Cafe Hostess

Cafe Hostess

Year: 1940

Runtime: 65 mins

Language: English

Director: Sidney Salkow

DramaCrime

At a dancehall the warning “Check your hat, mister!” rings out—shirts disappear before the night ends. A dancer meets a sailor and their romance blooms, but the club’s owner who wants her to stay blocks her departure. Caught between the sea’s pull and the owner’s grip, she must decide whether to risk everything for love.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Cafe Hostess (1940)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cafe Hostess (1940). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story is set in an unspecified contemporary period, likely around the mid-20th century, capturing a gritty urban environment typical of that era. The activities and attire suggest a time when waterfront districts and small nightclubs thrived as centers of illicit entertainment. The period context emphasizes themes of crime, redemption, and the struggle for a better life.

Location

waterfront nightclub, clip joint

The movie takes place primarily in a seedy waterfront nightclub known as a clip joint, a type of shady venue often associated with illicit activities. These clubs are characterized by their gritty atmosphere and underground reputation. The setting reflects the noir tone of the story, highlighting the darker aspects of urban nightlife.

🌊 Waterfront 🎭 Seedy 🕺 Nightlife

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Main Characters – Cafe Hostess (1940)

Meet the key characters of Cafe Hostess (1940), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jo (Ann Dvorak)

Jo is a troubled hostess working in a seedy nightclub, caught between survival and morality. She is vulnerable, yet shows a desire to break free from her exploitative environment. Her character embodies the struggle for redemption and the hope for a better life.

🎭 Protagonist 🌹 Vulnerable 💪 Resilient

Dan Walters (Preston Foster)

Dan is a sailor and the film's moral compass, who shows genuine compassion for Jo. He is brave and determined, risking his safety to help her escape her dangerous world. His actions reflect themes of love and justice.

🧭 Hero ❤️ Caring ⚔️ Protector

Eddie Morgan (Douglas Fowley)

Eddie is the ruthless nightclub owner who manipulates and controls the illicit activities happening at the club. His authoritarian presence and violent temper make him a formidable antagonist, embodying corruption and exploitation.

🎩 Antagonist 🔥 Violent ⚙️ Corrupt

Annie (Wynne Gibson)

Annie is a former hostess who returns to the club seeking justice and a new beginning. She is determined and brave, willing to confront her past and aid the police. Her character highlights themes of redemption and morality.

🙋‍♀️ Supporting 🔥 Brave 🎖️ Redeemed

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Major Themes – Cafe Hostess (1940)

Explore the central themes of Cafe Hostess (1940), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🖤 Redemption

The film explores the theme of seeking redemption amidst a corrupt environment. Jo, a hostess trapped in a life of crime, aspires to escape her circumstances, while Dan seeks to help her break free from the cycle of violence and vice. The story underscores the possibility of change despite a dark and dangerous setting.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a central theme as the characters grapple with their moral choices. Annie’s confession and Dan’s efforts to uncover the illegal activities highlight the pursuit of truth and accountability. The story suggests that despite corruption, the desire for honesty and retribution persists.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

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Unlock the Full Story of Cafe Hostess

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Cafe Hostess Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cafe Hostess, 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.

Cafe Hostess Summary

Cafe Hostess Timeline

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

Cafe Hostess Timeline

Cafe Hostess Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Cafe Hostess that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Cafe Hostess Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Cafe Hostess

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cafe Hostess: 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 Cafe Hostess

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