of New York City, where skyscrapers cast long shadows over neon‑lit streets, the legendary Australian adventurer Mick Dundee tries to trade his outback swagger for a more civilized rhythm. Freshly married to the sharp‑witted journalist Sue Charlton, the couple settles into a world that feels both exhilarating and alien to Mick’s rugged instincts. Their new life is a blend of city sophistication and lingering echoes of the Australian wilderness, a juxtaposition that fuels both comedy and curiosity.

The film’s tone balances cheeky humor with genuine affection, allowing the audience to feel the friction between Mick’s straightforward, no‑nonsense approach and Sue’s fast‑paced, cosmopolitan career. Their chemistry crackles as Mick attempts to navigate Manhattan’s endless traffic, bustling cafés, and glossy media circles, while Sue finds herself drawn into headlines that suddenly spotlight her husband’s larger‑than‑life reputation. The city becomes a character in its own right—glittering, chaotic, and full of unexpected challenges that test the couple’s adaptability.

Their equilibrium shatters when an unthinkable event pulls Sue far from the metropolis: she is taken by forces far beyond the city’s borders, thrusting the pair into a dangerous, foreign landscape. Determined and resourceful, Mick’s instincts kick into overdrive, compelling him to cross continents and confront an unfamiliar and perilous world in South America. The promise of a daring rescue sets the stage for an adventure that blends his trademark Aussie grit with the high‑stakes intrigue of a far‑off land.

What follows is an escapade that marries heart‑pounding action with the film’s signature light‑hearted charm. As Mick ventures deeper into unfamiliar terrain, his innate survival skills and unwavering devotion become the compass guiding both his journey and the audience’s anticipation. The story teases a thrilling quest that tests loyalty, courage, and the enduring bond between two very different worlds.

Full plot

What Happens in Crocodile Dundee II?

The complete story of Crocodile Dundee II, from the first scene to the last, in 579 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Two years have flown by since Mick Dundee (played by Paul Hogan) and Susan “Sue” Charlton (portrayed by Linda Kozlowski) embarked on their exciting journey in New York City. As they navigate their dynamic lives as a couple, Mick’s endearing country charm often clashes with the city’s bustling pace. Despite these differences, Sue’s flourishing writing career has catapulted Mick into the limelight, even landing him an intriguing role involving Leroy Brown, a mild-mannered stationery salesman trying hard to embody his self-proclaimed “bad guy in the streets” persona, allowing him to indulge in activities like blast fishing in Manhattan’s waters.

However, Sue’s tranquil life is disrupted when her ex-husband Bob sends her disturbing photographs of a brutal murder carried out by the sinister Colombian cartel leader, Luis Rico. As Rico and his brother Miguel swiftly eliminate Bob, they also send these damning images to Sue, ensuring that she and Mick find themselves in a perilous situation.

When Rico’s goons invade New York City in a bid to retrieve the evidence, they kidnap Sue, which prompts Mick to seek assistance from Leroy. In a clever twist, Leroy collaborates with a local street gang, creating a diversion by inciting chaos at the cartel’s hideout. This allows Mick to spring into action and attempt a daring rescue of Sue, forcing Rico to go underground in a desperate bid to avoid capture.

With tensions escalating at every turn, Mick decides to take Sue to Australia, seeking a safe haven amidst familiar surroundings. In the welcoming community of Walkabout Creek, they are greeted with warmth from old friends who introduce them to the expansive Belonga Mick, a land that holds both personal memories and gold mine secrets. But danger lurks nearby, as Rico and his men employ local Aboriginal trackers to close in on them.

In a surprising turn of events, the trackers abandon Rico upon recognizing Mick’s involvement, showcasing the immense respect the Aboriginal community has for this rugged adventurer. When Rico resorts to kidnapping Mick’s friend Walter in an act of desperation, Mick must rely on his ingenuity and tenacity to outsmart the cartel and save his friend. Leading the henchmen on a wild chase through the Australian Outback, Mick employs his intimate knowledge of the land and his Aboriginal allies to diminish their ranks one by one.

As the stakes ratchet up, Mick faces off against Miguel, intensifying the urgency to safeguard Sue, his friends, and his cherished way of life. When pushed to the limit, Mick taps into all his skills and experience in an intense battle against his adversaries.

In a calculate move to regain the upper hand, Rico ignites a catastrophic bushfire, aiming to corner Mick into submission. Yet, Mick’s resourcefulness shines through as he cleverly turns the tables by apprehending Rico and switching their clothes to set a trap for Miguel. Meanwhile, Sue, Walter, and Miguel unwittingly join forces from afar, leading to a chaotic shootout where Walter mistakenly wounds Mick while Miguel is taken out by Sue’s bullet. As Rico tumbles down an escarpment, his remains symbolize the fierce battle’s casualties.

Once the dust settles, Sue learns of Rico’s demise through one of the Aboriginals, revealing the clothing switch. With newfound clarity, Sue experiences relief upon discovering that Walter’s shot has merely grazed Mick, leading to an emotional reunion where she embraces him fervently. As they share this heartfelt moment, Mick poses a question about leaving the dangers behind, and Sue’s response resonates deeply: > “I am home.”

Timeline

Crocodile Dundee II Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Mick and Sue's New Life in NYC” to “Emotional Resolution”. 6 events name a place, across 5 locations.

  1. 1

    Mick and Sue's New Life in NYC

    Two years have passed since Mick Dundee and Susan 'Sue' Charlton began their adventure in New York City. They navigate their lives as a couple, with Mick's rural charm often contrasting sharply against the fast-paced city life.

    When:Two years later Where:New York City

  2. 2

    Mick's Rise to Fame

    Sue's burgeoning writing career brings Mick unexpected fame, landing him a role alongside Leroy Brown, a stationery salesman with a flair for the dramatic. This role allows Mick to participate in various escapades, including some comedic scenarios involving blast fishing in Manhattan's waters.

    Where:Manhattan

  3. 3

    Disturbing Threat from the Past

    Sue's life takes a dark turn when her ex-husband Bob sends her photographs depicting a violent murder committed by Luis Rico, a menacing Colombian cartel leader. These images not only threaten Sue's life but also draw Mick into a dangerous confrontation.

  4. 4

    Bob's Demise

    As the cartel closes in, they swiftly eliminate Bob, sending both the shocking photographs and a clear warning to Sue and Mick. This act heightens the stakes for Mick and Sue, forcing them into a perilous scenario.

  5. 5

    Sue is Kidnapped

    Rico's henchmen invade New York City to retrieve the incriminating evidence and kidnap Sue. Mick, now desperate, realizes he cannot face this threat alone and seeks help from Leroy, setting the stage for a dangerous rescue mission.

    Where:New York City

  6. 6

    Leroy's Clever Plan

    Leroy devises a plan to create chaos at the cartel's hideout with a local street gang's help. This diversion becomes crucial for Mick as he sprints into action, intending to rescue Sue from her captors amidst the chaos.

  7. 7

    Escape to Australia

    In a bid to find safety, Mick decides to take Sue back to his homeland in Australia. They hope that the familiar surroundings of Walkabout Creek will provide the security they desperately need.

    Where:Australia

  8. 8

    Reunion with Old Friends

    Upon arriving in Walkabout Creek, Mick and Sue receive a warm welcome from old friends. They introduce Mick to the vast lands of Belonga Mick, filled with nostalgic memories and hidden secrets, which could also offer refuge.

    Where:Walkabout Creek

  9. 9

    Aboriginal Trackers Turn Against Rico

    As Rico's goons pursue Mick and Sue, they employ local Aboriginal trackers to locate them. However, the trackers abandon Rico once they realize Mick's incredible reputation, highlighting the respect he commands among the community.

  10. 10

    Walter's Kidnapping

    In a moment of desperation, Rico kidnaps Mick's friend Walter to use as leverage. This act propels Mick into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, necessitating clever strategies to save his friend and thwart Rico's plans.

Show the other 5 events of Crocodile Dundee II
  1. 11

    Chase through the Outback

    Mick leads the cartel henchmen on a thrilling chase through the Australian Outback. Using his knowledge of the landscape and alliances with Aboriginal allies, Mick cleverly outsmarts the gang and reduces their numbers.

    Where:Australian Outback

  2. 12

    Confrontation with Miguel

    As the tension escalates, Mick faces Miguel, one of Rico's key henchmen. This confrontation is crucial not only for Sue's safety but also for Mick's friends, compelling him to summon every ounce of skill and bravery he possesses.

  3. 13

    Rico's Catastrophic Move

    To regain control, Rico sets ablaze a bushfire intending to trap Mick. Nevertheless, Mick's resourcefulness comes to the forefront as he cleverly turns the situation against Rico, showcasing his survival skills.

  4. 14

    The Climactic Shootout

    In a chaotic sequence, Sue, Walter, and Miguel inadvertently cross paths, leading to a chaotic shootout. During the fray, Walter inadvertently wounds Mick, while Sue finds the opportunity to shoot Miguel, creating high emotional stakes.

  5. 15

    Emotional Resolution

    With the confrontation behind them, Sue learns about Rico's downfall through one of the Aboriginals, leading to an emotional reunion with Mick. They embrace, with Sue expressing her relief and Mick inquiring about their future, to which she responds poignantly, 'I am home.'

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Crocodile Dundee II?

4 characters, among them Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan), Susan 'Sue' Charlton (Linda Kozlowski) and Leroy Brown (Alec Wilson): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Paul Hogan as Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) in Crocodile Dundee II

    Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan)

    Played by Paul Hogan

    Mick Dundee is a rugged Australian adventurer known for his endearing charm, resourcefulness, and deep connection to the land. As a protagonist, he seamlessly blends humor with bravado, showcasing both his fierce protectiveness over loved ones and his laid-back demeanor. His ability to navigate challenges reflects not only his skills but also his adaptability in facing modern obstacles.

    • 👨‍🌾 Adventurer
    • ❤️ Protector
    • 😂 Humorous
  • S'

    Susan 'Sue' Charlton (Linda Kozlowski)

    Played by Linda Kozlowski

    Sue Charlton is a determined and ambitious writer whose character embodies resilience and strength. While she enjoys a growing career in New York, her commitment to Mick and their shared life highlights her loyalty. Throughout the film, Sue transitions from a safe life into peril, showcasing her bravery and cleverness during critical moments.

    • ✍️ Writer
    • 💪 Strong
    • 💕 Loyal
  • LB

    Leroy Brown (Alec Wilson)

    Played by Alec Wilson

    Leroy Brown is a mild-mannered stationery salesman who strives to project a tough persona, serving as an unexpected ally to Mick. His comedic approach to dangerous situations adds levity to the film while reflecting an underdog who rises to the occasion when called upon in times of crisis.

    • 😂 Comedic
    • 🎭 Underdog
    • ✊ Tough
  • LR

    Luis Rico

    Luis Rico serves as the film's antagonist, a sinister Colombian cartel leader whose ruthless ambition drives the conflict. His menacing pursuit of Mick and Sue creates a palpable tension, demonstrating the dangers of organized crime and the lengths some will go to in securing their interests.

    • 🦹‍♂️ Antagonist
    • 🔪 Ruthless
    • 👀 Menacing
Setting

Where and When Is Crocodile Dundee II Set?

Crocodile Dundee II is set in New York City, Australia, Walkabout Creek and Belonga Mick (Modern Era (1980s-1990s)). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Modern Era (1980s-1990s)

The film is set in the late 20th century, a time marked by a blend of traditional cultures and modern urban life. This period reflects the clash between Mick's rugged outback intuition and the chaotic urban environment of New York City, emphasizing themes of cultural identity and adaptation.

Where

New York City, Australia, Walkabout Creek, Belonga Mick

The movie features the bustling metropolis of New York City, known for its fast-paced lifestyle and vibrant culture, where Mick and Sue navigate their lives. Australia serves as a contrasting backdrop, in particular the serene Walkabout Creek, a welcoming community filled with personal memories for Mick. The expansive Belonga Mick embodies the rugged Australian landscape, rich in both natural beauty and hidden treasures.

  • 🌆 City
  • 🇦🇺 Australia
  • 🏞️ Nature
Themes

What Are the Themes of Crocodile Dundee II?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Cultural Identity, Love and Loyalty and Survival and Ingenuity.

  1. 01

    Cultural Identity

    Crocodile Dundee II explores the theme of cultural identity as Mick, a quintessential Australian, contrasts with the urban lifestyle of New York. His charm and resourcefulness highlight the strengths of his background while navigating unfamiliar situations, symbolizing the merging of different worlds and the importance of one’s roots.

  2. 02

    Love and Loyalty

    The strong bond between Mick and Sue illustrates themes of love and loyalty, underscoring the lengths they are willing to go to protect each other. Their journey through adversity showcases how trust and commitment can overcome formidable challenges, uniting them in the face of danger.

  3. 03

    Survival and Ingenuity

    Survival and ingenuity are central to the film as Mick employs his deep understanding of the Australian Outback to outsmart the cartel. The recurring theme emphasizes the idea that resourcefulness and connection to the land can turn the tide in dire circumstances.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Crocodile Dundee II?

Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced, thrilling adventure comedy that balances tense action sequences with lighthearted humor and the charming resourcefulness of its iconic hero, culminating in a victorious and romantic reunion.

  • adventurous
  • thrilling
  • charming
  • lighthearted
  • action-packed
  • resourceful
  • fish out of water
  • rescue mission
  • resourceful hero
  • drug cartel

Content notes: murder, kidnapping, gun violence.

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FAQ

Crocodile Dundee II Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Crocodile Dundee II, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Crocodile Dundee II about?

In the bustling heart of New York City, where skyscrapers cast long shadows over neon‑lit streets, the legendary Australian adventurer Mick Dundee tries to trade his outback swagger for a more civilized rhythm.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Crocodile Dundee II take place?

Crocodile Dundee II is set in New York City, Australia, Walkabout Creek and Belonga Mick (Modern Era (1980s-1990s)). The film is set in the late 20th century, a time marked by a blend of traditional cultures and modern urban life.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Crocodile Dundee II?

The story follows Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) (played by Paul Hogan), Susan 'Sue' Charlton (Linda Kozlowski) (played by Linda Kozlowski), Leroy Brown (Alec Wilson) (played by Alec Wilson) and Luis Rico.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Crocodile Dundee II?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Cultural Identity, Love and Loyalty and Survival and Ingenuity.

The themes explained

Who directed Crocodile Dundee II?

Crocodile Dundee II (1988) was directed by John Cornell and runs 1 hour 48 minutes.

John Cornell’s films

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