The Dark Backward

The Dark Backward

Year: 1991

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Adam Rifkin

Comedy

A struggling comedian's pursuit of fame is supported by his enthusiastic friend, whose unwavering praise keeps his spirits high. However, his stand-up performances consistently fail to impress. His fortunes change unexpectedly when he develops a third arm, which surprisingly becomes the catalyst for his comedic breakthrough. Amidst newfound success and personal doubts, he also faces the loss of his girlfriend.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Dark Backward (1991)

Trace every key event in The Dark Backward (1991) 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

Marty Malt's bleak world

Marty Malt is an unhappy garbage man who moonlights as an atrociously unfunny stand-up comic. He lives in a dark, grimy urban netherworld dominated by Blump's, where everything seems owned and controlled. His best friend Gus laughs at his jokes, though his sincerity is questionable.

Grimy city under Blump's control
2

Gus pushes for a talent scout

Gus convinces talent agent Jackie Chrome to check out Marty's act. Jackie is not impressed and remains skeptical about Marty’s potential.

Marty's usual club
3

A lump appears and medical response

A large lump starts growing on Marty's back, threatening his career and self-image. He visits a quack doctor who dismisses him as a wimp and patches the lump with a Band-Aid. The lump continues to grow beyond the doctor's control.

Quack doctor's office
4

The three-armed freak changes his life

The lump becomes a full three-armed limb, reshaping how people see him. Gus uses the freak to charm his morbidly obese girlfriends, while Rosarita dumps Marty and he loses his club gig.

Club and Rosarita's vicinity
5

Desi the Three-Armed Wonder Comic is born

Gus brings Marty to Jackie, who has always dreamed of discovering a genuine three-armed comic. Marty is rechristened 'Desi the Three-Armed Wonder Comic,' with Gus providing musical accompaniment on the accordion. This marks a fresh start for his career.

Jackie's office
6

Semi-successful shows and a Hollywood call

Desi's new act performs a few semi-successful shows, earning Marty some laughs and attention. The rising momentum catches the eye of a Hollywood talent agent, Dirk Delta, who offers them a possible job.

Live clubs; later Dirk Delta's agency
7

Dirk Delta offers the big break

Marty, Gus, and Jackie celebrate the offer Dirk Delta makes them for a big break in Hollywood. The chance at real stardom makes the team hopeful about the future.

Dirk Delta's office
8

The morning after the breakthrough: arm vanishes

The celebratory mood collapses when Marty wakes up to discover his third arm has inexplicably vanished. The disappearance unsettles the group and threatens to undo their progress.

Dirk's office / hotel room
9

Plan to tell Dirk the truth

Jackie, initially furious, calms down and resolves to tell Dirk the truth about the missing arm, following Marty's suggestion. They prepare to inform Dirk and salvage the situation.

Jackie's office / Dirk's agency
10

Dirk enlists Gus to fill the spot

Marty phones Dirk to report the bad news, and Dirk unexpectedly asks them to send Gus to fill the spot with his accordion playing. Gus is ecstatic and leaves almost immediately to take the new role.

Dirk's agency
11

Marty regains his job and finds laughter

Marty remains sad but returns to the club and regains his job. He leans into the story of his elusive third arm in his act and finally gets a few laughs from the crowd.

Comedy club

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:47

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The Dark Backward Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Dark Backward

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