Johnny Dangerously (1984) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is set in New York City during the early 20th century. The story begins in a pet shop in the bustling city, which serves as a backdrop for Johnny Kelly's transformation from an innocent newsboy to a notorious crime lord. The city's chaotic streets and vibrant culture reflect the tumultuous journey of its characters.

• new york city
• setting
• location
• pet shop
• 1900s

The movie primarily takes place in the early 20th century, specifically jumping between 1910 and 1935. This era was marked by significant social changes and the rise of organized crime in America, providing the perfect backdrop for a gangster parody.

• time period
• 1910
• 1935
• early 1900s
• era

The film's central theme revolves around family loyalty. Johnny's criminal path is driven by his desire to support his mother and brother, showcasing the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. The tension between his double life and his family's perception of him highlights the conflict between personal ambition and familial duty.

• family loyalty
• theme
• family
• love
• sacrifice

Johnny Kelly, also known as Johnny Dangerously, is the protagonist played by Michael Keaton. He begins as a scrappy newsboy with dreams of escaping crime but ultimately becomes a notorious criminal to fund his brother Tommy's law school education. He embodies the conflict between maintaining a secret criminal life and seeking his family's approval.

• johnny kelly
• johnny dangerously
• protagonist
• michael keaton
• criminal

Tommy Kelly is Johnny's younger brother, an ambitious law student who dreams of a respectable life. His aspirations for a legal career symbolize hope and the desire for a better future. When he becomes a District Attorney, it creates complications for Johnny, as his brother's pursuit of justice directly threatens Johnny's criminal enterprise.

• tommy kelly
• brother
• district attorney
• law student
• griffin dunne

Ma Kelly, played by Maureen Stapleton, is the resilient mother who works tirelessly to provide for her family after her husband's execution. She represents the emotional anchor in the story, showcasing unwavering love and sacrifice for her sons. Her relationship with Johnny provides the emotional motivation for his descent into crime.

• ma kelly
• mother
• family
• maureen stapleton
• support

Jocko Dundee, played by Peter Boyle, is the local crime boss who serves as the catalyst for Johnny's descent into organized crime. Charismatic yet ruthless, Dundee represents the alluring yet dangerous side of crime, tempting Johnny with promises of power and wealth and pushing him into a life he initially intended to avoid.

• jocko dundee
• crime boss
• villain
• peter boyle
• organized crime

The film explores justice and morality through Johnny's transformation into Johnny Dangerously, which leads him through various moral dilemmas. His journey illustrates the blurred lines between right and wrong, as crime becomes a means to achieve noble ends. The climax raises questions about the legal system and whether true justice comes through unexpected circumstances.

• justice
• morality
• law
• crime
• consequences

Johnny and Tommy's relationship is central to the film. Johnny commits crimes specifically to fund Tommy's law education, wanting to give his brother the respectable life he never had. However, when Tommy becomes a District Attorney, their relationship becomes strained as Johnny must use his underworld connections to protect his brother from dangerous enemies.

• brothers
• family relationship
• tension
• loyalty
• conflict

Johnny Dangerously is a comedic spoof of classic gangster films. The tone is intentionally light, featuring humorous elements like a villain misusing slang, a bomb dropped from a biplane, and an outrageous robot attempt. While the film deals with serious themes like crime, death sentences, and family loyalty, these are handled farcically rather than dramatically.

• parody
• comedy
• spoof
• gangster film
• humor
• tone

Lil Sheridan, played by Marilu Henner, is Johnny's romantic interest who brings warmth and light into his chaotic world. She represents the personal stakes of his dangerous lifestyle, serving as a reminder of what Johnny risks losing while navigating the criminal underworld. Her character adds emotional depth to the story.

• lil sheridan
• love interest
• romance
• marilu henner
• relationship

Burr, played by Danny DeVito, is the District Attorney who relentlessly pursues Johnny Dangerously, posing a significant threat to his criminal enterprise. He represents the law's moral stance against crime and creates tension throughout the film, forcing Johnny to confront the consequences of his choices.

• burr
• district attorney
• antagonist
• danny devito
• law enforcement