Porky’s Movie Mystery

Porky’s Movie Mystery

Year: 1939

Runtime: 7 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Clampett

Animation

Mr. Motto (Porky) is called back from vacation to catch the invisible man.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Porky’s Movie Mystery 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 – Porky’s Movie Mystery (1939)

Trace every key event in Porky’s Movie Mystery (1939) 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

Radio report announces phantom haunting Hollywood

A radio news report by Walter Windshield announces that a mysterious phantom has been haunting Hollywood for weeks, ruining pictures and frightening stars. The story frames the phantom as a growing menace on the studio lot, setting the stage for a city-wide crisis. The report mentions Warmer Bros Studios as the focal point of the phantom's rampage.

Hollywood
2

Studio cops search the lot and question film monsters

Studio police scour the lot in search of the phantom. They even grill famous movie monsters like Frankenstein, who nervously bites his fingernails as the officers question him. The scene demonstrates the surreal, parody atmosphere of the chase.

Warmer Bros Studios
3

Phantom climbs spiral staircase to the ceiling

The phantom ascends a spiraling staircase all the way to the ceiling, heightening his trespass on the lot. He then slides down a pole to the top floor, continuing his clandestine movement. The stunts emphasize the phantom's lingering menace on studio property.

Studio interior
4

Phantom reveals himself in The Invisible Man's dressing room

The intruder sneaks into The Invisible Man's dressing room and dramatically reveals his identity. He explains that his destructive acts are motivated by a personal grievance rather than random spite. His confession frames him as a vengeful former star rather than a mere intruder.

The Invisible Man's dressing room
5

The Invisible Man explains his motive and threat to Hollywood

He tells the audience that he was fired after starring in one picture and vows to dismantle Hollywood by crashing cameras, wrecking reels, and scaring off every star. His boast outlines a vendetta against the industry, painting himself as a calculated saboteur. The scene sets up the central conflict: can anybody stop him?

The Invisible Man's dressing room
6

Public and police seek Mr. Motto to stop the phantom

Fed up with the phantom's wrath, the public and the police demand Mr. Motto to intervene. They ignore his vacation status, forcing a solution through urgent recruitment. The demand escalates the chase from a studio incident into a rescue mission.

Hollywood
7

Motto answers the coconut call and ends his vacation

Mr. Motto is relaxing on a tiny island, reading a Ju Jitsu book when a phone call via a coconut interrupts his vacation. The caller informs him about the phantom, prompting him to drop his holiday and head to Hollywood. The comedic setup emphasizes Motto's reluctance and duty.

Tiny island
8

Motto travels to Hollywood and crashes into the chief's office

Motto answers the call, ends his vacation, and flies off to Hollywood. He crashes into the chief's office, startling the officials and earning a quick welcome as he declares his readiness to work. The entrance sets a humorous tone for his intervention.

Chief's office, Hollywood
9

The Invisible Man spots Motto and hides in a film poster

The Invisible Man spots Motto during the search, sheds his black attire, and blends into a poster advertising an actress named Lotta Dimples in a film called Great Guns. Motto passes by unaware, continuing the pursuit. The trick showcases the playful parody of movie gimmicks.

Studio wall with poster
10

Motto is knocked down by the Invisible Man

The Invisible Man delivers a kick that sends Motto reeling as he remains focused on the investigation. The clash intensifies as the two adversaries exchange blows. The chase shifts from stealth to direct confrontation.

Studio corridor or set
11

The Invisible Man grabs an ax and corners Motto

The Invisible Man grabs an ax and tries to kill Motto, forcing a tense standoff against a wall. Motto's knowledge from his Ju Jitsu training begins to surface as he prepares a counterattack. The moment heightens the danger of the pursuit.

Against a wall
12

Motto defeats the phantom with a fight and book knowledge

Motto rereads his Ju Jitsu manual for guidance, grabs the ax, and launches a counterattack. He then puts the ax down, punches the phantom, and throws him around, gaining the upper hand. The duel showcases a comedic blend of physical humor and decisive victory.

Studio hallway
13

Motto uses anti-invisible juice to reveal the phantom’s true identity

Motto finally uses anti-invisible juice and sprays it over the phantom, revealing him to be Hugh Herbert. The public victory is achieved as the threat is unmasked, wrapping up the chase with a reveal. The ending cements Motto's role as Hollywood's improbable savior.

Studio or set

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:34

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Porky’s Movie Mystery Summary

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Porky’s Movie Mystery Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Porky’s Movie Mystery

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