Howard the Duck 1986
Directed by
Willard Huyck
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
In the midst of his ordinary life on Duckworld, an unexpected twist catapults Howard (Howard the Duck) into a thrilling cosmic escapade. A bizarre incident involving his armchair launches him through the cosmos, landing him in Cleveland, Ohio, where he discovers a mesmerizing blend of the familiar and the alien. His encounter with Beverly Switzler, who finds herself in a dire predicament, ignites a spark of heroism in Howard. Utilizing his unorthodox martial arts techniques, he valiantly defends her against her assailants. Following this chaotic event, Beverly graciously invites Howard to stay the night at her apartment.
The subsequent day, Beverly aims to call upon the expertise of Phil Blumburtt, hoping the scientist can assist in sending Howard back to Duckworld. However, upon realizing that Phil is just a lab assistant, Howard’s hopes are dashed, leading him to accept his new life on Earth and to turn down Beverly’s help. He takes up a job as a janitor at a romance spa but eventually resigns, rekindling his bond with Beverly, who is part of the rock band Cherry Bomb.
Tensions rise when Howard bravely confronts the band’s manager, who has sinister intentions of manipulating them for profit. Although he initially triumphs, Howard soon finds himself back at Beverly’s apartment. There, she convinces him to step in as Cherry Bomb’s new manager. As their connection deepens, their romantic relationship reaches a passionate crescendo, only to be abruptly disrupted by Phil and his team, who disclose that a malfunctioning laser spectroscope brought Howard from Duckworld to Earth.
In their urgency to rectify the situation, the group visits the lab, but chaos ensues when the device fails once again, presenting a potential threat to Earth. Amidst this upheaval, Dr. Walter Jenning becomes the unwilling host to an otherworldly being, who ominously refers to himself as the Dark Overlord of the Universe. While they dine at a local eatery, the creature showcases its burgeoning mental powers by wreaking havoc on the surroundings.
A series of misfortunes befalls Howard, as his attempts to broker peace are met with animosity from truckers. He is captured and nearly meets his demise at the hands of the diner’s chef before the Dark Overlord intervenes, demolishing the establishment and abducting Beverly.
Desperate to rescue her, Howard and Phil discover an ultralight aircraft, which becomes their vehicle for the perilous quest to confront the cunning Dark Overlord and save Beverly. Meanwhile, the Dark Overlord concocts a wicked plot to transfer his essence into Beverly’s body via the dimension machine. With the fate of humanity at stake, Howard and Phil arrive just in time to thwart the malevolent plan. They initially believe they’ve vanquished the Dark Overlord using an experimental neutron disintegrator, but the creature’s true form emerges, forcing them into a final showdown. Undaunted, Howard fires the disintegrator again, annihilating the beast and eliminating the threat of the Dark Overlord’s army. However, this decisive action results in the destruction of the laser spectroscope, their sole means of returning to Duckworld, rendering Howard’s abrupt change of fate undeniable. Consequently, he resolves to remain on Earth as Beverly’s manager, while Phil embarks on her tour as part of the crew. Together, they take the spotlight, where Howard joins Beverly on stage, creating a magical combination of music and enchantment.
Timeline
Unexpected Journey Begins
Howard's ordinary life on Duckworld is abruptly altered when a bizarre incident with his armchair sends him hurtling through the cosmos. He unexpectedly lands in Cleveland, Ohio, where the reality he once knew is mixed with the alien world around him.
Meeting Beverly Switzler
Upon arrival in Cleveland, Howard encounters Beverly Switzler, who is caught in a dangerous situation. His desire to help ignites a newfound sense of heroism within him as he courageously defends her from her attackers using unconventional martial arts techniques.
A Night at Beverly's
After their chaotic introduction, Beverly invites Howard to stay at her apartment for the night. This marks the start of their deepening friendship as they navigate the challenges of their unexpected alliance.
Seeking Help from Phil
The next day, Beverly attempts to contact Phil Blumburtt, hoping he can help send Howard back to Duckworld. However, Howard's hopes are crushed when he discovers that Phil is merely a lab assistant instead of the scientist he expected.
Starting a New Life
After the disappointing meeting, Howard decides to accept his new life on Earth despite Beverly's offer of help. He takes up a job as a janitor in a romance spa, but ultimately quits to reconnect with Beverly and her rock band, Cherry Bomb.
Confrontation with the Manager
Tensions rise when Howard confronts Cherry Bomb's unscrupulous manager, who intends to exploit the band for profit. Although Howard initially stands his ground, he finds himself back at Beverly's apartment shortly after the encounter.
Becoming a Manager
Beverly persuades Howard to take the role of Cherry Bomb's new manager. Their relationship grows stronger, and Howard's feelings for Beverly deepen amidst the glitz and glamour of the music scene.
Revelation of the Laser Spectroscope
As Howard and the group bond, Phil reveals that a malfunctioning laser spectroscope was responsible for Howard's journey from Duckworld. This revelation sets the stage for their urgent mission to rectify the error and return Howard home.
Chaos in the Lab
The group's visit to the lab quickly spirals into chaos when the laser device fails again, potentially threatening Earth. During this crisis, Dr. Walter Jenning unwittingly becomes host to the Dark Overlord of the Universe, escalating the danger.
Kidnapping at the Diner
While dining at a local eatery, the Dark Overlord demonstrates his mental powers, causing destruction and panic. In this turmoil, Howard faces unwarranted hostility from truckers, and Beverly becomes abducted by the Overlord.
Desperate Rescue Mission
Determined to save Beverly from the Dark Overlord, Howard and Phil discover an ultralight aircraft. This discovery propels them into an exhilarating adventure as they prepare to confront the Overlord and halt his wicked plan.
Battle Against the Overlord
In a climactic showdown, Howard and Phil attempt to thwart the Overlord's scheme to transfer his essence into Beverly. Just as they believe they have defeated him, the Overlord clouds the situation, revealing his true, menacing form.
Final Showdown
In a desperate bid, Howard uses an experimental neutron disintegrator to annihilate the Overlord. This act comes at a cost, destroying the laser spectroscope and eliminating Howard’s chance of returning to Duckworld.
New Beginnings
With the Dark Overlord defeated and the spectroscope destroyed, Howard accepts his fate to remain on Earth. He embraces a new life as Beverly's manager, while Phil joins her on tour, suggesting a fresh start for them all.
The Spotlight
At the climax of their journey, Howard takes the stage with Beverly, creating a magical moment filled with music and enchantment. Their duet symbolizes the culmination of their adventures and a new chapter in their lives together.
Characters
Howard (Howard the Duck)
Howard is a quirky and witty anthropomorphic duck who finds himself stranded on Earth. With a blend of sarcasm and unexpected bravery, he embraces his role as a hero while navigating human intricacies. His character evolves from a reluctant participant to an active defender of those he cares about.
Beverly Switzler (Lea Thompson)
Beverly is a vibrant and determined woman, passionate about her rock band and fiercely protective of her friends. She represents strength and resilience, often catalyzing Howard's transformation from a bystander to a hero. Her character encapsulates the intersection of love and ambition as she balances her career with her feelings for Howard.
Setting
Time period
The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting the cultural and social atmosphere of the 1980s. During this time, advancements in technology and the rise of pop culture significantly influenced entertainment, exemplified by the presence of rock bands and evolving scientific themes throughout the film.
Location
Duckworld, Cleveland, Ohio
Duckworld is a peculiar planet characterized by its anthropomorphic inhabitants and strange lifestyles. In contrast, Cleveland, Ohio is a bustling urban center known for its rich cultural scene and history. Howard's journey transitions from the whimsical world of Duckworld to the familiar yet alien environment of Cleveland, highlighting the stark contrasts between his home and Earth.
Themes
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Identity
Howard's journey explores themes of identity as he navigates life on Earth away from Duckworld. He grapples with feelings of displacement and ultimately embraces his new role as Beverly's manager, signifying his acceptance of his altered existence. His personal growth reflects the struggles of finding oneself in an unfamiliar environment.
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Love
The film strongly portrays love through Howard and Beverly's evolving relationship. Their bond deepens amidst chaos, showcasing love's ability to flourish even in dire circumstances. Howard's commitment to protecting Beverly emphasizes love's transformative power and its role in bravery and sacrifice.
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Adventure
Howard's unexpected journey thrusts him into a cosmic adventure filled with excitement and danger. As he confronts the Dark Overlord and navigates various perils, the film embodies a thrilling quest. The adventure reflects not only physical challenges but also personal growth as Howard rises to become a hero.
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