Arthur 2: On the Rocks

Arthur 2: On the Rocks

Year: 1988

Runtime: 113 mins

Language: English

Director: Bud Yorkin

ComedyRomanceCrude humor and satireRelationship comedyLaugh-out-loud relationship entanglements

After losing his fortune for staying with his wife Linda just as they are preparing to adopt a child, Arthur faces a crumbling marriage. Determined to recover his money, he must first get sober and find a legitimate job, leading to a series of comedic mishaps.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Arthur 2: On the Rocks yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988)

Trace every key event in Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Five years later: Arthur's pranks and Hobson's memory

Five years after the previous film, Arthur Bach still revels in practical jokes, especially at the expense of his new assistant Fairchild. He continues to miss Hobson deeply, and the weight of responsibility lingers behind his carefree facade.

Five years after the first film
2

Linda cannot have children; plan to adopt

A doctor informs Linda she cannot have children. Facing that reality, they decide to pursue adoption, turning to Mrs. Canby as the potential mother. Arthur's ongoing alcoholism remains a concern as they start planning.

Shortly after the doctor visit
3

Merger with Burt Johnson and the divorce-or-marriage ultimatum

Arthur learns that the Bach family company has merged with Burt Johnson, and he is told he can keep the fortune only if he divorces Linda and marries Burt's daughter, Susan. He refuses, valuing Linda's companionship over wealth. The revelation sets the plot on a collision course with the Johnsons.

Early in the story Family office
4

The fall: losing wealth and moving in with Ralph

With Arthur's refusal, the couple's wealth evaporates and they are cut off from the fortune. They move in with Linda’s father, Ralph, while Linda resumes her job as a waitress to make ends meet. The couple begins a precarious struggle to rebuild their lives.

Soon after the cut-off Linda's father's home
5

Burt buys the building; eviction

Burt Johnson buys the building that houses Arthur and Linda, forcing them to leave. The loss of their home intensifies their financial and emotional strain as they face life without a safety net. The Johnsons’ power move marks a turning point in their fortunes.

Soon after The building/Their former home
6

From street to store: a job and another blow

The couple moves into a squalid apartment while Arthur tries to sober up enough to find work. He eventually lands a job at a hardware store, but Burt purchases the store and fires him. The humiliation and desperation push Arthur toward renewed sobriety.

Shortly after eviction Squalid apartment; hardware store
7

Susan's coercion: Linda should leave Arthur

Susan visits and tells Linda that she should leave Arthur so she can have children. Linda, torn between love and fear for Arthur, chooses to return to her father’s home. The couple's fragile bond is strained as they confront incompatible desires.

Mid-film Linda's apartment/House
8

Arthur hits rock bottom and Hobson's urging

After Linda's departure, Arthur descends into alcohol again and ends up living on the streets. At his lowest point, he sees Hobson in a vision who urges him not to give up because he will have a son to raise.

Low point in the later part of the film The streets
9

Arthur discovers Burt's schemes and sets a course for revenge

Guided by his grandmother Martha, Arthur learns that Burt has many enemies and a history of fraud and extortion. He seeks out those harmed by Burt and gathers information that could topple Burt's schemes. This knowledge galvanizes him to take action.

Later in the film Martha's home
10

Confrontation on Burt's yacht

Arthur sneaks onto Burt's yacht to confront him and demand that he leave Linda and Arthur alone. Burt and his allies dismiss the allegations as expired with no proof, then a fight breaks out when Arthur strikes Burt; Burt pulls a revolver, but Susan defends Arthur and demands the money be returned.

On the yacht confrontation Burt's yacht
11

Money back and adoption begins

Arthur tells Linda that he has retrieved Burt's money and that the adoption can proceed. Mrs. Canby arrives with the couple's newly adopted baby girl, bringing a glimmer of relief after the earlier turmoil.

After the yacht confrontation Home
12

Linda's pregnancy revealed

Although Arthur hoped for a son as Hobson foretold, Linda reveals she is pregnant. The couple now anticipates both an adopted child and a biological child, renewing their hope for the future.

Toward the end Home
13

Return home and Hobson's room

The couple returns to their restored life together, and Fairchild plays a prank on Arthur for the first time in years. Arthur moves Fairchild into Hobson's old room, symbolically closing Hobson's chapter and embracing a new family legacy.

Ending Home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:25

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Arthur 2: On the Rocks

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