Coney Island

Coney Island

Year: 1943

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Walter Lang

ComedyMusic

Set at the turn of the 20th century, con man Eddie Johnson infiltrates Joe Rocco’s Coney Island nightclub. He meets Kate Farley, the club’s flamboyant star singer and Joe’s love interest. Eddie tries to temper her image; rivalry turns to romance as Kate becomes the venue’s star. When Joe plots to ruin their wedding, the couple fights for their future.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Coney Island 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 – Coney Island (1943)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Coney Island (1943). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1905

Set explicitly in 1905, the film situates its characters within the heyday of seaside amusements and early show business. The period is marked by rapid public appetite for spectacle, bold promotional stunts, and the emergence of prominent saloon and theater venues. It presents a snapshot of a pre-jazz age where live performance and carnival acts drew big crowds and big dreams.

Location

Coney Island, Atlantic City, Broadway, New York

The story unfolds across Coney Island's carnival era and related entertainment hubs in the early 20th century. Amusement piers, sideshows, saloons, and stage venues define the setting, blending seaside leisure with theatrical ambition. The action moves from the bustling boardwalks of Coney Island to the grand stages of Broadway-adjacent theaters in New York City, capturing the era's electrifying entertainment culture.

🎡 Carnival Quarter 🌊 Seaside Resort 🎭 Showbiz District 🏙️ City Nightlife

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:42

Main Characters – Coney Island (1943)

Meet the key characters of Coney Island (1943), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eddie Johnson (George Montgomery)

An ambitious promoter and quick-witted showman, Eddie pursues a share in Joe Rocco's growing saloon while navigating fierce rivalries. He thrives on bold schemes, turning a tattooed-woman sideshow into a Turkish Harem to draw crowds. Eddie's charm hides a willingness to manipulate friends and lovers in pursuit of glory, and he dreams of opening his own nightclub.

🎯 Ambitious 🎭 Charismatic 💘 Romantic

Joe Rocco (Cesar Romero)

A rival promoter and saloon owner who resents Eddie's rise and fiercely protects his own business. He orders Eddie to leave and schemes to reclaim control, using deception to stall Eddie's momentum. His calculated ruthlessness and business focus propel much of the story's conflict.

💼 Businessman 🏚️ Rivalry 🗡️ Ruthless

Kate Farley (Betty Grable)

A star singer who becomes the focal point of Eddie and Joe's rivalry and of Hammerstein's theater plans. She is stylish, strong-willed, and professionally driven, initially provoked by Eddie's insult but drawn to his ambition and affection. Her talent propels both her own career and the wider drama around the saloon and theater world.

🎤 Singer 💃 Performer ❤️ Strong-willed

Finnigan / Finnegan (Charles Winninger)

A lovable, heavy-drinking figure whose blundering misadventure triggers the fake funeral plot and adds comedic warmth. He serves as a guidance figure to the crew, mixing vulnerability with endearing humor. His return marks a turning point in the chaos surrounding Eddie and Joe.

🥂 Souse 🎭 Lovable 🧓 Fatherly

Frankie (Phil Silvers)

Eddie's loyal friend who runs a sideshow featuring a tattooed woman and helps convert it into the Turkish Harem. He embraces spectacle and risk, supporting Eddie's schemes while navigating the rough-and-tumble world of carnival entertainment.

🎪 Sideshow Operator 🕺 Entertainer 🤝 Loyal

William Hammerstein (Matt Briggs)

A Broadway impresario who enters the story when Kate is invited to audition. He stages a show starring Kate, tying her career to the formal theater world and testing Eddie and Joe's plans. His involvement adds legitimacy and external pressure to the central romance and business rivalry.

🎬 Producer 🎭 Theater 🏛️ Broadway

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:42

Major Themes – Coney Island (1943)

Explore the central themes of Coney Island (1943), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Showbiz

Showmanship and spectacle drive the plot as Eddie and Joe compete to build the flashiest and most profitable entertainment. The story explores how branding, staging, and crowd-pleasing acts can transform a simple sideshow into a destination venue. It also examines the cost of ambition, where gutsy innovations come with personal and ethical compromises.

💘 Romance

Romantic tension threads through the rivalry, pitting love against business strategy. Kate's loyalty to her art collides with her feelings for Eddie, while Joe's control over her career adds pressure to their relationship. The arc tests trust, forgiveness, and whether love can survive a world built on manipulation and ambition.

⚔️ Rivalry

Rivalry fuels dramatic twists, from insults and monkey-won schemes to staged deceptions like fake funerals. The conflict blurs lines between friend and foe as alliances shift in the pursuit of power and fame. The climax suggests rivalry can yield growth and grudging respect, even as it leaves emotional costs in its wake.

🎶 Music

Music and performance are the engine of the movie's world, shaping careers and crowd reaction. Kate's singing and stage presence become pivotal to her rise, while Hammerstein's theater venture provides a path to legitimacy. The numbers mirror the carnival's energy and underscore how a single show-stopping act can determine personal and professional destinies.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:42

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 Coney Island

Don't stop at just watching — explore Coney Island 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 Coney Island is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Coney Island Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Coney Island, 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.

Coney Island Summary

Coney Island Timeline

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

Coney Island Timeline

More About Coney Island

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Coney Island: 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 Coney Island

Explore More About Movie Coney Island

Coney Island (1943) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Coney Island (1943) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Coney Island (1943) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow