The Banker

In 1939, a young Bernard Garrett develops a fascination with banking while shining shoes outside a local bank. Listening intently to conversations between customers and bankers ignites a passion for finance, despite his father's warnings about the pervasive racism in Texas.

By 1954, Bernard Garrett relocates to Los Angeles with dreams of starting a real estate business. He hopes to utilize the savings he earned in Texas to turn his aspirations into reality, eager to overcome the racial barriers he has faced.

Bernard discovers a gated community two blocks away from a predominantly Black neighborhood, spotting an opportunity to provide rental homes. However, he faces a substantial asking price that threatens to deplete his funds for necessary renovations.

Enter Joe Morris, a laid-back businessman who contrasts Bernard's serious demeanor. Although Bernard initially hesitates to trust Joe, they negotiate with Patrick Barker, the seller, to purchase the property for $30,000, with plans to improve occupancy.

With Joe's help, Bernard manages the renovations while training Matt Steiner to act as their front. As their work progresses, they successfully attract African American tenants to fill the apartments vacated by predominantly white residents.

Eventually, Patrick Barker approaches Bernard with a partnership offer, suggesting Bernard remain in the shadows while Patrick takes the public role. They enter mutual investments, until tragedy strikes with Patrick's unexpected death.

After Patrick's death, Mrs. Barker expresses her reluctance to work with Bernard, offering him significantly less than his investment. Bernard looks for support from a banker but is met with refusal, leaving him in a precarious situation.

Undeterred by the setbacks, Bernard devises a strategy focused on acquiring a bank. By leveraging his finance knowledge, he plans to invest in properties located in predominantly white areas, with Matt set to assume the role of the 'white' CEO.

With Donald Silverthorne financing their plans, Matt surprises everyone by successfully negotiating the purchase of a $2 million property for only $1.56 million. This deal kickstarts a series of acquisitions, swelling their portfolio to 200 buildings.

Matt marries Susie, a waitress he charms at a diner, and they continue to expand their real estate empire. However, Bernard's ambition leads him back to Texas with hopes of acquiring a bank in a racially divided area, raising Joe's concerns.

In Texas, complications arise as the newly acquired bank's owner secures a position for his son, leading to suspicious activities with loans. Matt suggests moving questionable loans to another bank to avoid scrutiny during audits.

When a treasury official arrives to conduct an audit, Bernard and Joe become alarmed at the emerging discrepancies hinting at non-compliance with banking regulations. Faced with impending consequences, they reluctantly agree to sell problematic loans.

In a desperate attempt to salvage their failing business, Matt suggests fabricating transactions through their original bank, which pushes the boundaries of legality. Their actions, however, lead to the impending closure of their venture by the US government.

As the situation escalates, Bernard and Joe find themselves arrested by the FBI due to various fraudulent activities linked to their banking operations. Meanwhile, Matt, seeking to preserve himself, agrees to a plea deal and testifies against his partners.

In 1965, both Bernard and Joe are found guilty by an all-white jury and sentenced to three years in prison. Their empire, once flourishing, crumbles, and Eunice is left with only one remaining building, while Robert Florance, Jr. profits from their downfall.