The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance

The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance

Year: 1941

Runtime: 74 mins

Language: English

Director: Sidney Salkow

Mystery

Mad ADVENTURE! Gay INTRIGUE! A reformed jewel thief fights to clear his name when he’s framed for murder.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance 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 Lone Wolf Takes a Chance (1941)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance (1941). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

New York City, Gary (Indiana), San Francisco

The story begins in bustling New York City, where a cat wearing a pearl necklace triggers a bank trap and a high-stakes pursuit. The action then moves through rails and stations as criminals transport their loot toward a broader escape, weaving in hotel interiors and train cars. Key locations include a hotel where Lanyard and allies regroup, a station and a countryside chase that leads to Gary, Indiana, and the eventual theatre/rail finale.

🗽 City 🚆 Train travel 🏨 Luxury hotel

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:15

Main Characters – The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance (1941)

Meet the key characters of The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance (1941), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Michael Lanyard (Warren William)

The Lone Wolf, a suave and resourceful thief who thrives on wit and charm more than fists. He stays ahead of Inspector Crane, using clever maneuvering to protect allies while pursuing the criminals. His morally flexible approach keeps him one step ahead of danger and the law alike.

🕶️ Charismatic 🎩 Gentleman Thief 🧠 Clever

Jamison (Eric Blore)

Lanyard's loyal valet and practical observer. He tailors the plan, assists in escapes, and keeps the momentum going when things go wrong. Jamison's steady presence provides a crucial counterweight to Lanyard's improvisations.

🧰 Loyal 🗺️ Dependable Sidekick 🤝 Trustworthy

Gloria Foster (June Storey)

A glamorous movie star who stays at the same hotel and becomes entwined in the plot through information about the invention. Her presence provides leverage, allure, and danger as the chase unfolds around her.

🎬 Star 💃 Glamorous ✨ Mysterious

Evelyn Jordan (Evalyn Knapp)

The principal conspirator who uses Gloria Foster’s identity to advance the thieves' plan. She is calculating and deceptive, willing to manipulate others to obtain the combination to the mail car.

🗝️ Deceptive 🧭 Manipulative 🎭 Double-Cross

Johnny Baker (Lloyd Bridges)

The inventor linked to the theft—the ‘burglar-proof’ mail car that carries currency plates. He is a central target and a potential ally, forced into danger by the criminals manipulating his invention.

🧪 Inventive 🔒 Coded 🧠 Clever

Inspector Crane (Thurston Hall)

Lanyard’s long-time nemesis and relentless pursuer who bets Lanyard can stay out of trouble for 24 hours. He embodies authority and suspicion, continually trying to outsmart the Lone Wolf.

🕵️ Meticulous 🔎 Sharp 💼 Lawman

Dr. Hooper Tupman (Walter Kingsford)

A doctor with a mysterious aura who enters the plot and adds a layer of technical intrigue. His role can misdirect or assist, contributing to the film’s air of scientific mystery.

🧪 Scientist 🗺️ Mysterious 🧠 Analytical

Frank Jordan (Henry Wilcoxon)

A henchman whose presence adds direct danger to the pursuit. He works to secure the loot and keep the criminals’ plan moving forward.

⚔️ Henchman 🗝️ Access 🔥 Dangerous

Wallace (Regis Toomey)

A former private detective traveling with Baker, whose loyalties and instincts are put to the test as schemes unfold. He attempts to maneuver through shifting alliances under pressure.

🧭 Ex-detective 🕵️‍♂️ Suspenseful 📜 Schemer

Sheriff Haggerty (Don Beddoe)

The local lawman who adds enforcement presence to the pursuit and helps anchor the chase with police involvement. He embodies the law’s reach and eventual cooperation.

👮 Sheriff 🚓 Law-and-order 🤝 Cooperative

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:15

Major Themes – The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance (1941)

Explore the central themes of The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance (1941), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️ Deception

The plot thrives on misdirection, disguises, and shifting loyalties as Lanyard and the crooks maneuver around inspectors and rival schemers. Identities are swapped or blurred, with the cat and various disguises acting as constant cover for moves and counter-moves. The narrative relies on clever talk and feints rather than brute strength to steer the outcome.

⏳ Time Pressure

A ticking clock drives every decision, from the 24-hour bet to the race against a rising window of opportunity. The pursuit, ambushes, and escapes hinge on rapid thinking and quick improvisation. This urgency sharpens character choices and sustains suspense throughout the journey.

🎭 Hidden Identities

Disguises and false roles propel the plot, with Evelyn Jordan impersonating Gloria Foster and Dr. Tupman playing a pivotal but opaque part. Trust becomes precarious as allies and enemies blur, and crucial information surfaces through performances, not just action. The line between truth and fabrication remains thin until the climactic reveal.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:15

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 Lone Wolf Takes a Chance

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

The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance, 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 Lone Wolf Takes a Chance Summary

The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance Timeline

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

The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance Timeline

More About The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance: 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 Lone Wolf Takes a Chance

Similar Movies to The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance

Discover movies like The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance 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.