Missing Link

Missing Link

Year: 1988

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: English

Directors: David Hughes, Carol Hughes

Adventure

Set in prehistoric Africa, the lone survivor of an ape‑human clan flees after his tribe is killed by early humans. He crosses steppes, deserts and mountains in search of others of his kind, and hope, battling harsh terrain and isolation. Eventually he reaches a distant coastline, only to find that humans already occupy it, leaving his fate uncertain.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Missing Link 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 – Missing Link (1988)

Trace every key event in Missing Link (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

Discovery of Loch Ness Monster

Sir Lionel Frost and Mr. Lint travel to a lake where they encounter the Loch Ness Monster. Lionel lassoes the beast and captures a photo, but it drags Mr. Lint underwater. Lionel dives in to save him, but their boat is destroyed by the creature's tail.

Lake in the middle of a lake
2

Return to London and Proposal for Sasquatch

Back in London, Mr. Lint quits due to stress and Lionel reviews a letter inviting him to find proof of the Sasquatch. He finds a large footprint and becomes determined to prove its existence, despite lack of support from his society.

London
3

Challenge at the Optimates Club

Lionel offers to find proof of Sasquatch to gain acceptance into the society. Lord Piggot-Dunceby accepts his challenge after breaking his footprint and daring him to succeed, while secretly planning to prevent him from proving the existence of the creature.

London, at the Optimates Club
4

Meeting Mr. Link

Lionel travels to Old Kemp Creek and discovers that the Sasquatch, named Mr. Link, is capable of speech and reading. Mr. Link reveals he wrote the letter inviting Lionel and asks for help in finding other creatures in the Himalayas.

Old Kemp Creek
5

Journey Begins and Encounter with Stenk

Lionel and Mr. Link set out together, avoiding capture by bounty hunter Stenk, who is hired to kill the Sasquatch. They get into a fight in a town bar after Mr. Link is recognized, and then escape to continue their quest.

Town (unspecified)
6

Visit to Adelina and Stealing the Map

The duo visits Adelina in Santa Ana, where Lionel seeks her help in obtaining a map from her late husband’s safe. After a failed attempt, they manage to steal the safe and escape.

Santa Ana
7

Chase at the Train Station

Lionel, Mr. Link, and Adelina attempt to escape on a train disguised as nuns. Stenk and his men pursue them, but Lionel tricks them, and they manage to board another carriage bound for their next destination.

Train station
8

Encounter with Gamu and the Yeti

In India, they seek a guide named Gamu. His granddaughter, Ama, guides them, but Gamu’s home is threatened by Piggot-Dunceby’s men. They continue their journey and arrive at Shangri-La, home of the Yeti.

India, Gamu’s home and Shangri-La
9

Held Prisoner by the Yeti Elders

The heroes are captured and thrown into a pit by the Yeti Elder, who considers Susan (Mr. Link) an outsider unworthy of staying. Susan helps them escape, and they flee across the ice after a chase.

Shangri-La
10

Confrontation and Final Escape

At the ice bridge, Piggot-Dunceby and his men attempt to kill Susan and the others. Lionel declares his friendship with Susan, causing Piggot-Dunceby to fall to his death. The group narrowly escapes Stenk’s attack.

Ice bridge in Shangri-La
11

Return to London and New Beginnings

Lionel, Adelina, and Susan return to London. Adelina chooses to pursue her own life, while Lionel asks Susan to be his new partner in exploration. They look forward to new adventures together.

London
12

Closing Scene

The film ends with a framed photo of Lionel and Susan as friends, symbolizing their bond and the start of new adventures in exploration.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:12

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Missing Link

Don't stop at just watching — explore Missing Link in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Missing Link is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Missing Link Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Missing Link, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Missing Link Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Missing Link

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Missing Link. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Missing Link

Missing Link Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Missing Link that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Missing Link Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Missing Link

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Missing Link: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Missing Link