Playing Around

Playing Around

Year: 1930

Runtime: 66 mins

Language: English

Director: Mervyn LeRoy

MusicRomanceComedyDrama

A breath‑holding drama and a sigh‑inducing romance, this peppy tale follows a New York woman who feels trapped in a dull relationship and a predictable marriage. When she meets a flamboyant playboy with endless money and a passport full of exotic destinations, her world is turned upside down, sparking tension between the comfort of the familiar and the thrill of the unknown.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Playing Around (1930)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Playing Around (1930). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Pirates Den nightclub, Miller's Cigar Store

The Pirates Den nightclub sits at the heart of the story, a glossy and exclusive venue that fuels Sheba's appetite for luxury. Miller's Cigar Store anchors the working class and sets the stakes for Pa Miller's family. These locations create a sharp contrast between glamorous temptation and everyday life, driving the drama as crime and romance unfold.

🏙️ Urban 🎭 Nightlife 💰 Crime

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:20

Main Characters – Playing Around (1930)

Meet the key characters of Playing Around (1930), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nickey Solomon (Chester Morris)

Nickey Solomon is a flashy gangster who uses charm and wealth to lure others into his world of crime. He is quick to violence, yet shallow in his ambitions, leaving a trail of trouble in his wake. His actions set off the chain of events that tests loyalty and courage.

💰 Gangster 🎩 Charismatic 🚨 Dangerous

Sheba Miller (Alice White)

Sheba is a working-class girl with dreams of luxury, easily enchanted by glamorous appearances. Her pursuit of a richer life brings her into the orbit of Nickey's world, but she shows capacity for restraint and ultimately reconsiders her ambitions. Her arc centers on balancing desire with reality.

💎 Ambitious 🎀 Glamour-seeker

Jack (William Bakewell)

Jack is a devoted soda jerk who loves Sheba and yearns to marry her. He is loyal and practical, willing to work for a modest wage. He collaborates with the authorities to entrap Nickey, demonstrating courage and steadfastness amid danger.

💙 Loyal 🔎 Resourceful

Pa Miller (Richard Carlyle)

Pa Miller is Sheba's father, a cigar store owner who values his daughter's future but is wary of sudden wealth. He becomes a casualty of the crime when Nickey robs the store, requiring hospital care and becoming a turning point for the family.

👨‍👦 Family-man 💼 Small-business owner

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:20

Major Themes – Playing Around (1930)

Explore the central themes of Playing Around (1930), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Glamour vs Greed

The film pits the glittering appeal of wealth against the harsh realities of crime. Sheba is drawn to Nickey's money and style, mistaking surface charm for true luck. The narrative shows how pursuit of luxury can lure people into risky choices and moral compromise.

💘 Love and Betrayal

Sheba's longing for romance pulls her toward Nickey while Jack embodies faithful devotion. Her attraction to extravagance creates a conflict between loyalty and personal dreams. The romance is strained by deception, leading to decisions that reshape relationships.

⚖️ Justice and Deception

Nickey's crime triggers a police response and an entrapment plan. The pursuit of truth unfolds through cunning, investigation, and quick wit. The story culminates in consequences for the criminal and a safe, hopeful future for the innocent.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:20

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Playing Around Summary

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Playing Around Summary

Playing Around Timeline

Track the full timeline of Playing Around with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Playing Around Timeline

More About Playing Around

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Explore More About Movie Playing Around

Playing Around (1930) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Playing Around (1930) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Playing Around (1930) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow