The Little Giant
Year: 1933
Runtime: 76 mins
Language: English
Director: Roy Del Ruth
As Prohibition ends, bootlegger Bugs Ahearn aims for respectable California society. He rents a house from down‑on‑her‑luck Ruth and makes her his social secretary. After rescuing Polly Cass from a horse‑fall, he meets her father, who sells him fake stock certificates. Realizing he's been duped, Bugs calls the Chicago mob for help.
The Little Giant (1933) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview
Get a spoiler-free look at The Little Giant (1933) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the twilight of Prohibition, California teeters between the lingering shadows of bootlegged liquor and the dawning promise of a new, regulated era. The streets pulse with the restless energy of a society eager to shed its clandestine habits, yet still clinging to the thrill of the illegal. Neon signs flicker over speakeasies that are hurriedly turning into respectable cafés, while the old‑world gangsters eye fresh opportunities in the shifting landscape. The film’s tone balances gritty ambition with a sly, almost playful undercurrent, hinting that the end of one law may simply be the birth of another, more polished crime.
At the centre of this transition stands Bugs Ahearn, a charismatic bootlegger who has built his empire on the back of forbidden barrels and whispered deals. Confident, resourceful, and ever‑watchful, Bugs sees the repeal of Prohibition not as a setback but as a chance to infiltrate the very fabric of respectable society. His ambition drives him to expand beyond moonshine, planning a bold move that could cement his influence in the emerging corporate world.
To execute his scheme, Bugs rents a modest house from Ruth, a down‑on‑her‑luck widow whose resilience and street‑smart sensibility make her an unexpected ally. Recognizing her sharp mind, Bugs appoints her as his social secretary, a role that thrusts her into the glamorous yet treacherous circles of the city’s elite. Their partnership is a study in contrast—Bugs’ swaggering confidence meets Ruth’s pragmatic caution, creating a dynamic that fuels both humor and tension.
Meanwhile, Polly Cass enters the story after a dramatic rescue from a horse‑fall, introducing a fresh spark of intrigue. Polly’s connection to a well‑to‑do family hints at deeper entanglements, especially when her father offers Bugs a tempting—but potentially dubious—investment opportunity. As the trio navigates a world where old loyalties clash with new ambitions, the film promises a captivating blend of crime, comedy, and the inevitable fallout of daring to rewrite the rules.
Last Updated: August 11, 2025 at 07:51
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The Little Giant Summary
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The Little Giant Timeline
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