Castle on the Hudson

Castle on the Hudson

Year: 1940

Runtime: 77 mins

Language: English

Director: Anatole Litvak

DramaCrime

The big John Garfield thrill ! A hardened crook behind bars comes up against a reform-minded warden.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Castle on the Hudson 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 – Castle on the Hudson (1940)

Trace every key event in Castle on the Hudson (1940) 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

Arrest and sentencing

Tommy Gordon is nabbed by New York authorities after a major heist and is sent to Sing Sing Prison. He receives a minimum seven-year sentence, marking the start of a harsh, regimented life behind bars. The opening days establish his stubborn, defiant nature in a hostile environment.

post-arrest and sentencing Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, NY
2

Adjusting to prison life

Months pass as Tommy settles into the dull routine of prison life and the cold discipline of Sing Sing. He forms a wary relationship with Warden Walter Long, a man he immediately dislikes. The monotony of daily confinement begins to shape his outlook and behavior.

months after arrival Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, NY
3

The Saturday superstition and invitation

Tommy clings to his superstition about never pulling a job on a Saturday. Fellow inmate Steve Rockford invites him to join a planned weekend breakout, but Tommy declines. The refusal underscores the line he won’t cross, even for a chance at freedom.

before the weekend breakout Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, NY
4

Rockford's breakout and death

Rockford's escape attempt goes awry and he dies, leaving Tommy with a grim reminder of the risks of defying the system. The warden takes note of Tommy's refusal to participate, deepening the perceived resolve in the prison hierarchy. The incident elevates tension among the inmates.

the weekend after the invitation Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, NY
5

Parole for a visit to Kay

Hearing that Kay Manners is seriously ill, Warden Long offers Tommy temporary, unsupervised parole to visit her. The parole is granted solely for that purpose and is limited in time. This opportunity tests Tommy's loyalties and choices.

shortly after Rockford's death Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, NY to New York City
6

Parole visit to Kay

Tommy travels to New York to visit Kay and to offer support during her illness. An altercation with his shyster lawyer erupts, and Kay, still convalescent, shoots the lawyer. To protect Kay, Tommy decides to take the blame for the shooting.

parole day New York City
7

Return and fake confession

Tommy returns to Sing Sing and presents a fake confession to Warden Long, hoping to shield Kay from punishment. The act reveals his willingness to sacrifice himself for Kay, though the truth remains concealed. The warden accepts the ruse as the wheels of justice begin to turn.

shortly after the parole visit Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, NY
8

Courtroom trial and conviction

A courtroom trial follows, and despite Kay's objections, Tommy is found guilty of the shooting. He is sentenced to the electric chair, a punishment that tests the limits of loyalty and truth within a pressured legal system. The verdict solidifies his new, costly sense of responsibility.

following the fake confession New York City courtroom
9

Death-row resolve

As the day of execution approaches, Tommy faces death with a remarkable calm, unlike many of his fellow inmates who panic. He accepts the consequences of his choices with stoic dignity, illustrating a complete arc from reckless thief to man of principle.

days/weeks before execution Sing Sing Prison, Death Row
10

The last mile to the chair

On the execution day, Tommy walks the last mile to the electric chair with a solemn, unflinching pace. He is accompanied by Warden Long and the prison chaplain, who stand as quiet witnesses to his final moments. The scene crystallizes the film's themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and fate.

execution day Sing Sing Prison, execution chamber
11

Execution complete

The electric chair executes the sentence, ending Tommy's volatile journey and leaving behind the weight of his choices. Warden Long and the chaplain witness the closing act, marking a somber end to the saga of a man who refused to betray what mattered most. The final image lingers on the cost of love and loyalty.

execution moment Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, NY

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:27

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Castle on the Hudson Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Castle on the Hudson, 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.

Castle on the Hudson Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Castle on the Hudson

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Castle on the Hudson

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