Johnny O’Clock

Year: 1947

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Rossen

CrimeDrama

When an employee at an illegal gambling den dies, her sister Nancy investigates and meets Johnny O’Clock, a partner in the casino. Though initially aloof, Johnny slowly returns Nancy’s affection and plans to flee with her, but internal power struggles endanger their escape. As he tries to leave the operation, his criminal past catches up.

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Timeline & Setting – Johnny O’Clock (1947)

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Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:24

Main Characters – Johnny O’Clock (1947)

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Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:24

Major Themes – Johnny O’Clock (1947)

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Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:24

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Cynical Noir Escapes like in Johnny O’Clock

Criminals desperate to leave the underworld, but their past won't let go.If you enjoyed Johnny O’Clock's story of a man trying to flee his criminal life, you'll like these movies. This thread collects tense film noirs and crime thrillers where escape plans are jeopardized by betrayal and a dangerous past. Find similar stories of romantic desperation and fatalistic underworld drama.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character who has achieved a measure of success within a morally bankrupt system but is now disillusioned. A catalyst—often a new love or a traumatic event—spurs a plan for escape. However, the system fights back through internal power struggles, betrayal from former allies, and the inescapable consequences of past actions, leading to a tense, often ambiguous conclusion.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared mood of cynical fatalism and their core plot device: the doomed escape attempt. They feature a similar tone of romantic desperation against a backdrop of institutional corruption, where the glamorous setting contrasts sharply with the pervasive danger and moral decay.

Glamorous Underworld Investigations like in Johnny O’Clock

A death in a deceptively stylish criminal enterprise unravels a web of deceit.Fans of Johnny O’Clock's murder mystery set in a gambling den will enjoy these films. This thread features suspenseful crime stories where an investigation peels back the layers of a corrupt, glamorous world. Discover similar movies with tense pacing, dangerous revelations, and a mood of anxious suspense.

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Narrative Summary

The plot is triggered by a violent incident that disrupts the ordered, yet illicit, operations of a stylish setting. The investigation serves as a narrative vehicle to explore the power dynamics, hidden agendas, and moral compromises of the characters involved. The protagonist often finds their own loyalties tested and their safety threatened as they get closer to the truth.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific vibe: the juxtaposition of visual glamour with underlying menace. They are united by a steady, suspenseful pacing as a central investigation drives the plot forward, revealing character depths and systemic corruption within a captivating but dangerous world.

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Johnny O’Clock Summary

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Johnny O’Clock Timeline

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Johnny O’Clock Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Johnny O’Clock

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Johnny O’Clock: 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 Johnny O’Clock

Discover movies like Johnny O’Clock 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.