Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam 1986

Ernest unveils the changing coffin

Ernest P. Worrell shows off a new device he bartered from a guy on the street, calling it a changing coffin that can transform the user into any disguise. He steps inside as Vern flips a switch, and Ernest is pulled in screaming as the coffin powers up.

Dr. Otto reveals the gloom beam

In a broadcast signal intrusion, Dr. Otto announces the Riddle of the Gloom Beam and his plan for world domination. His beam begins targeting financial institutions, erasing their contents and spreading chaos as a warning to the world.

Cincinnati is targeted and Lance is called in

Cincinnati becomes the first battleground as the Gloom Beam wreaks havoc. A bank affected by the attack seeks to disrupt Otto by sending in his arch nemesis, Lance Sterling, to stop the plan.

Disguise 1: Rudd Hardtack

Dr. Otto uses the changing coffin to transform into Rudd Hardtack, an Australian trainer of child militants, to mislead Lance and gain the upper hand. The disguise signals a dangerous new front in the ongoing chase.

Disguise 2: Laughing Jack O'Cockney

The next disguise is Laughing Jack O'Cockney, a pirate captain, used to sow confusion and complicate the pursuit. Otto slips into this persona to keep Lance off balance.

Disguise 3: Auntie Nelda

Otto becomes Auntie Nelda, a cantankerous elderly woman, in a trap designed to slow or trap Lance and Doris. The team must see through the ruse to stay ahead.

Disguise 4: Guy Dandy

The final disguise is Guy Dandy, a wealthy playboy, used to complicate the escape and keep the heroes off balance. The disguise adds another obstacle to the rapidly escalating chase.

Escape from Russian roulette

Lance and Doris survive Hardtack's deadly game of Russian roulette through nerve and teamwork. They refuse to be broken by the brutal test and continue pursuing Otto's plans.

Swamp monster turn of events

Laughing Jack lures Lance into a swamp encounter using him as bait for a monster. The creature turns out to be an old friend of Lance, allowing the duo to escape unharmed. The encounter reveals that Otto's disguises are not invincible.

Auntie Nelda traps and Tina's rescue

Auntie Nelda drugs Lance and Doris into a trap, but Lance persuades Tina to use Otto's transporter blanket to free them. The rescue marks a turning point in the escape sequence.

Elevator to the lair

During a chase with Guy Dandy, Lance and Doris stumble into an elevator that delivers them straight to Dr. Otto's lair. The dramatic arrival puts them into direct confrontation with Otto.

Final showdown and the Right Button

Lance, Doris, and Tina face off against Dr. Otto, his disguises, and a robot henchman. Lance chooses the Right Button, triggering a cascade of electric bolts that cause the lair to self-destruct.

Escape and gas station encounter

After the collapse, Doris, Lance, and Tina push their car along the road and eventually reach a gas station. They learn they have had no gas since the money went bad, adding a postscript to their narrow escape.