The People Against O’Hara

The People Against O’Hara

Year: 1951

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: English

Director: John Sturges

DramaCrime

O’HARA MIGHT BEAT MURDER - IF HIS LAWYER CAN BEAT THE BOTTLE! A defense attorney jeopardizes his career to save his client.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The People Against O’Hara 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 People Against O’Hara (1951)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The People Against O’Hara (1951). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Post-World War II era, late 1940s to early 1950s

The film takes place in the late 1940s to early 1950s, a period marked by post-war economic restructuring and organized crime activity. This era saw significant social and economic changes, with crime syndicates controlling many waterfront operations and a legal system strained by corruption and moral complexities.

Location

New York City, Waterfront, Docks

The movie is set primarily in New York City, focusing on the waterfront and dock areas. These locations are known for their bustling industrial activity and mobster influence, reflecting the gritty reality of post-World War II urban life. The setting emphasizes the contrasts between law and crime within a vibrant city landscape.

🌆 Urban 🚢 Waterfront 🔧 Industrial

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Main Characters – The People Against O’Hara (1951)

Meet the key characters of The People Against O’Hara (1951), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

James P. Curtayne (Spencer Tracy)

A seasoned district attorney battling personal demons, including alcoholism, he is driven to seek justice despite his declining health and moral compromises. His dedication to uncovering the truth highlights his integrity and vulnerability, making him a sympathetic figure facing moral decay.

💼 Lawyer 🧓 Aging 🥃 Alcoholics

Johnny O'Hara

A young man accused of murder, Johnny is caught between societal expectations and his own moral struggles. His character represents innocence corrupted by circumstances, and he faces relentless pressure from the legal and criminal worlds, fighting to prove his innocence.

🔫 Accused 🧑‍🎓 Youth ⚔️ Conflict

Katrina Lanzetta

Katrina is a troubled young woman caught in a dangerous romance with Johnny, tied to the waterfront mobster Knuckles. Her willingness to reveal the truth demonstrates her complex character, torn between love and survival.

💔 Romance 🚤 Waterfront 💣 Mob

Knuckles Lanzetta

A ruthless mobster controlling the waterfront, Knuckles exemplifies organized crime's influence over the setting. His character embodies the brutality and loyalty within the mob, determined to protect his interests at all costs.

🔫 Mobster 🚢 Waterfront 💰 Crime

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Major Themes – The People Against O’Hara (1951)

Explore the central themes of The People Against O’Hara (1951), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice & Corruption

The movie explores the struggle between justice and corruption, highlighting how personal flaws and external pressures influence legal outcomes. It depicts the moral ambiguities faced by those in law enforcement and legal professions, emphasizing that justice is often compromised by greed, alcoholism, and mob influence.

🌀 Betrayal & Loyalty

Betrayal and loyalty are central themes, especially within personal relationships and criminal organizations. Characters grapple with conflicting loyalties—whether to family, friends, or the law—and these conflicts drive much of the narrative's tension and moral dilemma.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

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 People Against O’Hara

Don't stop at just watching — explore The People Against O’Hara 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 People Against O’Hara is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The People Against O’Hara Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The People Against O’Hara, 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 People Against O’Hara Summary

The People Against O’Hara Timeline

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

The People Against O’Hara Timeline

The People Against O’Hara Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The People Against O’Hara that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The People Against O’Hara Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The People Against O’Hara

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The People Against O’Hara: 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 People Against O’Hara

Explore More About Movie The People Against O’Hara

The People Against O’Hara (1951) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The People Against O’Hara (1951) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The People Against O’Hara (1951) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow