Force of Evil

Force of Evil

Year: 1949

Runtime: 79 min

Language: English

Director: Abraham Polonsky

DramaCrimeFilm-Noir

In the dark and dangerous New York City underworld, lawyer Joe Morse faces a difficult choice. He's presented with a lucrative opportunity to become a partner with powerful gangster Ben Tucker, a deal that would grant them control of the numbers racket. However, Joe's brother Leo opposes the scheme, forcing the lawyer to examine his conscience and grapple with conflicting loyalties as he navigates the treacherous world of organized crime.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Force of Evil (1949)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Force of Evil (1949). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Mid-20th century, 1940s

The story takes place during the 1940s, an era marked by economic upheaval and organized crime's influence in urban centers. World War II was ongoing or just concluded, shaping the social and economic landscape. This period is characterized by a rise in illicit activities like the numbers racket and gang conflicts.

Location

New York City, Ghetto neighborhoods

The movie is set in New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its tall skyscrapers, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant street life. The ghetto areas depict the struggles of working-class communities trying to survive amid economic hardships. These locations form a gritty backdrop that highlights themes of crime and ambition.

🌆 Urban 🏙️ Metropolitan 🏘️ Ghetto

Last Updated: July 29, 2025 at 06:43

Main Characters – Force of Evil (1949)

Meet the key characters of Force of Evil (1949), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Joe Morse (John Garfield)

An ambitious and clever lawyer driven by the desire to make millions, Joe navigates the criminal world he’s reluctantly involved in. His intelligence and moral conflict highlight the corrupting influence of greed and power. Throughout the film, his character evolves from a self-serving man to someone seeking redemption.

🧠 Smart 💸 Ambitious 🔀 morally conflicted

Leo (Thomas Gomez)

Joe’s older brother, a small policy bank operator who symbolizes the struggling working class. His refusal to shut down his bank despite mounting debts shows his sense of loyalty and perseverance. His tragic death underscores the destructive impact of organized crime.

👔 Loyal 💪 Resilient ⚠️ Tragic

Doris Lowry (Beatrice Pearson)

A young woman caught between the criminal world and a desire for a better life. She is the object of Joe’s affection, and her moral perspective offers a contrast to the corrupt environment. Her character embodies innocence and hope amid chaos.

🎭 Compassionate 💖 Hopeful 💔 Naive

Last Updated: July 29, 2025 at 06:43

Major Themes – Force of Evil (1949)

Explore the central themes of Force of Evil (1949), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Greed

The film explores greed as a driving force behind the characters' actions, especially in pursuit of quick wealth through illegal schemes. Joe Morse's ambition reflects the corrosive nature of greed that ultimately leads to tragedy. The quest for money intertwines with moral compromises and criminal activity.

⚖️ Corruption

Corruption pervades the story, from law enforcement to gangsters, illustrating how greed and power corrupt institutions and individuals. The characters’ moral dilemmas and betrayals highlight the pervasive influence of crime on society. The movie critically examines the moral ambiguities faced by those involved.

Last Updated: July 29, 2025 at 06:43

Unlock the Full Story of Force of Evil

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

Force of Evil Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Force of Evil, 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.

Force of Evil Summary

Force of Evil Timeline

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

Force of Evil Timeline

Force of Evil Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Force of Evil that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Force of Evil Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Force of Evil

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Force of Evil: 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 Force of Evil

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