Red Light

Red Light

Year: 1949

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Director: Roy Del Ruth

ThrillerCrimeThrillers and murder mysteriesSuspenseful crime thrillersIntriguing and suspenseful murder mysteries

Nick Cherney, imprisoned for embezzling from Torno Freight Co., sees a chance to avenge Johnny Torno by targeting Johnny’s brother Jess, a priest. He hires fellow inmate Rocky—released a week before Nick—to kill Jess. As Jess dies, he tells Johnny he left a clue “in the Bible.” Angry Johnny searches for missing Gideon Bible from Jess’s hotel room.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Red Light (1949)

Trace every key event in Red Light (1949) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nick Cherney imprisoned for embezzlement

Nick Cherney is jailed for embezzling from Johnny Torno's trucking company. The summary notes he sits in jail one week before his expected release, setting the motive for a revenge plot. His criminal frame becomes the seed of the future vendetta against Johnny.

Before release (one week before) Jail
2

Nick sees Jess's homecoming on a newsreel

In prison, Nick watches a newsreel showing Johnny welcoming home his heroic brother Jess. The viewpoint hints at the simmering hostility between Nick and Johnny. This moment plants the revenge motive that drives the rest of the story.

One week before release Jail
3

Nick hires Rocky to murder Jess

Nick decides to get back at Johnny and hires Rocky, a fellow inmate about to be released, to kill Jess. The plan sets off a chain of violent events outside the prison walls. The act is framed as a calculated 暂时amente of vengeance.

Before release
4

Jess is murdered; clue in Gideon Bible missing

Rocky murders Jess after the news of his return. Jess indicates that a clue to his murder lies in the Gideon Bible, but the book is not in the room. The missing Bible becomes the central puzzle Johnny must solve.

Shortly after Jess's murder
5

Johnny begins investigation and seeks help

Johnny starts a relentless investigation, questioning every hotel guest who occupied Jess's room. He lines up resources and decides to bring in Carla North to assist in the search. The pursuit escalates as more players become involved.

Right after the murder Hotel / investigation trail
6

Carla joins, moves in, and Johnny relocates

Johnny hires Carla North to help search for the Bible-related clue, and he insists she live at his luxury apartment. He subsequently moves into his office to chase leads more efficiently. This marks a shift in both characters' routines and dynamics.

Following Carla's involvement Johnny's luxury apartment / office
7

Johnny traps Rocky in Reno; Rocky escapes wounded

While questioning a hotel guest in Reno, Johnny spots Rocky watching him and sets a trap. Rocky manages to escape, and Johnny leaves the encounter with a wound on Rocky and a renewed sense of pursuit. The Reno chapter deepens the feud between Johnny and Rocky.

During investigation Reno
8

Rocky blackmails Nick; Nick retaliates on a train

Rocky attempts to blackmail Nick, who shoves him off a moving train. A clerk later reveals that Rocky had told someone Nick had gone to Reno. The tension between Nick and Rocky escalates into deadly consequences.

After Reno incident Train / vicinity
9

Nick murders Warni Hazard; death ruled an accident

Nick goes to Johnny's trucking company office and murders Warni Hazard, the manager. The death is officially reported as an accident, masking Nick's deeper vendetta. This act binds Nick more closely to the murder plot.

Soon after the Reno incident Johnny's trucking company office
10

Johnny asks Carla to locate Cabrillo; Carla resists

Obsessed with revenge, Johnny asks Carla to locate Pablo Cabrillo. Carla grows tired of the obsessive quest and tells him they should forget the dead. He reacts with a slap, and she leaves in frustration.

After Warni Hazard murder Johnny's office
11

Police confront Johnny; 24-hour watch and escape

The police confront Johnny and put a 24-hour watch on him. With help from an employee, he manages to slip away, maintaining his grip on the investigation. The tension between Johnny and law enforcement intensifies.

Shortly after the confrontation City / office
12

Cabrillo reveals the Bible's significance

Johnny drives to Cabrillo, who turns out to be a veteran. Cabrillo explains that he took the Bible for its significance and recounts how it once restored his hope. He notes that the Bible was taken only an hour earlier by a young, beautiful woman.

Later Cabrillo's location
13

Johnny's church break and remorse

In a burst of rage, Johnny goes to church and breaks a stained-glass window he had donated. Overcome with remorse, he returns to the office and writes a check to replace the window. The act marks a turning point in his moral struggle.

After Cabrillo meeting Church / Johnny's office
14

Carla returns with the Bible; gun found; Romans 12:19

Carla arrives at Johnny's office with the Bible, while the police inform Johnny that his gun—taken from Rocky—has been found. The Bible scene prompts Johnny to reread Romans 12:19 and consider his brother's message. A pivotal moment binds the final acts of the pursuit.

Shortly after Cabrillo's revelation Johnny's office
15

Nick's rooftop showdown and demise

Nick faces Johnny on the roof in a tense standoff. He has a clear shot, but a moral hesitation arises as the scene mirrors his brother's injunction. Nick retreats toward a neon sign, steps on the power supply, and is electrocuted as the police close in.

Final confrontation Rooftop / neon sign

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:26

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