Mr Jolly Lives Next Door

Mr Jolly Lives Next Door

Year: 1988

Runtime: 52 mins

Language: English

Director: Stephen Frears

ComedyHorrorTV Movie

A bored pair of escorts inadvertently get tangled with a ruthless hit gang and the deranged ax‑murderer Mr. Jolly, leading to a night of over‑the‑top bloodshed, gruesome slashings, and twisted comedy. The film blends graphic violence with relentless humor, delivering nonstop gore and hilarity.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Mr Jolly Lives Next Door 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 – Mr Jolly Lives Next Door (1988)

Trace every key event in Mr Jolly Lives Next Door (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

Dreamytime Escorts' devious operation

Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson run Dreamytime Escorts as a spoof agency built on devious, low-minded schemes. They rely on alcohol and humiliation, forcing unsuspecting clients into binge sessions at their expense. When their home-brewed beer is unavailable, they steal from delivery lorries pulling up at the off-licence downstairs, a running gag throughout the film.

Dreamytime Escorts office
2

The brutal neighbor: Mr. Jolly

Mr. Jolly, their psychopathic next-door neighbor, operates as a contract killer who hacks his victims to death while blasting Tom Jones records. His brutality contrasts with the two men’s bumbling ineptitude, underscoring the threat underlying their adventures. He remains a looming danger whenever the two schemes intersect with his world.

Next door to Dreamytime Escorts
3

Henderson refuses protection money

Heimi Henderson owns the off-licence downstairs and has refused protection money from Lovebucket. This defiance makes Lovebucket a persistent antagonist who will not be easily bought off. Henderson’s stance also makes the off-licence a key site for the escalating chaos.

Henderson's off-licence (downstairs)
4

Intercepted contract for Parsons leads to a misinterpretation

A request intended for Mr. Jolly to 'take out' radio host Nicholas Parsons is intercepted by the duo. They misinterpret the order and believe they have won some kind competition rather than being hired for murder. They invite Parsons to spend an evening with them, thinking the encounter proves their supposed competition-winning status.

Mayall and Edmondson's home
5

Morning confrontation over the contract funds

The following morning, Lovebucket demands to know what happened to the contract money. The pair confess that they spent it on 1574 gin and tonics, which infuriates Lovebucket and cements the need to fulfill the contract. The scene heightens the ridiculousness of their operation and stakes of their misadventures.

Dreamytime Escorts office/home
6

Return to Parsons’s location and chaotic pursuit

Determined to kill Parsons, the two return to his location armed with a gun, a chainsaw and grenades. Parsons escapes by helicopter, heading toward the off-licence, triggering a chaotic pursuit with Lovebucket and his gang. The chase ends when the duo crash their van into a skip.

Parsons's location; chase to off-licence
7

Parsons meets Jolly at Henderson’s off-licence

Parsons reaches Henderson's off-licence but cannot find Henderson. He goes upstairs and encounters Mr. Jolly, who presumably kills him. The scene heightens the film’s sense of farcical danger around the Dreamytime Escorts.

Henderson's off-licence
8

Escape plans and a warning from Henderson

Mayall and Edmondson return to their office and begin packing to move to Rio, but they spot Jolly's office and observe him talking with Lovebucket. The sight confirms that Parsons’s open off-licence is imminent and the plan to act expands the scope of their blundering. Henderson’s presence hints at further complications.

Dreamytime Escorts office
9

Henderson overhears the kill-talk and is shot

Henderson overhears the two discussing killing Parsons and attempts to intervene. Mayall shoots Henderson, but deceives Edmondson into thinking he did the deed. The misdirection allows the two to press on with their dangerous agenda.

Henderson's off-licence
10

Explosive tonic water erupts

Edmondson reaches for a celebratory drink but instead grabs a bottle of explosive tonic water, triggering an explosion in the off-licence. The blast devastates the shop and the surrounding chaos continues the duo’s ridiculous escape. Both survive the explosion, continuing their flight.

Henderson's off-licence
11

Credits reveal a canal-style escape

During the credits the two survive and are seen walking along a canal. Mayall shoves Edmondson into the water, then walks off as Edmondson flails, maintaining their chaotic dynamic to the end. The ending leaves their fate open to future misadventures.

Canal

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:18

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 Mr Jolly Lives Next Door

Don't stop at just watching — explore Mr Jolly Lives Next Door 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 Mr Jolly Lives Next Door is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Mr Jolly Lives Next Door Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mr Jolly Lives Next Door, 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.

Mr Jolly Lives Next Door Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mr Jolly Lives Next Door

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mr Jolly Lives Next Door

More About Mr Jolly Lives Next Door

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Mr Jolly Lives Next Door: 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 Mr Jolly Lives Next Door

Similar Movies to Mr Jolly Lives Next Door

Discover movies like Mr Jolly Lives Next Door that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.