Crackerjack (1938) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Airliner robbery and Drake's intervention

A group of thieves robs a millionaire of diamonds aboard a flying airliner. Police Superintendent Benting tries to intervene, but Jack Drake knocks him out to save him from being shot. The hijackers force the pilot to land so they can dump the passengers, only to discover the diamonds have already been stolen by Drake.

When

In flight

Where

Onboard airliner

Drake becomes a Robin Hood figure

Drake emerges as a modern day Robin Hood, donating the proceeds of his robberies to aid the less fortunate and fund his projects. He writes a book titled Crackerjack, which becomes a bestseller and draws attention from Scotland Yard and the baroness. The public wonders whether the exploits are fact or fiction.

Baroness senses Crackerjack echoes

Baroness Von Haltz reads Crackerjack and feels certain passages remind her of Drake, who once broke her heart. By coincidence, she ends up staying in the same hotel as Drake. She recalls that he left Berlin abruptly, which rekindles old feelings and curiosity.

Where

Hotel

Drake visits the baroness

Drake goes to see the baroness, hoping to mend fences, but she does not forgive him for leaving without a word in Berlin. He explains that he was forced to depart suddenly, trying to set the record straight. The visit strains their uneasy connection further.

Where

Baroness's hotel

Drake funds a hospital with pearls

Drake tells his secretary Burdge to send a 10,000 pound cheque to Buckingham Hospital for a new wing, despite Burdge admitting he is overdrawn. Drake insists that the wealth of Mrs. Humbold, notably her pearls, will cover it. This shows his resolve to use riches for good deeds.

When

Evening

Where

Drake's office

Masquerade ball at Humbold mansion

The Humbolds host a masquerade ball that night, and the baroness is expected to attend. The event highlights Drake's circle and the looming complications with the gang. It serves as the backdrop for a series of misdirections and confrontations.

When

That night

Where

Humbold mansion

Real gangsters collide with the ball

At the ball, the entertainment group the Four Gangsters is replaced by a real gang led by Sculpie. Sculpie kills an unarmed man who resists, and later learns the pearls he took are fake while Drake still holds the real ones. The deception raises the stakes of the heist and Drake's ongoing double game.

When

During the ball

Where

Humbold ballroom

Crackerjack appeal leads to the baroness

A newspaper advertisement seeks Crackerjack's help, drawing Drake into a new mystery. He arranges to meet the person in trouble, who turns out to be the baroness, though he speaks to her indirectly. She asks him to retrieve letters used to blackmail Hambro Golding.

When

That night

Where

Baroness's hotel

Baroness reveals marriage obstacle

The baroness explains that the letters prevent her from marrying and asks Crackerjack to attend to the matter the next night. Drake agrees to take on the task, sensing a deeper game at play. He accepts the challenge while keeping his distance for now.

When

The next night

Where

Baroness's hotel

Golding is part of Sculpie's gang

Unaware that Hambro Golding is part of Sculpie's gang, the baroness mentions that Golding claims Crackerjack will burgle his safe for the non-existent letters. Golding also told her that Crackerjack stole his ring, a family heirloom. The web of deceit tightens around Drake.

When

That night

Where

Baroness's hotel

Baroness overhears the gang's plans

Desperate for information, the baroness returns for her forgotten handbag and overhears the gang discussing Crackerjack's fate. She begins to see how intertwined Drake and Crackerjack are with the criminals. The misdirection reaches a boiling point.

When

That night

Where

Golding's place

Dinner setup and the raid begins

Suspecting Drake is Crackerjack, the baroness sets up a dinner to confront him, but he does not appear at the appointed time. Burdge accompanies her to Golding's place, where Drake is confronted and the raid begins. Drake uses the moment to turn the tables and outsmart the criminals.

When

That night

Where

Golding's place

Raid, escape and marriage plan

During the police raid on Golding's place, Drake is momentarily captured but quickly turns the tables, ensuring the raid proceeds against the gang. He escapes and the baroness joins him, as they fly off together with plans to marry. The confrontation resolves with a personal victory for Drake and a new alliance with the baroness.

When

That night

Where

Golding's place; in flight