Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders

Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders

Year: 1996

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Kenneth J. Berton

HorrorFantasyHorror the undead and monster classicsFairy-tale fantasy and enchanted magicGory gruesome and slasher horror

Two creepy “horror” films joined together by Merlin’s Shop which is, in turn, introduced by a Grandpa telling the story.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders 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 – Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders (1996)

Trace every key event in Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders (1996) 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

Merlin's benevolent magic is introduced

The film opens by presenting Merlin's interventions as generally helpful. A subtle, eerie undertone hints that magic may carry hidden risks. These opening moments set the stage for magical meddling with consequences.

Opening
2

Jonathan and Madeline visit Merlin's shop; spellbook loaned

The couple goes to Merlin's shop, where Jonathan belittles Merlin and threatens a negative newspaper article to hurt the store. Merlin lends Jonathan his spellbook as proof he is the legendary wizard. This loan marks the start of Jonathan's dangerous flirtation with magical power.

Shortly after visit Merlin's shop
3

Jonathan experiments with the spellbook at home

Jonathan takes the book home and begins experimenting with several of the spells. He becomes convinced of the book's authenticity when a failed spirit-summoning results in a vision of Satan and a breath of fire. This marks his turn toward obsession with the book's powers.

Jonathan's home
4

Rapid aging from life-force depletion

As he uses more spells, Jonathan rapidly ages, his hair whitening and receding. The life-force drain makes him desperate to push further into magical power. The aging process visually underscores the price of his greed.

Jonathan's home
5

Cat transformation attempt goes wrong; cat burned

He attempts to transform his cat into a mystical servant, but the creature becomes demonic. In a panic, Jonathan uses another spell to incinerate the demonically altered cat, burning it alive. The horrifying act accelerates his downward spiral.

Jonathan's home
6

Rejuvenation spell backfires; infant regression

Jonathan retrieves the rejuvenation spell and prepares a potion using Madeline's blood. He drinks the potion, but the spell backfires, regressing him to infancy. Madeline is left to cope with the unexpected reversal and the fragile reunion of husband and wife.

Jonathan's home
7

Monkey stolen from Merlin's shop and sold

A thief steals the cymbal-banging monkey from Merlin's shop and sells it to a novelty store. It is purchased by a woman as a birthday present for her young son Michael. The toy's ominous power remains hidden until it enters the family's life.

After initial loan Merlin's shop and novelty store
8

Monkey's cymbals trigger deaths in Michael's house

Whenever the monkey's cymbals strike, nearby living things die, starting with the family's pets. The first victims prompt concern and suspicion about the toy's malign influence. The family begins to realize the monkey is more than a harmless toy.

Soon after purchase Michael's house
9

David seeks help; psychic advice and discard

David consults a psychic friend who warns him to throw the monkey away. He does discard it, but Michael finds it in the trash and brings it back into the home. The cycle of danger resumes as the toy remains in the house.

David's home
10

Monkey aims to cause a car accident; David buries it

The monkey tries to drive the boy into harm by summoning a car accident, but David manages to prevent the cymbals from striking. Desperate, he carries the toy to a remote field to bury it, hoping to end the nightmare. The burial marks a brief respite from the malevolent force.

Road near Michael's home / remote field
11

Storm and earthquake unleashed; David is injured

A fierce storm and an earthquake are summoned by the monkey to stop him from burying the toy. David finishes burying the monkey but is injured when a tree falls. The attempt to be rid of the object seems to backfire in the physical world.

During burying Remote field
12

Merlin reclaims the monkey; final warning

Some time later, David's mother visits bearing a present for Michael—the monkey, unharmed. The family tries to flee as the cymbals go into motion again, but Merlin suddenly appears and takes the toy back to his shop, promising to deal with it later. The threat is left unresolved, and Merlin's control over the object remains uncertain.

End Merlin's shop

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:12

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Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders Summary

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Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders

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