Black Hand

Black Hand

Year: 1950

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard Thorpe

DramaCrimeThriller

It’s Gene Kelly against The Black Hand! In turn-of-the-century New York, an Italian seeks vengeance on the mobsters who killed his father.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Black Hand 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 & Setting – Black Hand (1950)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Black Hand (1950). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1900-1908

The story unfolds in the early 1900s New York, beginning with a murder in 1900 and returning in 1908 as Giovanni seeks vengeance. It captures a period of mass immigration, street-level crime, and the rise of organized crime like the Black Hand. The era features a strained legal system, bombings, and shifting loyalties.

Location

Little Italy, New York City

Little Italy is depicted as a tight-knit Italian immigrant enclave in the early 20th century. It serves as the backdrop for the Black Hand extortion racket and a focal point for community resistance. The streets show both the danger of gang violence and the strength of solidarity among families and neighbors.

🏘️ Italian-American neighborhood 🗽 New York City 🕵️ Crime era

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:23

Main Characters – Black Hand (1950)

Meet the key characters of Black Hand (1950), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Giovanni E. 'Johnny' Columbo

A determined, disciplined heir to a legal tradition who shifts from vengeance to studying law after his father’s murder. He partners with Isabella to mobilize the community and is willing to take bold risks against the mob. His arc blends personal love with a pursuit of justice and reform.

⚖️ Justice-seeker 🗡️ Vengeful ❤️ Loyal

Isabella Gomboli

Childhood friend and love interest who becomes Giovanni’s ally. She helps organize resistance to the Black Hand and supports Giovanni’s legal ambitions, enduring threats to protect her family and the community. Her courage anchors the human side of the struggle.

💪 Brave 🧭 Loyal 💖 Romantic

Louis Lorelli

Police detective who urges Giovanni away from reckless vengeance while uncovering key evidence after a bombing. He remains committed to the pursuit of justice, even in the face of danger, and ultimately becomes a casualty of the gang conflict.

🕵️ Detective 🛡️ Principled ⚖️ Persistent

Roberto Columbo

An Italian-American attorney whose murder in 1900 triggers the vendetta and exposes extortion schemes. His death galvanizes his son’s quest for justice and sets the legal-criminal conflict in motion.

🧠 Attorney 🗝️ Protective 🕯️ Tragic

Caesar Xavier Serpi

A ruthless mob figure who embodies the Black Hand’s menace and orchestrates kidnappings and intimidation. He represents the organized-crime leadership Giovanni and his allies confront.

🎭 Boss 🗡️ Ruthless 🕳️ Cunning

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:23

Major Themes – Black Hand (1950)

Explore the central themes of Black Hand (1950), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

A central thread is the pursuit of justice in a city where witnesses are intimidated and the law seems slow to respond. Giovanni and Lorelli pursue truth through investigation and courage, while courts and deportations reveal the limits of formal justice. The drama probes whether justice can prevail within a corrupt environment.

⚔️ Vendetta

Giovanni’s quest is driven by family honor after his father’s murder, fueling a personal struggle against the Black Hand. The pursuit blends romance with risk as he confronts gang leaders and kidnappings. The narrative tests how far vengeance can go and the cost it exacts on those involved.

🗽 Immigration

Set against the influx of Italian immigrants, the film portrays Little Italy as a microcosm where tradition, crime, and activist efforts intersect. Immigrant identity shapes choices, alliances, and the sense of belonging in a city that offers opportunity but demands sacrifice. The period tensions highlight the pressures faced by communities forged in a new land.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:23

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Black Hand

Don't stop at just watching — explore Black Hand in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Black Hand is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Black Hand Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Black Hand, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Black Hand Summary

Black Hand Timeline

Track the full timeline of Black Hand with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Black Hand Timeline

More About Black Hand

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Black Hand: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Black Hand

Similar Movies to Black Hand

Discover movies like Black Hand that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.