The ‘Burbs (1989)

Joe Dante’s The ‘Burbs is a dark comedy gem from 1989 that blends suburban paranoia with Hitchcockian suspense and slapstick humor. Starring Tom Hanks, this film dives into the seemingly mundane world of American suburbia, only to slowly unravel a bizarre mystery lurking just behind the picket fences.

Detailed Summary

A Peaceful Cul-de-sac? Think Again

Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks) is a typical suburbanite planning to spend a relaxing week at home. He lives in a cozy cul-de-sac with his wife Carol (Carrie Fisher) and son. However, peace is soon disturbed when Ray becomes suspicious of his new, reclusive neighbors, the Klopeks, who moved into the spooky house next door.

With his colorful neighbors—Vietnam vet Rumsfield (Bruce Dern), nervous Art (Rick Ducommun), and the eccentric teen Ricky (Corey Feldman)—Ray begins snooping around. Trash bags carried out late at night, strange sounds, and a mysterious disappearance start building a case that something sinister is going on.

The Disappearance of Walter

An elderly neighbor, Walter, suddenly goes missing—his dog is left alone, his house unlocked. This becomes the smoking gun for the group’s suspicions. They believe the Klopeks might have murdered Walter and buried him in their backyard or stashed the body in their creepy basement.

The suburban sleuths’ antics escalate. They attempt to spy through binoculars, dig through garbage, and even try to sneak into the Klopek property. Ray becomes increasingly obsessed, convinced something evil is afoot.

Operation Break-In

Eventually, the group executes a full break-in while the Klopeks are away. They dig up the backyard with zero success. Ray accidentally blows up the Klopek house due to a gas line mishap in the basement. As the police and neighbors gather in the aftermath, the Klopeks return and appear calm—but sinister undertones linger.

Movie Ending

Here’s where The ‘Burbs drops the hammer. As Ray, exhausted and humiliated, tries to apologize to Dr. Werner Klopek (Henry Gibson), the doctor ominously insists that Ray was right all along. The real twist: the Klopeks are murderers. Dr. Klopek reveals they’ve killed previous occupants and hidden the bodies in the car trunk, which is accidentally discovered by Rumsfield.

The tension explodes as Dr. Klopek tries to kill Ray in an ambulance, but his attempt fails when the others rescue him and the evidence is finally exposed. The authorities arrest the Klopeks, and Ray is vindicated—though not without having destroyed property, dug illegal holes, and generally caused suburban chaos.

In the final scene, Ray reflects on the craziness of suburban life and bids temporary goodbye to his neighborhood, perhaps a little wiser and certainly more exhausted.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, The ‘Burbs does not include a post-credits scene. Once the credits roll, the story concludes entirely, as was typical for most ’80s films.

Type of Movie

The ‘Burbs is a dark comedy, satirical thriller, and suburban mystery. It blends horror-movie atmosphere with over-the-top comedic performances, poking fun at American middle-class paranoia.

Cast

• Tom Hanks as Ray Peterson
• Carrie Fisher as Carol Peterson
• Bruce Dern as Lt. Mark Rumsfield
• Rick Ducommun as Art Weingartner
• Corey Feldman as Ricky Butler
• Henry Gibson as Dr. Werner Klopek
• Brother Theodore as Uncle Reuben Klopek
• Courtney Gains as Hans Klopek

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, one of Hollywood’s most prolific composers. His music in The ‘Burbs plays up the suspense and absurdity simultaneously, with eerie tones mixed with whimsical cues that mirror the characters’ descent into suburban madness.

Filming Locations

The film was shot primarily on Universal Studios’ Colonial Street, a famous backlot location used in numerous other shows and films (including Desperate Housewives). The cul-de-sac setting becomes a character in itself—its perfectly manicured lawns and near-identical houses emphasize the theme of outward normalcy hiding inner weirdness.

Awards and Nominations

While not an awards darling, The ‘Burbs has gained cult status over the years and is frequently cited in retrospectives and genre appreciation pieces. It didn’t win any major awards but continues to be a fan favorite among dark comedy lovers.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The entire film was shot on a single suburban set, which allowed the cast and crew to work in sequence.
• Tom Hanks joined the project after reading the script and loving its offbeat tone.
• Director Joe Dante, known for Gremlins, brought his usual flair for blending horror with humor.
• Corey Feldman insisted on keeping his character Ricky ultra-laid-back, essentially playing the “audience member” watching the chaos unfold.
• Improvisation was encouraged—many of Bruce Dern and Rick Ducommun’s lines were ad-libbed.

Inspirations and References

The film was inspired by Hitchcock thrillers like Rear Window and social satire films like Blue Velvet. It also plays heavily on Cold War-era paranoia and suburban fear of “the other”—in this case, strange new neighbors.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There is a deleted alternate ending where Ray is taken away in a psychiatric ambulance, implying his paranoia may have been misplaced. This ending was scrapped in favor of a more satisfying conclusion where the Klopeks are proven guilty. Several comedic scenes involving the neighbors were also trimmed for pacing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The ‘Burbs is not based on a book, but its premise draws heavily on suburban myths and urban legends, especially stories about creepy neighbors hiding secrets in their basements.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Ray eating sardines and pretzels offered by the Klopeks—one of the film’s most awkwardly hilarious moments.
• The chaotic backyard dig operation.
• Ray’s dramatic scream and faceplant in the dirt post-house explosion.
• The reveal of the bodies in the car trunk.
• The final confrontation in the ambulance.

Iconic Quotes

• “I’ve never seen that. I’ve never seen anyone drive their garbage down to the street and bang the hell out of it with a stick.” – Art
• “Ray, this is Walter. He’s been kidnapped!” – Art
• “You know what this neighborhood needs? A few more funny guys like you.” – Rumsfield
• “You gotta relax, Ray. You’ll blow your head clean off.” – Carol

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The house used for the Klopeks was also seen in Leave It to Beaver and Desperate Housewives.
• Dr. Klopek’s voice and mannerisms echo classic mad scientist portrayals.
• Joe Dante cast many actors from his previous films, including Gremlins.
• Corey Feldman’s character never actually helps the group—he mostly watches and comments, like a live-action version of a movie audience.

Trivia

• The movie was shot during the 1988 Writers Guild of America strike, which affected rewrites.
• Tom Hanks was transitioning into more serious roles but did The ‘Burbs as a fun detour.
• Despite mixed reviews at release, it has grown into a major cult classic.
• Jerry Goldsmith’s score features subtle nods to horror scores of the past, like The Twilight Zone.

Why Watch?

If you enjoy offbeat, clever comedies with a dark twist, The ‘Burbs is a must-watch. It’s a perfect snapshot of late-’80s suburban culture wrapped in mystery, absurd humor, and satire. Plus, Tom Hanks delivers one of his funniest, most unhinged performances.

Director’s Other Movies

• Gremlins (1984)
• Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
• Innerspace (1987)
• Small Soldiers (1998)
• Matinee (1993)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Rear Window (1954)
• Fright Night (1985)
• Beetlejuice (1988)
• Blue Velvet (1986)
• Neighbors (1981)
• Arliington Road (1999)