Night World

On a cold winter night, Irish-American officer Ryan chats with Tim Washington outside Happy's Nightclub. Tim worries about his critically ill wife and asks to leave early to visit her in the hospital. Ryan listens and offers little certainty, setting a somber tone for what will unfold inside.

Inside, club owner Happy argues with his glamorous wife Jill. The club is busy with Ed Powell, a crooked gambler, and Michael Rand, a wealthy student who carries his own tragedy. The atmosphere is tense, hinting at the personal and criminal entanglements to come.

Backstage, dance master Klauss secretly carries on an affair with Jill. Their illicit relationship adds another layer of tension to the club's already combustible atmosphere. Klauss's presence hints at power dynamics and potential scandal.

Edith Blair confronts Michael with the family secret: she was the other woman in the murder of his father. She explains that his killer mother never loved his father and even cursed him as he was dying. The revelation shakes Michael and compounds his inner turmoil.

In a rage, Michael overturns a table and later passes out from drink. He is carried to the back room where Ruth tends to him with warmth and concern. The moment deepens Ruth's involvement with him and raises the stakes of the night.

Happy steps away to negotiate bootleg liquor with a gangster named Jim. Tim asks to leave early again to see his ailing wife but is refused. The request reveals the cruelty and control under Happy's operation.

Michael wakes, chats with Ruth in the back room, and shares a moment of genuine connection. Powell interrupts and invites Ruth to his apartment, prompting Michael to punch him. Tim escorts the fallen gambler to a taxi, signaling the danger looming over their circle.

Michael's mother Hedda Hopper arrives at the nightclub and confronts him about how he treats his father. The confrontation adds another emotional blow to Michael's fragile state. The scene broadens the family drama surrounding the central romance.

Late-night rehearsal continues as Klauss wants more time with Jill. Happy returns to the scene and restrains his jealousy. Tim repeats his plea to visit his wife, but his request remains denied.

Happy catches Jill and Klauss together, ending Klauss's affair in disgrace. He tells Jill that he will not divorce her but will stay married and do his best to make her miserable. The revelation cements the couple's unstable dynamic.

Michael and Ruth share a meal as the night darkens and he proposes eloping to Bali as his wife. Moments later, Tim learns that his wife has died and leaves to be at her bedside. The tragedy intensifies the night’s emotional stakes.

Gunmen break into the club in a brutal strike on Happy and Jill, while Tim is fatally shot while heading toward his wife’s hospital. The chaos lights up the night with gunfire and fear, turning the club into a scene of tragedy.

Returning police officer Ryan shoots the gangsters, ending the assault and saving Michael and Ruth. The couple gets into a police wagon as Ruth agrees to go to Bali with Michael, leaving the club's violence behind them.