Side Street

A struggling husband who loses his gas-station job and turns to stealing, hoping to provide for his pregnant wife Ellen. His rationalizations pull him deeper into a dangerous extortion plot that spirals into murder. As the net closes, he must confront the consequences of his choices and the possibility of surrender to the authorities.

Joe's devoted wife, torn between faith in him and fear for their future. She urges transparency and surrender as the case escalates, even as she stands by him through the danger. Her reactions anchor the emotional core of the story amid escalating chaos.

A corrupt attorney who orchestrates or participates in the money scheme, exploiting others to protect himself. He suspects traps and fights to maintain control over the situation. His manipulations connect the legal world to the criminal underworld.

Wealthy broker framed in a sex scandal, he becomes a key victim in the extortion plot. His involvement ties the legal trouble to financial power and public perception. He is drawn into the diary-based evidence that implicates multiple players.

A femme fatale-type figure who aids Backett and Garsell by supplying information and complicating the plot. Her presence intensifies the danger and exposes the fragility of trust among the scheme's members. Her fate intertwines with the web of betrayal.

Ex-con and ruthless accomplice who helps recover the money and pursues Joe. He is willing to kill witnesses to protect the scheme, illustrating a cold, calculating criminal mindset. His pursuit leads to a fatal confrontation with the police.

The bartender who initially holds the money and becomes a focal point of the pursuit. He tries to hide the cash by swapping a package and goes into hiding, only to be caught up in the murderous chase. His fate underscores the peril faced by ordinary bystanders in this crime web.

A singer who becomes a witness in the case and is betrayed by a key player. Her testimony is cut short as she is silenced by Georgie to prevent disclosure. Her involvement heightens the stakes and shows how personal relationships are weaponized.

A determined commander in the NYPD who leads the murder investigation and chases leads across the city. He embodies the procedural backbone of the story and represents authority striving for truth amid corruption. His pursuit intensifies the cat-and-mouse dynamic throughout the film.

An NYPD detective who aids in unraveling the case and rooting out deception. He mirrors the film's noir tone through steady, uncompromising investigation. His presence reinforces the relentless pressure of the pursuit.