The Naked City

The Naked City

Year: 1948

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Jules Dassin

DramaMysteryThrillerCrimeFilm-Noir

A gritty detective story follows Detective James Halloran and Lieutenant Dan Muldoon as they investigate the murder of a young model found in her bathtub. Their inquiry delves into the victim's complex and scandalous past, revealing a web of deceit and hidden desires. As they pursue leads, they encounter a cast of intriguing suspects, including the seemingly charming Frank Niles, who may be concealing dark secrets. The investigation exposes a disturbing undercurrent of obsession and betrayal within the city.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Naked City 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 Naked City (1948)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Naked City (1948). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film reflects a contemporary period, showcasing mid-20th century New York City life, particularly in relation to the urban and nightlife scene. The narratives of crime and investigation provide a snapshot of societal issues prevalent during this time, emphasizing the post-war era's challenges.

Location

New York City, Roxy Theatre, Williamsburg Bridge

New York City serves as the vibrant and gritty backdrop for the unfolding drama, highlighting the city's complex life and culture. The Roxy Theatre represents a hub of entertainment, contrasting the serious undertones of the criminal activities taking place nearby. The Williamsburg Bridge becomes a significant location for the car chase and climax of the investigative pursuit.

🌆 City 🎭 Theatre 🌉 Bridge

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Main Characters – The Naked City (1948)

Meet the key characters of The Naked City (1948), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Detective Lt. Dan Muldoon (Barry Fitzgerald)

Detective Lt. Dan Muldoon is a cheerful and determined investigator, often seen cooking and humming folk tunes amidst the chaos of his job. His calm demeanor contrasts with the dark realities he faces in his detective work. Muldoon is dedicated to unraveling the truth, showcasing a blend of warmth and tenacity in his character.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 🍳 Culinary 🎶 Cheerful

Detective James Halloran (Don Taylor)

Detective James Halloran is portrayed as a novice yet eager partner to Muldoon, learning the ropes of criminal investigation. His character represents the drive to prove oneself in challenging circumstances, often facing moral dilemmas throughout their case. Halloran’s development is crucial to understanding the investigative process.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 🌱 Novice 💪 Determined

Frank Niles (Howard Duff)

Frank Niles is depicted as a suave yet deceitful character whose charm hides dark intentions. His involvement in the murder case illustrates themes of betrayal and false identities, particularly as he poses as an Ivy League gentleman. His character sharpens the film's focus on the consequences of deception.

🎩 Deceptive 🏙️ Urban 🔪 Villain

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Major Themes – The Naked City (1948)

Explore the central themes of The Naked City (1948), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Crime Investigation

Central to the plot is the theme of crime investigation, where detectives delve into the complexities of a murder case. Detective Lt. Dan Muldoon and his partner navigate through deception and dark secrets, illustrating the intricate web of human motives behind crime. The pursuit of justice is portrayed through their relentless quest to uncover the truth behind Jean Dexter's tragic death.

💎 Deception

Deception plays a crucial role in the narrative, particularly through the character of Frank Niles, who represents the facade of success and charm masking criminal intent. The stolen jewels symbolize the underlying dishonesty in relationships and societal interactions. The film unravels layers of deceit, revealing how appearances can be misleading and dangerous.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Unlock the Full Story of The Naked City

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

The Naked City Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Naked City, 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 Naked City Summary

The Naked City Timeline

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

The Naked City Timeline

More About The Naked City

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Naked City: 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 Naked City

Similar Movies to The Naked City

Discover movies like The Naked City 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.