The Racket

The Racket

Year: 1951

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: John Cromwell

CrimeThrillerCrime drugs and gangstersThrillers and murder mysteriesGritty crime and ruthless gangsters

After the Senate crime committee’s investigation stalls, a powerful national crime syndicate moves into the city and teams up with the local mob boss Nick Scanlon. Captain McQuigg, the only honest captain, and his loyal patrolman Johnson band to battle Scanlon’s violent reign and try to bring justice back to a town overrun by corruption.

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Timeline & Setting – The Racket (1951)

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

Time period

1950s

The events unfold in an early 1950s American city where organized crime exerts influence over politics and law enforcement. The era features a noir mood, rapid investigations, and a climate of bribes and threats. The struggle between reform-minded officers and corrupt officials drives the story.

Location

Midwestern city

Set in a large Midwestern American city plagued by mob influence and political corruption. The city functions as a backdrop for the clash between honest police and entrenched criminals. The plot follows the city’s cops, prosecutors, and journalists as they navigate threats to witnesses and public safety.

🏙️ City 🔗 Crime ⚖️ Corruption

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:55

Main Characters – The Racket (1951)

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

Nick Scanlon (Robert Ryan)

Nick Scanlon is a ruthless racketeer who has bought much of the city's political and law-enforcement apparatus. He commands fear and uses bribery to steer cases and protect his operations. He becomes a direct target of Captain McQuigg as the investigation closes in.

🔗 Mobster 🎯 Ruthless 🧭 Corruption

Captain Thomas McQuigg (Robert Mitchum)

An incorruptible police captain who resists bribery and fights mob corruption. He relentlessly pursues Scanlon while trying to protect his witness Irene Hayes. His resolve is tested by danger, including a bomb at his home.

🛡️ Heroism ⚖️ Integrity 🔎 Investigation

Irene Hayes (Lizabeth Scott)

A nightclub singer whose testimony becomes pivotal to the case against Scanlon. She faces danger from the mob and develops a romantic connection with Dave Ames. Her role shifts the balance between fear and courage.

🎤 Singer 💃 Femme Fatale 🛡️ Witness

Dave Ames (Robert Hutton)

A reporter who covers the corruption story and aids McQuigg. He shares a romantic interest with Irene and helps bring the case to public attention. His reporting frames the investigation and bolsters credibility.

📰 Reporter ❤️ Romance

D. A. Mortimer Welsh (Ray Collins)

A deputy prosecutor who is crooked and marks the mob's influence within the legal system. His manipulation of the case demonstrates how political power can shield crime.

⚖️ Corruption 🏛️ Politics

Det. Sgt. Turk (William Conrad)

A state police detective who collaborates with the mob and complicates the pursuit of Scanlon. He embodies the pervasive corruption and the obstacles faced by honest investigators.

🕵️ Detective ⚖️ Corruption

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:55

Major Themes – The Racket (1951)

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

⚖️ Corruption

Corruption threads through city hall, the police, and the legal system as shown by Scanlon's bribery of officials. The film demonstrates how power can bend institutions to serve crime. Honest lawmen must navigate threats to themselves and their witnesses. The resolution hinges on exposing the mob's reach rather than a quick arrest.

🛡️ Integrity Under Pressure

Captain McQuigg stands as the moral counterweight to the mob's influence. He risks his safety and family to uphold the law, resisting bribery and intimidation. His decisions reveal the grit required to pursue justice in a city under siege.

🗞️ Witness & Media

Irene Hayes's testimony marks a turning point, and Dave Ames's reporting frames the public narrative. The film highlights the role of witnesses, journalists, and the press in fighting corruption. It shows how media attention can pressure prosecutors and police to act.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:55

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The Racket Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Racket, 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 Racket Summary

The Racket Timeline

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The Racket Timeline

More About The Racket

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The Racket (1951) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Racket (1951) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Racket (1951) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow