The Falcon Takes Over

The Falcon Takes Over

Year: 1942

Runtime: 65 mins

Language: English

Director: Irving Reis

MysteryCrimeThrillers and murder mysteriesIntriguing and suspenseful murder mysteriesNoir and dark crime dramas

A comedic mystery unfolds as escaped convict Moose Malloy searches for his former girlfriend Velma, while diligent police inspector Michael O’Hara pursues him, convinced he is behind a series of mishaps. Their cat‑and‑mouse pursuit leads to humorous twists and unexpected confrontations.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Falcon Takes Over 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 Falcon Takes Over (1942)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Falcon Takes Over (1942). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 1940s

The film unfolds in a hardboiled, pre-war New York City noir era, where crime and deception thrive amid glamorous clubs and shadowy streets. Journalistic headlines and police procedures reflect the era’s investigative style. The mood is characterized by rapid developments, collisions of wealth and crime, and a relentless pursuit of truth.

Location

Club 13, Brooklyn, Swan Club, Graveyard, Police Squad Room

The story moves through New York’s glamorous and seedy sides, from the opulent Club 13 to a quiet Brooklyn house and back to a luxury Swan Club. The urban noir backdrop is defined by smoky rooms, neon lights, and a web of suspects and secrets. Key scenes unfold in public nightlife spaces and grim private locations that drive the investigation.

🌆 New York City 🎭 Noir Setting 🕵️ Detective World

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:10

Main Characters – The Falcon Takes Over (1942)

Meet the key characters of The Falcon Takes Over (1942), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Moose Malloy (Ward Bond)

A brutish prison escapee whose sole focus is locating Velma. His raw violence and single-minded determination spark the chain of events, including the fatal confrontation at Club 13. He operates with a blunt code, prompting others to move quickly or risk danger.

💥 Violent 🗝️ Escapee

Jonathan 'Goldy' Locke (Allen Jenkins)

Goldie is Moose’s driver who caves to pressure and participates in the chaotic plan. He’s street-smart and adaptable, capable of quick shifts in allegiance. After being questioned, he’s released, leaving his loyalties and risks unresolved.

🧠 Clever 🤝 Loyal

Gay Lawrence (George Sanders)

An amateur sleuth who navigates club politics and criminal schemes. He pieces together alibis, identities, and motives, often relying on wit more than force. His investigation drives the discovery of Velma’s true role in the blackmail and murder plot.

🕵️ Detective 🧭 Logical

Ann Reardon (Lynn Bari)

A determined reporter tailing Lawrence who becomes a key informant at critical moments. Her pursuit of the scoop helps expose the blackmail scheme and brings the truth toward public light. She represents the relentless press that fuels mid-century noir investigations.

📰 Reporter 🧭 Curious

Diana Kenyon (Helen Gilbert)

A socialite with a hidden identity linked to Velma, Diana is pivotal to the blackmail network. Her efforts to obstruct Lawrence escalate tension and danger. She embodies the glamour-laden danger of the noir world.

💃 Socialite 🗝️ Enigmatic

Jules Amthor (Turhan Bey)

A supposed psychic whose death links the crime web to the spine of the conspiracy. Amthor’s presence foreshadows the occult-like aura of secrets and predictions that surround the case. His murder becomes a crucial clue in unraveling the plot.

🔮 Psychic 🕯️ Mysterious

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:10

Major Themes – The Falcon Takes Over (1942)

Explore the central themes of The Falcon Takes Over (1942), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔎 Deception

Identity is fluid and often hidden behind appearances. Velma’s true identity and the disguises around the suspects drive much of the plot, keeping both characters and viewers unsure of who to trust. Lies and misdirection propel the mystery, forcing the detective to separate truth from illusion.

🕵️ Investigation

A classic detective narrative unfolds as Gay Lawrence pieces together clues scattered across clubs, houses, and graves. The investigation blends careful deduction with risky confrontations, revealing motives and connections that tighten the web of suspects. Cooperation with a tenacious reporter helps expose the underlying crime.

🗝️ Secrets & Blackmail

A sordid blackmail scheme ties Velma, Burnett, Marriott, and Amthor together, revealing how wealth and reputation can be leveraged against individuals. The pursuit of a stolen necklace becomes a key to unlocking the conspiracy. Hidden agendas and guarded confidences drive the narrative toward a revealing confrontation in the squad room.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:10

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 The Falcon Takes Over

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

The Falcon Takes Over Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Falcon Takes Over, 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 Falcon Takes Over Summary

The Falcon Takes Over Timeline

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

The Falcon Takes Over Timeline

More About The Falcon Takes Over

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Falcon Takes Over: 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 Falcon Takes Over