Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Arthur refuses because he loves Linda more than his wealth and luxurious lifestyle. When Burt gives him the ultimatum, divorce Linda and marry Susan in exchange for his fortune back, Arthur chooses love over money without hesitation. This choice sets the entire plot in motion, forcing him to rebuild his life from scratch.

Foreshadowing: Arthur's attachment to Hobson and his loyalty to those he loves foreshadows his steadfast devotion to Linda, even when faced with losing everything.

• arthur
• linda
• burt johnson
• divorce
• love
• fortune
• refusal

After Arthur refuses to divorce Linda, Burt buys the building where Arthur and Linda are living with Linda's father Ralph. He uses his ownership to force them to evict, making them homeless. This is part of Burt's plan to pressure Arthur into complying with his demands.

Foreshadowing: Burt's earlier threat that Arthur will lose everything if he doesn't comply sets up this power move.

• burt johnson
• eviction
• building
• homeless
• pressure

Susan visits Linda and tells her that if she truly wants what's best for Arthur, she should leave him, because Susan can have children while Linda cannot. Linda realizes Arthur is suffering because he refuses to let her go, so she moves back in with her father and leaves a note telling Arthur to marry Susan and live a comfortable life.

Foreshadowing: Linda's earlier inability to have children and the couple's adoption struggle plant the emotional seed for this departure.

• linda
• susan
• leaving
• children
• adoption
• note

Arthur begins drinking again after Linda leaves him. Crestfallen at losing his wife and still unwilling to marry Susan, he returns to alcohol and ends up living on the streets. This represents his lowest point in the film, where he loses both his marriage and his sobriety.

Foreshadowing: Arthur's ongoing alcoholism concern throughout the film and his inability to cope with emotional stress foreshadow this relapse.

• alcohol
• relapse
• streets
• linda
• loss
• sobriety

At his lowest point living on the streets, Arthur sees a vision of Hobson who tells him he cannot give up because he will have a son and must be there for him. This mystical encouragement gives Arthur the determination to get his life back together. Later, the prediction appears to be contradicted when they adopt a baby girl, until Linda reveals she is pregnant, making the prediction potentially about a biological son.

Foreshadowing: This vision occurs at Arthur's absolute rock bottom, serving as the catalyst for his redemption arc.

• hobson
• vision
• son
• prediction
• encouragement

Arthur sobers up and learns from his grandmother Martha that Burt has made many enemies. He meets with people whose lives Burt ruined and uncovers fraud and extortion schemes. After confronting Burt on his yacht, the situation escalates. Susan then defends Arthur and threatens to tell her mother about Burt's affairs unless he returns Arthur's money. Burt reluctantly agrees.

Foreshadowing: Arthur's determination to get even with the Johnsons and Martha's knowledge of Burt's enemies provide the setup for this confrontation.

• arthur
• burt johnson
• money
• revenge
• fraud
• confrontation

Susan defends Arthur when Burt pulls a revolver on him during the yacht confrontation. She tells her father to give Arthur his money back or she will tell her mother about his affairs. This creates leverage that forces Burt to comply, as he cannot afford the scandal. Susan's defense suggests she still has feelings for Arthur despite their broken engagement.

Foreshadowing: Susan's earlier visit to Linda and her claim that she could give Arthur children hints at her lingering emotional investment.

• susan
• burt johnson
• defend
• affairs
• threat
• protection

Arthur is confused when Mrs. Canby arrives with their adopted child, a baby girl, because Hobson's vision had specifically told him he would have a son. However, Linda then surprises Arthur with the news that she is pregnant, which resolves the apparent contradiction, the son may refer to their biological child rather than the adopted one.

Foreshadowing: Hobson's specific prediction of a son creates anticipation that pays off through Linda's pregnancy revelation.

• baby girl
• adopted
• son
• hobson
• pregnancy
• surprise

At the ending, Fairchild plays a practical joke on Arthur for the first time in the film, reversing the dynamic where Arthur had been pranking his assistant throughout. Arthur then moves Fairchild into Hobson's old room, symbolically replacing the lost mentor with a new companion and closing Hobson's chapter while embracing a new family future.

Foreshadowing: Arthur's earlier pranks on Fairchild and his continued mourning of Hobson set up this role reversal at the end.

• fairchild
• prank
• hobson
• room
• new chapter

Burt agrees when Susan threatens to expose his affairs to her mother. This threat creates serious personal and social consequences for Burt that he cannot ignore. Reluctantly, he chooses to return Arthur's money to avoid the scandal, even though he had the upper hand throughout the conflict.

Foreshadowing: Burt's history of secrets and his willingness to manipulate others foreshadows his vulnerability to this type of exposure.

• burt johnson
• money
• threat
• susan
• affairs
• compliance