Mr. Boogedy 1986
Directed by
Oz Scott
Made by
Echo Films
Mr. Boogedy Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Mr. Boogedy (1986). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Carlton Richard Masur Davis and Eloise Mimi Kennedy Davis, owners of a gag-gift company, move with their kids Jennifer Kristy Swanson Davis, Corwin David Faustino Davis, and R.E. into a creaky old house in Lucifer Falls, New England, where a chilling welcome awaits them from a wary old man named Neil Witherspoon. He warns that the house carries a tragic history and cautions about a sinister presence known as the Boogedy Man, a legend that seems to cling to the walls as soon as they cross the threshold.
That night, Jennifer is unsettled by a strange sneezing that seems to echo through the halls, and a blue light glows from behind a doorway upstairs. R.E.’s teddy bear also goes missing, leaving the family uneasy and wondering if the stories are more than mere stories. The following morning, Jennifer begs Carlton to acknowledge the strange events, but he brushes it off, insisting that ghosts aren’t real. Later, Jennifer faints after another burst of bright light and a chorus of maniacal laughter, insisting she saw the Boogedy Man. The adults dismiss it as a prank or fear, but the children know something real is happening.
Corwin and R.E. decide to investigate further and eventually follow Jennifer into town to find Mr. Witherspoon for answers. The old man leans into the tale, recounting the legend of William Hanover, a grumpy pilgrim who fell in love with a widow named Marion. Hanover makes a fateful pact with the Devil to gain a magic cloak that grants him extraordinary powers, but the price is steep: he kidnaps Marion’s son Jonathan, and in a disastrous first spell, destroys his own house and kills himself, Jonathan, and Marion. The Davis house now sits on the ruins of Hanover’s former home. Hanover, now the Boogedy Man, and Jonathan—who died with a cold—are trapped as spirits, while Marion remains outside, unable to reach her child. The weight of that history hangs over the new home, even as the living try to settle in.
Back home, the Davis clan grapples with fear as the haunting escalates. Eloise and the children experience ghostly activity, and even Carlton begins to fear that the house might be haunted after all. They decide to ride out the night together in the living room, hoping the terror will pass. In a pivotal moment, the Widow Marion John Astin appears to Eloise outside the back door and shares her side of the story, urging them to find a way to end Boogedy’s reign. The revelation becomes clear: the key to stopping Boogedy lies in stealing away his magic cloak, the source of his power.
With the plan in hand, the family arms themselves with everyday items and ascends to the upper level, determined to confront the evil. R.E. hears a strange noise and heads toward the basement, with Corwin following close behind. In the dim basement, Corwin discovers Jonathan’s ghost, who sneezes constantly because he died with a cold. Jonathan explains that he “borrowed” the teddy bear because he was lonely, and in a moment of compassion, R.E. allows him to keep the bear for a while. Jonathan also shares stories of other families pushed out by Boogedy, deepening the family’s resolve to break the curse. Jonathan Jamie McEnnan becomes more than a voice from the past, becoming a bridge to the living.
The confrontation erupts as Boogedy materializes and launches a psychic-charge assault, turning the Davises’ gag gifts and household appliances against them. They fight back with courage and cleverness, using the very tools of their everyday life to counter the supernatural threat. A pivotal moment comes when a vacuum cleaner snags Boogedy’s cloak, tearing it away and stripping him of his magical powers. The cloak’s power fractures under the device’s grip, and Boogedy lets out one last scream before he vanishes, powerless.
As the tension eases, Widow Marion and Jonathan appear once more, their forms bright and finally reunited. The ghosts embrace before dissolving into the air, and the Davis family looks on in relief as the house seems to grow warm and welcoming again. The haunting seems to have ended, and the family breathes easier, convinced they can now live in their home without fear. Yet, a final, cheeky threat lingers in the air, as Boogedy’s voice crackles one last line: > Wanna bet?!
Mr. Boogedy Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Mr. Boogedy (1986) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
New home arrival and warning
Carlton and Eloise Davis, along with their children, arrive at the old house in Lucifer Falls and are greeted by Mr. Witherspoon, who warns them about the house's tragic past and the Boogedy Man. He hints that the estate harbors restless spirits linked to a century-old curse. The family tries to settle in, skeptical of his warnings.
First eerie signs: sneezing, blue light, and a missing teddy
Jennifer hears a sneezing sound and spots a blue light emanating from behind a doorway upstairs, while R.E.'s teddy bear mysteriously goes missing. The air grows chilly as the strange phenomena escalate, and the kids become increasingly curious about the house's secrets. The family tries to explain it away as part of their gag-filled move-in.
Jennifer's night fright: Boogedy whispered into the shadows
That night, Jennifer faints after being drawn toward a bright light and maniacal laughter following the sneezing noise. She wakes screaming about seeing the Boogedy Man, leaving the family shaken and frightened. Carlton dismisses it as another prank gone wrong, trying to keep the children calm.
Skepticism and comic relief
Carlton reassures the children that ghosts aren’t real and tries to maintain normalcy in the face of the strange happenings. He attributes the events to a prank or Mr. Witherspoon’s misdirection, downplaying the supernatural. The house's odd tremors continue to unsettle the family.
Furniture moves; trip to town for answers
Corwin and R.E. witness kitchen cabinets and appliances moving on their own, a clear sign that something supernatural is at play. The siblings, with Jennifer, decide to visit Mr. Witherspoon in town to learn more about the house’s history. Their trip blends curiosity with growing fear as the mystery deepens.
The tale of William Hanover and the Boogedy
Mr. Witherspoon recounts the legend of William Hanover, a pilgrim who sold his soul to the Devil for a magic cloak. The cloak grants mystic powers and enables him to kidnap Marion’s son, only for the curse to backfire and destroy his home. Hanover becomes the Boogedy, while the boy Jonathan dies from a cold; both are trapped as spirits near the house.
The house comes alive and the family stays the night
Upon returning, the Davis house erupts with ghostly activity, frightening Eloise and the children into seeking shelter away from the spectral events. Carlton urges them to stay together for the night, insisting the danger can be faced as a family. The family camps out in the living room, preparing for a confrontation.
Marion’s ghost reveals the tale outside
Widow Marion appears outside through the back door, sharing her story with Eloise and confirming the haunting's history. She explains the love, loss, and the separation of souls that traps her and her child. Eloise promises to help resolve the tragedy if they can break the curse.
A plan to strip Boogedy of his magic cloak
Marion tells Eloise that the only way to defeat Boogedy is to take away his magic cloak, which supplies the power behind the haunting. The family prepares to target the cloak as the source of the curse. They decide to arm themselves with household items to face the spectral threat.
The hunt for the cloak begins upstairs
Equipped with improvised weapons, the Davises move upstairs to search for the cloaked spirit. The plan hinges on catching Boogedy in the act of using his powers, so they can strip him of the source of his magic. Tension rises as the house settles into a vigil-like atmosphere.
Jonathan’s ghost and the missing teddy bear
In the basement, Corwin finds R.E. struggling to retrieve his teddy bear from Jonathan’s ghost, who sneezes constantly because he died with a cold. Jonathan explains that he borrowed the teddy out of loneliness, and the moment humanizing the ghost provides a break in the fear. R.E. reluctantly lends the bear back to the ghost while learning about past families chased away by Boogedy.
Boogedy’s attack and cloak torn away
Mr. Boogedy materializes and launches an assault with electricity, turning their gag gifts and appliances against them. A vacuum cleaner catches his cloak and yanks it off, stripping him of his powers. The family fights back, using the torn cloak’s disruption to gain the upper hand.
Cloak recovered and banished
The cloak is retrieved from the vacuum and used to neutralize Boogedy’s power, causing him to fade away. The immediate threat is lifted as the house returns to relative calm. The family breathes a collective sigh of relief, realizing the danger has passed.
Marion and Jonathan reunite; spirits vanish
Widow Marion and Jonathan appear, having been reunited, and they embrace before vanishing together with the other ghosts. The haunting appears to end as the grieving family witnesses the reunion. The house feels lighter now that the spectral family has resolved their unfinished business.
Boogedy’s final taunt
With the curse broken, the Davis family believes the house is no longer haunted, but Boogedy’s voice suddenly echoes with a taunt, promising that the mischief might return. The threat lingers just beneath the surface, leaving a chill and a sense of unfinished business. The family prepares to move forward, grateful for their safety but wary of the lingering lore.
Mr. Boogedy Characters
Explore all characters from Mr. Boogedy (1986). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Carleton Davis (Richard Masur)
Head of the Davis gag-gift company family; initially skeptical of ghosts and quick to rationalize events. He remains a protective, resourceful patriarch who leads the effort to confront Boogedy and safeguard his family.
Eloise Davis (Mimi Kennedy)
Matriarch of the family, perceptive and affectionate. She senses the supernatural more readily and acts as a bridge between the rational father and the eerie events, pushing the family toward unity and action.
Jennifer Davis (Kristy Swanson)
Oldest Davis child, curious and brave. Her investigations into the sneezing and strange lights spark the family’s awareness of the haunting and propel their search for the truth.
Corwin Davis (David Faustino)
Young Davis son, observant and skeptical of rumors at first, who becomes involved in the basement encounters and helps uncover the backstory of Boogedy.
Aurie Davis (Benji Gregory)
Youngest Davis child, provides a child’s perspective on the haunting and shares in the family’s attempts to cope with the supernatural.
Jonathan (Jamie McEnnan)
Ghost of Marion’s son who died from the curse; sneezes constantly due to his cold and becomes a source of haunted tales and empathy for the living family.
Widow Marion (John Astin)
The tragic widow who loved William Hanover and became part of the house’s curse; she appears as a guiding ghost outside the back door and shares the desperate story of loss.
Widow Marion (Katherine Kelly Lang)
Alternate portrayal of the same grieving widow, reinforcing her sorrow and connection to the haunting’s origins.
Mr. Boogedy (The Devil) (Kedric Wolfe)
The supernatural antagonist born from a pact with the Devil; he wields magical power through a cloak and electrical attacks, seeking to claim the family’s souls.
Mr. Boogedy Settings
Learn where and when Mr. Boogedy (1986) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Late 20th century
The events unfold in contemporary times within a sleepy New England town. A family’s move into a supposedly ordinary home collides with an ancient legend that reawakens when the spirits stir. Modern household life becomes a battleground as gadgets and routines turn into tools in the haunting.
Location
Lucifer Falls, New England
Lucifer Falls is a small New England town with a quiet, old-fashioned feel. The Davis family moves into a house built on the site of a centuries-old tragedy, infusing the town with a chilling sense of history. The setting blends suburban life with a creeping supernatural undercurrent that unsettles the everyday.
Mr. Boogedy Themes
Discover the main themes in Mr. Boogedy (1986). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🕯️
Hauntings
Hauntings are anchored to a long-forgotten tragedy and a failed deal with the Devil. The Boogedy legend turns the house into a vessel for past sins, forcing the living to confront history. The family’s fear gradually shifts toward courage as they seek the truth beneath the apparitions. The narrative uses the supernatural to explore the consequences of greed and broken promises.
👪
Family Bond
The Davises must unite to face the supernatural threat, with each member contributing in different ways. Carlton’s skepticism clashes with Eloise’s intuition, while Jennifer, Corwin, and Aurie push the investigation forward. Their shared danger deepens trust and strengthens family ties. Together they transform fear into collective action.
🤔
Belief vs Skepticism
Carlton starts as a rational skeptic, dismissing the paranormal at first. As eerie proof accumulates, he must choose between denial and belief. The story pits logic against magic, testing what families are willing to accept when faced with inexplicable phenomena. This tension drives both the emotional and narrative arc.
Mr. Boogedy Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Mr. Boogedy (1986). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
The Davis family—Carlton a light‑hearted novelty‑gift salesman, his practical‑joking wife Eloise, and their curious children Jennifer, Corwin, and their friend R.E.—relocate from the bustle of city life to a weather‑worn home perched on the edge of a sleepy New England town. The house, with its creaking floorboards and suspiciously drafty corridors, promises a fresh start for their small business and a chance to settle into quiet suburban routines. Yet the very moment they unpack, the town’s lone keeper, an uneasy old man named Neil Witherspoon, slips them a warning about the property’s long‑ago tragedy.
Inside, Carlton treats the strange sounds that echo through the halls as opportunities for his next gag, while Eloise tries to keep the household grounded in ordinary comfort. The kids, especially Jennifer, find themselves caught between their father’s perpetual pranks and the unsettling flicker of lights that seem to dance on their own. The family’s banter, peppered with jokes about phantom mischief, creates a light‑hearted veneer that masks a growing sense of something just out of sight.
Beneath the surface, the house bears the weight of a three‑century‑old history, its walls having witnessed lives that ended long before the Davises ever imagined. The lingering presence of those past occupants hints at a quiet, unseen audience observing the newcomers’ attempts to make the place their own. Subtle drafts, unexplained murmurs, and fleeting shadows offer enough intrigue to keep the family—and the audience—on edge without revealing the nature of the unseen forces.
The tone of the story balances playful family dynamics with an eerie, almost nostalgic haunt. As the Davises settle in, the blend of humor and the uncanny invites viewers to wonder whether the house’s quirks are merely tricks of the imagination or the first hints of a deeper, lingering mystery waiting to unfold.
Movies with Similar Twists and Themes
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.