Lucky Jordan

Lucky Jordan

Year: 1942

Runtime: 84 mins

Language: English

Director: Frank Tuttle

ComedyDramaCrime

Lucky Jordan, a New York gangster, is drafted and tries to avoid service by using con woman Annie to convince the draft board he’s essential at home. When the ruse fails he’s sent to boot camp, escapes, takes a USO worker hostage and returns to the city, where he learns a rival mobster is plotting against America.

Lucky Jordan (1942) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Lucky Jordan (1942) 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 gritty streets of wartime New York, the city’s underworld collides with a nation at war. Amid the clamor of factories and the looming draft boards, the notorious gangster Lucky Jordan runs his usual racket, confident that his streets‑wise savvy places him above any ordinary citizen’s obligations. The atmosphere crackles with a blend of hard‑boiled street slang and the patriotic fervor that has seeped into every corner, setting a tone that is as cocky and fast‑paced as a swing‑era jazz number.

When the draft summons him, Lucky—never one to submit without a fight—hatches a scheme to keep his business thriving. He enlists the help of the quick‑witted con woman Annie, whose charm and deception become the centerpiece of a ruse designed to convince military officials that the city can’t afford to lose him. Their banter and daring maneuvers infuse the story with a sly, comedic edge, while the ever‑present pressure of the war effort adds an undercurrent of tension that keeps the audience guessing whether they’ll outwit the system or be forced into its ranks.

The plan unravels, thrusting Lucky into the rigid world of a boot camp far removed from his familiar haunts. His instinct for survival leads to a daring escape, culminating in a bold—if reckless—takeover of a USO worker as a bargaining chip. Returning to the bustling streets he knows best, he finds the city’s criminal landscape shifting, hinting that a rival mobster’s ambitions may reach far beyond the usual turf wars. The film balances sharp humor with the looming threat of a larger conflict, inviting viewers to watch a streetwise anti‑hero navigate the thin line between self‑interest and unexpected duty.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:59

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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.

Reluctant Patriot Stories like Lucky Jordan

Self-serving rogues who find a cause bigger than themselves.If you enjoyed the arc of the self-serving gangster in Lucky Jordan, you'll like these movies about cynical anti-heroes who discover a cause. This list features films where rogues, criminals, and loners are pulled into patriotic or heroic roles, blending action, character growth, and a lighthearted tone.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a 'fish out of water' structure where a character from a selfish or criminal world is forced into a situation that tests their loyalty. The journey typically involves initial resistance, a series of comedic or action-oriented challenges that force them to cooperate, and a final act where they choose to do the right thing, often redeeming themselves in the process.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share the core character arc of a reluctant hero. They balance a light, often humorous tone with action and suspense, focusing on personal transformation without becoming overly heavy. The appeal lies in watching a charmingly flawed character evolve while maintaining their roguish edge.

Pulpy Wartime Capers like Lucky Jordan

Fast-paced B-movie adventures blending crime, espionage, and patriotism.Fans of Lucky Jordan's mix of gangster antics and wartime spy suspense will enjoy these pulpy capers. This list features movies that combine crime, espionage, and military settings with a fast-paced, B-movie feel, light emotional weight, and a sense of mischievous adventure.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is one of escalating, interconnected events—a draft dodging leads to an escape, which leads to uncovering a spy plot. The structure is straightforward and propulsive, prioritizing fun twists and action set-pieces over deep complexity. The stakes involve national security but feel contained and resolvable within the runtime.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films that share a specific mood and genre hybridity. The key is the combination of a wartime or patriotic backdrop with crime or caper elements, all executed with a fast pace, light tone, and medium intensity that makes them exciting yet easy to watch.

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Lucky Jordan Summary

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Lucky Jordan Summary

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Lucky Jordan Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lucky Jordan

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Lucky Jordan

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