Picture Snatcher

After his release, gang lord Danny Kean shocks everyone by quitting crime and withdrawing from his old associates. He cedes control of his gang to Jerry 'the Mug' and vows to start anew. This marks a radical break from his criminal past and sets his sights on a different future.

Danny finds Al McLean, city editor of the Graphic News, who had earlier offered him a future job. Al is initially reluctant to hire him, but Danny senses a chance to leverage the hottest town story for his gain. This encounter sets him on a path toward journalism.

Danny seizes the opportunity to exploit a sensational fire story. He disguises himself and steals the fireman's wedding photo, creating a sensational exclusive for Graphic News. The stunt lands him a staff photographer role.

As a result of the exclusive, Danny becomes a staff photographer at Graphic News. He starts dating Pat Nolan, a journalism student, mixing romance with his new career.

Pat's father, Lieutenant Casey Nolan, is the police officer who previously shot and arrested Danny. He orders Pat to stop seeing Danny, fearing the danger of his volatile past. Danny's relationship with Pat becomes entangled in police politics.

Danny arranges for another newspaper to print a flattering story about Nolan, which helps secure his promotion to captain. The maneuver demonstrates Danny's influence and his willingness to bend the truth for a scoop.

A woman is scheduled for execution at Sing Sing, and Graphic News is initially shut out of covering it. With Nolan's help, Danny gains entry to the press room to witness the electrocution. He secures a concealed ankle camera to capture images for a sensational front-page.

Danny snaps a photo of the woman in the electric chair, echoing Ruth Snyder's famous image. When a reporter discovers the camera, guards are alerted and a wild car chase erupts. Danny delivers the photograph to Graphic News and is handsomely rewarded.

Pat ends their relationship after news of her father's demotion spreads and the intrusion into the press room surfaces. Danny laments the cost of his stunt and admits it overshadowed his concern for Pat. The personal price of his ambition becomes clear.

Al arranges for Danny to hide at Allison's apartment while she is leaving town on assignment. Allison returns early and tries to seduce Danny, but Al suspects Danny is involved with Allison, and they exchange punches. Danny's choices pull him further from his old circles.

Danny disappears from his usual circles and becomes a drunk to drown his sorrows. Al finds him and apologizes, telling him that he has quit the newspaper. This marks a turning point in Danny's career path.

Jerry 'the Mug', leader of Danny's old gang, kills two during a robbery, triggering a city-wide manhunt. Danny and Al scout for Jerry, hoping the scoop will land them jobs at any paper in town.

Danny locates Jerry's hideout and pretends concern to gain access. The police locate the hideout, and a violent gun battle erupts. Danny snaps photos of Jerry as he is shot dead by the police. He lies to the police, claiming he had been working undercover for Nolan so that Nolan can be promoted to captain.

Danny is reunited with Pat and Danny and Al secure jobs at the Daily Record. The trio achieve professional stability, though the path has been driven by deception and danger.