Held For Ransom

Year: 1938

Runtime: 59 mins

Language: English

Director: Clarence Bricker

Crime

MEET MISS FEDERAL AGENT! She starts where all others fall! A female detective investigates the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman.

Held For Ransom (1938) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Held For Ransom (1938) 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 the rugged, snow‑capped mountains of a secluded Utah town, a kidnapping has sent ripples through a world of polished boardrooms and quiet cabins. The case lands on the desk of a determined federal investigator who prefers to work under a different name. Betty Mason steps into the inn incognito, her notebook disguising a sharp eye for detail, and quickly discovers that the remote lodge and its surrounding wilderness hold more questions than answers. The film’s atmosphere is taut and chilly, a blend of classic noir intrigue and stark, natural beauty that keeps the audience hovering between the comfort of a hearth and the menace of the dark woods beyond.

At the heart of the mystery is a wealthy businessman whose disappearance has left his family scrambling for answers. His nephew, a confident yet unsettled heir, arrives to take charge of the situation, bringing along a longtime friend who knows the terrain better than anyone. Larry Scott carries the weight of family expectations while trying to make sense of a scenario that seems to twist at every turn. The relationship between him and his companion adds a layer of camaraderie that softens the otherwise tense environment, hinting at loyalties that may be tested as secrets begin to surface.

The tone of Held For Ransom is a careful balance of suspense and dry wit, allowing the cold landscape to become a character in its own right. Every hallway, creaking floorboard, and flickering lamp contributes to a feeling that the walls themselves might be listening. As Betty navigates the thin line between observer and participant, the audience is invited to wonder who can truly be trusted when every shadow could conceal a clue or a new threat.

With a plot that hinges on the interplay of authority, family duty, and the relentless pursuit of truth, the film sets the stage for a cat‑and‑mouse dance that is as much about uncovering hidden motives as it is about surviving the unforgiving environment that surrounds the small community.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:08

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Fast-Paced Crime Thrillers with Clever Sleuths like Held For Ransom

Compelling investigations driven by sharp-witted heroes against the clock.If you enjoyed the clever investigation and urgent pace of Held For Ransom, you'll like these movies. This list features crime stories where sharp-witted protagonists race against time to solve a case, delivering tense, straightforward, and ultimately satisfying narratives.

tensesuspensefulmethodicalurgenthopefulcleverinvestigative

Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a linear, cause-and-effect structure where a crime (like a kidnapping or theft) sets a determined hero on a path of discovery. The plot is driven by a sequence of clues, confrontations, and narrow escapes, building suspense through the protagonist's intellect and grit rather than graphic violence or deep psychological turmoil.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared focus on a procedural investigation, a fast and engaging pace, and the appeal of a capable hero overcoming obstacles through wit and determination. The tone is consistently tense yet hopeful, leading to a conclusive and positive resolution.

Classic Crime Suspense Movies with a Light Touch like Held For Ransom

Pulpy stories with high stakes that avoid heavy emotional weight.For viewers who liked the tense yet lighthearted feel of Held For Ransom, this list highlights similar vintage crime stories. These films deliver suspenseful plots involving kidnapping or theft but are characterized by straightforward narratives, brisk pacing, and a focus on fun over grim realism.

suspensefulpulpyclandestineurgenthopefuldeceptionclassic era

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a clear-cut crime that disrupts the status quo, prompting a straightforward investigation or pursuit. While the stakes are high, the execution avoids graphic violence or psychological depth, focusing instead on the cat-and-mouse game, deceptive plots, and a final chase or confrontation that neatly wraps up the story.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific mood blend: the genuine suspense of a crime plot is balanced by a procedural, almost pulpy approach that keeps the emotional weight light. This creates an engaging, fast-paced experience that is more about the fun of the chase than the gravity of the crime.

Unlock the Full Story of Held For Ransom

Don't stop at just watching — explore Held For Ransom 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 Held For Ransom is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Held For Ransom Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Held For Ransom, 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.

Held For Ransom Timeline

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Held For Ransom

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Held For Ransom. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

More About Held For Ransom

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Held For Ransom: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Held For Ransom

Discover movies like Held For Ransom 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.