Vice Versa 1988

Skull stolen from Thai monastery

Two thieves, Turk and Lillian, sneak into a Buddhist monastery in Thailand and steal an ancient skull. The theft is swift and promises a lucrative payoff for the relic. This artifact will become the central magical catalyst driving the rest of the story.

Skull hidden inside Marshall's purchase

Turk and Lillian conceal the stolen skull inside one of Marshall's purchases to enable a later switch. They intend to exploit the artifact from behind the scenes, linking the criminals’ fate to Marshall’s family. The plan sets the stage for the eventual body swap.

Marshall and Sam travel to Thailand

Marshall Seymour, a Chicago department store VP, travels to Thailand with his girlfriend Sam to purchase exotic merchandise. Their trip introduces the external setting where the skull’s origin is tied to the larger plot. It also places Marshall in proximity to the gear the thieves have tampered with.

Return home and stay with Charlie

When Marshall returns home, he takes his 11-year-old son Charlie for a few days while Robyn and Cliff are on vacation. This housebound period creates the intimate space where the skull’s magic can take hold. The stage is set for the unusual bond between father and son.

The body swap begins

While holding the skull, Marshall and Charlie wish they could swap lives to understand each other better. The skull’s magical powers trigger an abrupt exchange, leaving each man trapped in the other’s body. They must navigate a bewildering new reality with altered responsibilities.

Robyn discovers the swap

Robyn returns home earlier than expected and is furious to find Marshall, in Charlie’s body, drinking a martini. The shock underscores the personal chaos the swap has caused. The family must cope with the miscommunication and danger of exposure.

Roles reversed: school and boardroom

Marshall, in Charlie’s body, attends Charlie’s school to blend in, while Charlie, in Marshall’s body, assumes Marshall’s role at the department store. They must fake competence while learning to manage unfamiliar duties. The swap yields comic tension and fresh perspectives on each other’s lives.

Museum visit and skull explanation

The swapped pair visit the museum and meet Professor Kerschner, who explains the skull’s true magic and hints at returning it to a lama. He urges swift action to prevent exploitation by others. The encounter deepens the quest to revert the bodies before more harm occurs.

Thieves renew their plan

After failing to reacquire the skull, Turk and Lillian mount a renewed mission to seize it from Marshall and Sam. Their renewed pursuit increases danger and raises the stakes for the protagonists. The chase accelerates toward a climactic confrontation.

Boardroom clash and kidnapping

Back in Chicago, a crucial boardroom meeting looms and Marshall (in Charlie’s body) uses a device to communicate with Charlie and guide his words. Turk suddenly kidnaps Marshall, leaving Charlie to try to manage the situation alone. The stakes escalate as the artifact remains in play.

Lama temple exchange happens

Charlie retrieves the skull from the lama and arranges an exchange for Marshall to regain his freedom. This exchange marks a turning point, as the protagonists shift to reclaiming the relic and restoring the original bodies. The episode heightens the tension with both sides racing to secure control of the skull.

Criminals' body switch and arrest

Turk and Lillian are caught after their own body switch lands them in unfamiliar forms, and the police arrest Charlie for possible kidnapping. Cliff posts bail as the family tries to restore normalcy. The criminals’ plans unravel as law enforcement closes in.

Proposal sets the future right

Marshall invites Sam to take him home and, during the ride, proposes marriage after a brief moment of clarity. He and Charlie discuss a shared future, now appreciating the value of family and stability. The scene marks a hopeful pivot after chaotic events.