The People Against O’Hara

James Curtayne was once a highly successful district attorney in New York City, known for his effectiveness in criminal law. He has since left that high-pressure career, falling into alcohol dependency as a result of his stressful work. Now, he is attempting to settle into a quieter civil law practice, preparing for retirement.

Johnny O'Hara, a young man from the neighborhood, is accused of murdering his boss, Bill Sheffield. His parents seek out Curtayne to defend him, despite their financial struggles, trusting in his old legal prowess. Curtayne accepts the case, knowing it will be challenging.

Bill Sheffield is shot and robbed on his home stairs during the night. A bystander, an older man leaving a saloon, witnesses the event from a distance. Police trace the car used in the crime to Johnny O'Hara, suspecting him of involvement.

When questioned by detectives, Johnny claims he believed they were thugs after him and flees the scene. During interrogation, the murder weapon is identified as belonging to Johnny, who states it was stolen. The police arrest him based on circumstantial evidence.

Johnny claims he was working all night, but his alibi is discredited by the night watchman. He reveals a complicated romantic life, involving Katrina, the wife of mobster Knuckles Lanzetti, which could serve as a possible motive or distraction in the case.

Despite his age and personal struggles, Curtayne begins investigating Johnny’s case. He visits the Korvac family, who deny any connection with Johnny, and then approaches Knuckles Lanzetti, suspecting mob involvement, but faces distrust and denial.

During Johnny’s trial, his alibi collapses and witnesses like Pete Korvac provide confusing testimony. Curtayne's own confidence wanes as he struggles to contest the evidence, highlighting his failing mental state under the pressure.

Curtayne, increasingly desperate, bribes a Norwegian seaman to change his testimony. His act is discovered, putting both his career and Johnny’s case at risk. The outcome appears to be a conviction with Johnny facing the electric chair.

Lab tests reveal that the supposed murder weapon was linked to drug trafficking, not the murder. A plan is devised to set a trap to catch the real culprits, involving planting a lookalike in Johnny’s place with a stolen suitcase of narcotics.

Curtayne volunteers to deliver the fake suitcase, aiming to trap the real killers. He is ambushed and abducted by the Korvac brothers, who plan to kill him and dispose of the evidence. His bravery ultimately leads to his tragic death on the riverbank.

Despite efforts to save him, Curtayne is shot and killed by the Korvac brothers. His heroism is recognized, but his death marks the tragic end of his redemption arc and efforts to uncover the truth in the case.

The police, led by Barra and Ricks, reflect on the events surrounding Curtayne’s death. The case remains unresolved with the corrupt elements exposed, but the loss of Curtayne leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved.