Angel on My Shoulder

Angel on My Shoulder

Year: 1946

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Archie Mayo

ComedyFantasyRomanceRelationship comedyGritty crime and ruthless gangsters

An angel perches on his shoulder as the devil lurks in his heart, pulling him opposite ways. To settle his debts, the devil revives a dead gangster, giving him a new life as a judge. Caught between celestial guidance and infernal temptation, he must use his judicial power to atone for past sins and face the pull of both angelic and demonic forces.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Angel on My Shoulder (1946)

Trace every key event in Angel on My Shoulder (1946) 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

Kagle dies after prison release

After his release from prison, gangster Eddie Kagle is killed by his partner Smiley Williams. His soul descends to Hell, where he meets Nick, the Devil. Nick proposes a chance to escape Hell by helping with a problem, setting up a pivotal pact.

2

Deal to transfer into Judge Parker's body

Nick explains that Kagle's ticket out of Hell is to transfer his soul into the upright Judge Frederick Parker. Parker is ambitious and running for governor, a situation Nick fears could give him more trouble. Kagle agrees to the transfer so he can pursue revenge on Williams.

3

Kagle inhabits Parker; odd things begin

As soon as Kagle appears in Parker's body, strange things begin to happen around Parker's life. His schemes to ruin Parker's reputation backfire, frequently improving Parker's image instead. The conflict pits Kagle's malicious goal against Nick's plans.

4

Kagle falls for Barbara Foster

While inhabiting Parker, Kagle meets Barbara Foster, Parker's fiancée, and he falls in love with her. This emotional turn complicates his vendetta and shakes his allegiance to Nick. He begins to question the path of vengeance he has chosen.

5

Kagle rebels against Nick

Kagle's growing feelings for Barbara clash with his mission to ruin Parker. He experiences inner turmoil as he questions whether revenge is worth sacrificing real happiness. Nevertheless, his actions still pull toward undermining Nick's plan.

6

Confrontation with Williams and the truth

Nick offers Kagle the chance to shoot Williams and complete the revenge. Instead, Kagle confronts Williams with the truth about their earlier crimes. Williams is shocked and frightened by the confrontation.

7

Williams dies by the open window

Shocked, Smiley Williams backs away and falls out of an open window to his death. The immediate target of Kagle's revenge is eliminated.

8

Kagle wants to stay and reform Parker's mission

With Williams dead and his own feelings growing, Kagle desires to stay alive and with Barbara, and to take up Parker's mission to help troubled youth. He contemplates breaking away from Nick's plan.

9

Nick's constraint on Kagle's presence

Nick tells Kagle that every moment he remains in Parker's life denies Parker and Barbara their rightful future. He demands that Kagle relinquish Parker's body.

10

Kagle relinquishes Parker's body; Parker and Barbara reunited

Kagle agrees to step out of Parker's body and bids Barbara farewell. Parker and Barbara are finally able to share a tearful reunion in their own life.

11

Nick returns Kagle to Hell

Nick takes Kagle back to Hell, leaving Judge Parker in a much better position than before. The Devil remains wary of Parker's integrity and potential influence.

12

Final bargain: Kagle becomes a trusty

The Devil threatens harsher punishment, and Kagle responds by blackmailing him. He asks to be made a trusty in exchange for not revealing Nick's blunders, and Nick reluctantly agrees. Kagle is left in Hell with a precarious new role.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:15

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Angel on My Shoulder Summary

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Angel on My Shoulder Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Angel on My Shoulder

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Angel on My Shoulder

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Angel on My Shoulder (1946) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Angel on My Shoulder (1946) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Angel on My Shoulder (1946) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow