Year: 1990
Runtime: 105 min
Language: English
Budget: $47M
A hard-boiled detective, Dick Tracy, pursues the notorious crime boss Big Boy Caprice in this stylish, pulp-inspired thriller. His investigation becomes complicated by the arrival of Breathless Mahoney, a captivating singer who may hold the key to bringing down the kingpin. As Tracy tries to unravel her secrets, he finds himself drawn to her allure, creating tension with his girlfriend, Tess. The case proves to be more dangerous and complex than he initially anticipated.
Get a spoiler-free look at Dick Tracy (1990) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a neon‑slick metropolis that feels plucked straight from a 1930s comic strip, the streets pulse with a mix of gritty realism and exaggerated, cartoonish flair. The city’s towering skyline, bold colors, and rain‑slicked alleys set the stage for a world where law and chaos brush shoulders at every corner. Within this stylized landscape walks Dick Tracy, a hard‑boiled detective whose uncompromising sense of duty is matched only by his iconic yellow coat and unwavering stare. Tracy’s reputation precedes him, and his very presence seems to draw out the city’s darkest whispers, promising a chase that’s as much about personal code as it is about justice.
The thin line between order and an underworld ruled by ambition is embodied by Big Boy Caprice, a notorious crime boss whose very name conjures images of power games played behind velvet curtains and smoky backrooms. The detective’s pursuit of this shadowy figure forms the film’s central thrust, a cat‑and‑mouse game that feels both classic noir and unapologetically larger‑than‑life. The tension is amplified by a visual language that leans into bold graphics, exaggerated silhouettes, and a soundtrack that melds vintage jazz with modern edge, making every moment feel like a living page of pulp fiction.
Complicating Tracy’s relentless hunt is the arrival of Breathless Mahoney, a mesmerizing club singer whose allure is as potent as the mysteries she seems to guard. Her presence introduces a delicate dance of attraction and suspicion, pulling the detective into a web of personal and professional conflict. Meanwhile, his steadfast girlfriend, Tess, anchors him with a loyalty that threatens to clash with the intoxicating pull of the new femme fatale. The interplay of these three characters promises a tantalizing blend of romance, rivalry, and relentless pursuit, setting the tone for a stylishly charged thriller that revels in intrigue without giving away its next move.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:37
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
High-contrast, visually bold crime stories with exaggerated villains and moral clarity.Discover movies like Dick Tracy that use a bold, graphic visual style to tell their crime stories. These films are atmospheric and stylized, often drawing from comic books or pulp fiction, and feature high-stakes action in a world that feels intentionally heightened and theatrical.
These stories typically feature a lone, morally upright hero working to dismantle a flamboyant criminal organization. The narrative is propelled by a series of confrontations, chases, and showdowns, with a focus on the central conflict between good and evil. Romantic subplots often add personal stakes for the protagonist.
They are grouped by their unique combination of a crime-thriller plot with a highly artificial, artistic visual presentation. The shared experience is one of immersive, glamorous danger, where the style is integral to the storytelling and the tone is tense yet entertainingly theatrical.
A singular detective takes on a powerful criminal empire, risking everything.If you liked Dick Tracy's focus on a dogged detective taking on a flashy crime boss, you'll enjoy these films. They feature determined protagonists facing complex criminal networks, often blending police procedural elements with personal sacrifice and explosive action.
The narrative follows the detective's investigation as they piece together clues, face threats and temptations, and engage in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with the crime lord. The journey tests their morals, loyalty, and resolve, culminating in a direct and decisive final confrontation to dismantle the criminal power structure.
These movies share a core plot structure and character dynamic: the archetypal conflict between a principled hero and a formidable criminal antagonist. The appeal lies in the procedural unraveling of the conspiracy, the high personal stakes for the detective, and the satisfying resolution of the central conflict.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Dick Tracy 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 Dick Tracy is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Dick Tracy, 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.
Track the full timeline of Dick Tracy with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Dick Tracy. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dick Tracy: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Dick Tracy that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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