Black Legion

Black Legion

Year: 1937

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Director: Archie Mayo

CrimeDramaPolitics and human rightsCrime drugs and gangstersRacism and the powerful fight for justice

After a diligent machinist is passed over for a promotion in favor of a Polish‑born colleague, he is drawn into the clandestine Black Legion. The secretive group uses intimidation and brutal violence to control foreign workers, pulling him deeper into its criminal world.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Black Legion (1937)

Trace every key event in Black Legion (1937) 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

Joining the Black Legion

Frank Taylor, a Midwestern factory worker who expects a promotion, is passed over for advancement. He joins the Black Legion, a secret hate group, and dons a hood and robes as he embraces the cause.

Midwestern factory town
2

Torchlight raid against immigrants

The Black Legion conducts a torchlight raid in the town, driving the Polish immigrant and his family from their home. The brutality of the attack demonstrates the group's mindless violence and solidifies Taylor's commitment to the Legion.

Town
3

Promoted after the raid

Back at the factory, Taylor is promoted, and for a moment all seems well. The promotion appears to validate his decision to join the Legion.

Factory
4

Industrial accident and demotion

During a bathroom break while recruiting for the Legion, an industrial accident destroys an expensive machine. Taylor is blamed for the loss and is demoted in favor of Irish co-worker Mike Grogan.

Factory
5

Grogan abducted and tortured

That night, the Black Legion abducts Grogan and ties him to a tree. He is tortured, illustrating the group's brutal methods.

Outskirts of town
6

Suspicions and confrontations

Ed Jackson suspects Taylor is connected to the attacks on immigrants. He discusses his concerns with Ruth, who confronts Taylor, and he responds with violence, causing Ruth to leave him.

Home
7

Life unravels and betrayal

Taylor's Black Legion activities and drinking intensify, and he loses his job. He also begins a relationship with a woman of ill repute.

Midwestern town
8

Confession to Jackson

Seeing his friend's life unravel, Jackson expresses concern. A drunken Taylor confesses about his life in the violent Black Legion to Jackson.

Town
9

Leadership orders violence

Fearing that Jackson might expose them, Taylor informs the Black Legion leadership about what Jackson knows. The leadership orders Taylor to capture and execute Jackson.

Black Legion HQ
10

Jackson vows to inform authorities

Jackson threatens to inform local authorities about the group. He remains determined to expose the conspiracy.

Town
11

Kidnapping and murder

One evening, Taylor and disguised Legion members kidnap Jackson; he briefly escapes. In a panic, Taylor shoots and kills him.

Evening Town outskirts
12

Arrest, trial and confession

Taylor is arrested for Jackson's murder. Ruth returns to support him at the trial. The Black Legion's lawyer threatens Taylor's wife and son to stop him from implicating the group. In court, Taylor speaks the truth, implicating the organization.

Courtroom
13

Conviction and sentence

In the end, all local members of the Black Legion are sentenced to life in prison for Jackson's murder, including Frank Taylor. The verdict marks the downfall of the group's influence in the town.

Courtroom/Prison

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:25

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Black Legion Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Black Legion

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Black Legion

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