Shamus

Shamus

Year: 1973

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: English

Director: Buzz Kulik

ComedyActionMysteryThriller

Shamus is a hard‑boiled private detective who spends his time shooting pool, playing cards and chasing women. When millions in diamonds are stolen from a New York City safe and the burglar is subsequently killed, the owner hires Shamus for $10,000 to locate the missing gems or bring the killer to justice.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Shamus yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Shamus (1973)

Trace every key event in Shamus (1973) 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

Papas murders and the job begins

Victor Papas is attacked at his home and burned to death with a flamethrower, killing him and his girlfriend. Private detective Shamus McCoy, based in Brooklyn, is hired by E.J. Hume to recover the stolen diamonds and identify the killers. Hume claims Papas stole diamonds from him, and McCoy wonders why he was chosen for this dangerous assignment.

Night Papas' home
2

McCoy takes the case

McCoy accepts the case after weighing the high fee and the promise of a substantial payout. He starts assembling his network of contacts to dig into Papas' background. The assignment is framed as a diamond recovery and murder investigation.

Morning McCoy's office, Brooklyn
3

Background check begins

Using his informant Springy and a drug dealer, McCoy uncovers that Papas and his girlfriend worked for River Edge Export. The revelation hints at a larger criminal operation behind Papas' murder. McCoy realizes the case may involve powerful corporate players.

Days after start Brooklyn; River Edge Export offices
4

River Edge Export leadership revealed

Springy explains that Felix Montaigne, a famous former football player, is the president of River Edge Export. Montaigne rose to power after acquiring the company and amassing a secret fortune. This links Papas to the company's criminal activities.

A few days later River Edge Export headquarters
5

Interrogating Bolton at the Health Club

Shamus tracks down Bolton, the bar bouncer linked to Papas. After a confrontation at closing time, Bolton reveals that Felix Montaigne killed Papas. The information confirms Felix as the killer, and McCoy records the lead.

Late night Health Club
6

Morning visit to Felix Montaigne

The next morning, McCoy visits Felix Montaigne's luxurious apartment. Alexis, Felix's elder sister, appears and hints at secrets surrounding his business. Felix admits Papas and his girlfriend worked for River Edge Export but refuses to name any partner.

Morning Felix Montaigne's apartment
7

Threats and Alexis asks for help

A few days later, Shamus is attacked by three thugs warning him to drop the case. Alexis visits McCoy and asks him to investigate Felix, leveraging McCoy's attraction to her. McCoy agrees to continue the investigation.

A few days later McCoy's apartment
8

Warehouse discovery and near capture

McCoy sneaks into River Edge Export's warehouse and discovers a cache of weapons and a dead body. He is discovered by a trio of assassins but manages to escape. He learns that E.J. Hume is a major shareholder and realizes the case implicates national-level smuggling, prompting him to withdraw.

Later that day River Edge Export warehouse
9

Colonel Hardcore and the illegal arms deal

To verify the arms connection, McCoy disguises himself as a weapons dealer and visits Colonel Hardcore at the Army Weapons Depot. The colonel admits that River Edge Export is buying illegal weapons, then is killed by two men in a car as McCoy barely escapes.

Shortly after warehouse Army Weapons Depot
10

Felix's crime exposed and Hume's plan

The investigation reveals that Felix murdered Papas and stole the diamonds. Hume, unaware of the full extent of Felix's crimes, orders McCoy off the case while fearing exposure of his own arms-smuggling operation. Springy is killed by an unknown assailant.

Days later
11

Break-in at Hume's mansion

McCoy breaks into Hume's mansion to confront him and is bitten by Hume's ferocious dog, making capture easy for Hume's minions. Inside, he finds Felix beaten and near death, a clue to the hits that felled Papas.

Evening Hume's mansion
12

Felix dies and McCoy's escape

Outside, McCoy fights his way free, and Felix is shot to death during the ensuing struggle. McCoy subdues Hume's minions and stops Hume from escaping in a car.

Moments after break-in Hume's mansion grounds
13

Hume arrested; case closed

The police arrive and arrest Hume, ending the conspiracy McCoy uncovered. The diamonds and murders are tied to the chain of events McCoy exposed, bringing the case to a close.

Shortly after final confrontation Outside Hume's mansion

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:24

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Shamus

Don't stop at just watching — explore Shamus in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Shamus is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Shamus Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Shamus, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Shamus Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Shamus

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Shamus. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Shamus

More About Shamus

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Shamus: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Shamus

Similar Movies to Shamus

Discover movies like Shamus that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.