Great Guy

Great Guy

Year: 1936

Runtime: 66 mins

Language: English

Director: John G. Blystone

CrimeDramaMysteryHigh speed and special opsHeists and thrilling action

SINGLE HANDED- HE BATTLED A NEW KIND OF PUBLIC ENEMY! A meat inspector sets out to rid his town of payoff deals affecting the quality of meat being sold to the public.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Great Guy (1936)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Great Guy (1936). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

Set in a 1930s American city, the story unfolds amid economic hardship and political machine politics. The era’s lax oversight and public demand for reform provide fertile ground for corruption and whistleblowers. The protagonist’s pursuit embodies the era’s tough-on-crime mood and the public’s longing for accountability.

Location

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:54

Main Characters – Great Guy (1936)

Meet the key characters of Great Guy (1936), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Johnny 'Red' Cave (James Cagney)

A principled former boxer who leads the Department of Weights and Measures with relentless integrity. He refuses bribes from merchants and places public welfare above career risk. He is stubborn, resourceful, and fearless in exposing corruption, treating every case as a fight for justice.

🛡️ Integrity 🥊 Courage ⚖️ Justice

Janet Henry (Mae Clarke)

Johnny's fiancée who questions the cost of his crusade. She cares deeply for him while pushing him to consider personal happiness and safety. Her involvement shifts the plot as her tips and support influence key outcomes.

💖 Romance 💬 Loyalty 🗞️ Influence

Patrick James Aloysius 'Pat' Haley (James Burke)

Johnny's naive but well-meaning partner who learns the ropes on the job. He provides contrast to Johnny's hard-edged stance and grows more confident as they uncover schemes. His loyalty helps sustain the crusade while lightening the tone.

🤝 Partnership 📈 Growth

Abel Canning (Henry Kolker)

A powerful city businessman who swindles an orphanage and colludes with the mayor and Cavanaugh. He is calculating and unscrupulous, willing to bend rules for profit. He becomes Johnny's primary target as the corruption network is exposed.

💰 Greed ⚖️ Corruption

Marty Cavanaugh

A ruthless politician and power broker who manipulates the city to protect his rackets. He offers Johnny cushy jobs to look the other way and frames him to ruin his career. He collaborates with other corrupt figures and fights to maintain control.

💼 Power 🎭 Manipulation

Joe Burton

An ex-wrestler hired by Cavanaugh to steal evidence, who becomes a wildcard and later uses leverage against Johnny. His choices heighten the tension and illustrate how individuals can influence the outcome of the fight against corruption.

💪 Violence 🕵️‍♂️ Duality

Mayor (Douglas Wood)

The city’s figurehead, portrayed as a puppet for the corrupt network. He peddles appearances and political theater while allowing rackets to flourish. His role highlights how leadership can be compromised by powerful interests.

🏛️ Leadership 🗳️ Puppetry

Joe Green

The chief deputy who informs Johnny that there are men higher up in the organization. He represents the internal structure of the corruption and the possibility of reform within the system.

🗞️ Insider 🕵️‍♂️ Informant

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:54

Major Themes – Great Guy (1936)

Explore the central themes of Great Guy (1936), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Integrity First

Johnny Cave embodies a rigid personal code, placing public trust above personal gain. He relentlessly pursues corrupt practices, even when faced with bribes and threats. The theme shows that steadfast integrity can challenge powerful interests. It also questions the price one pays for doing the right thing.

🏛️ Political Corruption

The film centers on a web of corruption linking a mayor, a racketeer politician, and business interests. Bribery, blackmail, and cover-ups illustrate how power can manipulate public institutions. The narrative exposes how legitimacy can be maintained through appearances rather than justice. It ultimately pits reform against entrenched interests.

💖 Romance Strain

Janet Henry’s relationship with Johnny tests the balance between love and duty. Her skepticism and concern reflect the personal costs of public crusades. The couple’s engagement frays as Johnny’s investigations threaten powerful figures. Yet the romance provides emotional stakes that humanize the fight for integrity.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:54

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Great Guy Summary

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Great Guy Summary

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Great Guy Timeline

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