The Asphalt Jungle

The Asphalt Jungle

Year: 1950

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

DramaThrillerCrimeFilm-Noir

A meticulous criminal mastermind plans an elaborate jewel heist, assembling a crew of specialists for the job. However, a fatal accident during the robbery throws everything into chaos. As the thieves desperately try to evade capture and conceal their involvement, their individual ambitions and simmering tensions threaten to unravel the entire operation, leading to a brutal and tragic downfall.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Asphalt Jungle 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 & Setting – The Asphalt Jungle (1950)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Asphalt Jungle (1950). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie's events transpire in a post-World War II setting, a time marked by economic growth and crime resurgence in urban areas. This era reflects both the aspirations and downfalls of individuals chasing the American Dream amidst a backdrop of moral ambiguity.

Location

New York City, Kentucky

The story unfolds predominantly in New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its criminal underbelly and vibrant yet dangerous streets. The plot also connects to Kentucky, symbolizing Dix Handley's rural roots and longing for redemption amidst his criminal life.

🏙️ City 🌄 Nature

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Main Characters – The Asphalt Jungle (1950)

Meet the key characters of The Asphalt Jungle (1950), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dix Handley (Sterling Hayden)

Dix Handley is a hardened criminal drawn into a dangerous heist, torn between his desire for wealth and his deep-rooted connection to his home in Kentucky. He embodies the struggle between ambition and morality, and his fate serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of his choices. His character arc captures the essence of desperation in the criminal world.

🕴️ Criminal 🌪️ Desperate

Doc Riedenschneider (Sam Jaffe)

Doc Riedenschneider is the mastermind orchestrating the heist, showcasing a blend of cunning intelligence and vulnerability as he grapples with the reality of betrayal. His character represents the complexity of criminal ambition, driven by both the lure of riches and a deep sense of loyalty to his crew. Doc’s tragic arc illustrates the futility of trust in the world of crime.

🡸 Mastermind 🤝 Loyal

Alonzo Emmerich (Louis Calhern)

Alonzo Emmerich is a corrupt lawyer whose greed and self-serving nature lead him down a treacherous path. He embodies the moral decay prevalent in the story, acting as both a facilitator and betrayer in the heist. Emmerich’s desperation to escape exemplifies the destructive power of greed.

⚖️ Corruption 💼 Lawyer

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Major Themes – The Asphalt Jungle (1950)

Explore the central themes of The Asphalt Jungle (1950), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Greed

Greed drives the plot as characters are motivated by the allure of wealth and the promise of a better life. The jewel heist becomes a symbol of their desperation and moral compromise, ultimately leading to their downfall. The consequences of their avarice highlight the thin line between ambition and moral decay.

🔫 Betrayal

Betrayal weaves through the narrative, particularly in the relationships forged among the criminals and their corrupt lawyer. Trust is broken when characters seek to double-cross each other for personal gain. The fragility of loyalty amidst crime is poignantly illustrated in the characters' tragic fates.

🚓 Desperation

Desperation is a central theme as the characters pursue a high-stakes heist that ultimately spirals out of control. Their quest for freedom and wealth leads to a relentless game of cat and mouse with law enforcement. In the end, their choices reveal the harsh consequences stemming from their desperation.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Unlock the Full Story of The Asphalt Jungle

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Asphalt Jungle 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 The Asphalt Jungle is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Asphalt Jungle Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Asphalt Jungle, 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.

The Asphalt Jungle Summary

The Asphalt Jungle Timeline

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

The Asphalt Jungle Timeline

More About The Asphalt Jungle

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Asphalt Jungle: 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 The Asphalt Jungle

Similar Movies to The Asphalt Jungle

Discover movies like The Asphalt Jungle 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.