Code of Silence

Code of Silence

Year: 1985

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Davis

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

During the vibrant mod culture of 1960s London, Detective Nipper Read confronts escalating crime and a pervasive sense of corruption. Tasked with restoring order, he finds himself facing immense pressure and moral dilemmas as he investigates the notorious Kray twins. Navigating a dangerous web of intimidation, Read must decide how far he’s willing to go to achieve justice and break the code of silence surrounding the city's underworld.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Code of Silence (1985)

Trace every key event in Code of Silence (1985) 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

Sting goes wrong: ambush during exchange

In Uptown Chicago, Sergeant Eddie Cusack leads a sting operation against Colombian traffickers led by Luis Comacho. The plan derails when gunmen disguised as painters ambush the exchange, triggering a chaotic shootout. Several Colombians are killed, Cusack's partner Dorato is wounded, and two of Luna's men die.

Uptown, Chicago
2

Cragie commits a fatal misdeed and frames a bystander

As chaos erupts, aging cop Cragie shoots an unarmed bystander and plants a gun to fake self-defense. The reckless act triggers internal investigations and he is placed on leave pending a hearing. Cusack's trust in the system begins to fracture.

Uptown Chicago
3

Luna flees and seeks protection for his daughter

Fearing retaliation, Luis Comacho's associate Luna flees and asks Lou Gamiani to safeguard his artist daughter, Diana. The request sets off a dangerous chain of events as the criminals try to keep her out of sight. The mood tightens around the underworld's grip on Chicago.

Chicago
4

Cusack ostracized; refuses to sign petition; Kopalas becomes partner

Cusack refuses to sign a petition clearing Cragie, which shuns him from the precinct. He is stuck with Cragie's rookie partner, Kopalas, who witnessed the gun-planting but won't testify. Dorato remains his ally among the officers.

Chicago Police Department
5

The Comachos retaliate: massacre of Luna's family

The Comachos masquerade as food vendors to attack, massacring Luna’s family in a calculated retaliation. Gamiani is killed trying to stop the kidnapping of Diana. The brutality escalates the stakes for Cusack.

City streets
6

Diana kidnapped; Cusack chases through the L train

Diana is abducted during the assault, and Cusack engages in a dramatic chase through the L train to rescue her. He then hides Diana in a safe house with Ted Pirelli, the retired cop who was his late father's partner.

Chicago, L train
7

Hearing reveals tensions and Cragie's misconduct

At Cragie's hearing, Cusack testifies that he cannot comment on the incident since he arrived after it occurred. It is revealed he once filed for Cragie's transfer, highlighting fractures in the police's 'code of silence.' Dorato remains his ally while others question him.

Hearing room, Chicago
8

Pirelli killed, Diana abducted again; Cusack storms hangout

When Pirelli is killed and Diana is abducted again, Cusack storms the Comacho hangout alone after his backup call is ignored. He is overpowered by the gang but learns that Tony Luna's return to Chicago is imminent.

Comacho hangout
9

Luis threatens Diana; Luna's return looms

Luis taunts that he will hurt Diana unless Luna is handed over, heightening the danger surrounding the custody of Diana. The threat accelerates Cusack's resolve to act, despite the risk of escalation. Luna's impending return casts a heavier shadow over the streets.

Comacho hideout
10

Dorato tips Cusack to Luna's location

Dorato quietly tips Cusack to Luna's location, breaking part of the code they had previously upheld. This tip sparks a new pursuit as Cusack assembles what remains of the force to retrieve Luna. The information shifts the balance as the hunt goes underground.

Chicago
11

Chase ends in Luna's death

A high-stakes chase culminates in Luna's death, removing the primary obstacle to Diana's safety. Cusack's determination grows as the case tightens around the remaining players. The immediate threat to Diana intensifies the final confrontation.

Chicago
12

Cusack activates the Prowler and strikes the hideout

With no other options, Cusack retrieves the Prowler, an armed police drone, and launches an assault on the Comacho hideout. The controversial tactic draws criticism from fellow officers who see it as rogue action.

Comacho hideout
13

Kopalas exposes Cragie's misconduct

As the operation escalates, Kopalas steps forward to expose Cragie's misconduct, challenging the long-standing code of silence within the department. This revelation shifts alliances and restores some accountability. Dorato's earlier loyalty is reinforced in light of the exposure.

Police department
14

Final showdown: Diana saved, Luis killed

Cusack defeats the Comachos and saves Diana from Luis, killing him just in time to prevent any further harm. The victory vindicates his methods and underscores the cost of loyalty and justice. The criminals are defeated, and Diana is secured.

Comacho hideout
15

Resolution: duty, respect, and next day return

Backup arrives and Cusack ensures Diana’s safety, regaining the respect of his peers. His commander asks if he will report for duty the next day, and Cusack, having proven his dedication, agrees to return. The day closes with a sense of restored order and personal resolve.

Chicago

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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Code of Silence Summary

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Code of Silence Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Code of Silence

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