Dick Tracy

Dick Tracy

Year: 1990

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Budget: $47M

ActionThrillerComedyRomanceCrimeMusic

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.

Dick Tracy (1990) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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

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Visually Stylized Crime Thrillers like Dick Tracy

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.

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Narrative Summary

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.

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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.

Movies about a Detective Fighting Organized Crime like Dick Tracy

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.

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Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

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Dick Tracy Summary

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Dick Tracy Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dick Tracy

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dick Tracy

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