The Tip-Off

The Tip-Off

Year: 1931

Runtime: 71 mins

Language: English

Director: Albert S. Rogell

ComedyCrime

This is station L-O-V-E A young radio repairman becomes involved with gangsters and one of their girlfriends when he repairs their radio.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Tip-Off 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 Tip-Off (1931)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Tip-Off (1931). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

McClure's Apartment, Ball

The action largely takes place in Kayo McClure's apartment, a stylish hideout for the fighter and a target for gangsters. A glamorous ball provides a backdrop for mistaken identities, covert plans, and romantic entanglements. These locations contrast private safety with public spectacle as danger closes in and resolution arrives.

🏢 Indoor setting 🎉 Social venue

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:30

Main Characters – The Tip-Off (1931)

Meet the key characters of The Tip-Off (1931), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tommy (Eddie Quillan)

A young radio repairman who stumbles into a criminal scheme and becomes the story's unlikely hero. He shows quick thinking, resourcefulness, and a brave, earnest personality that earns the respect of McClure. His growing boldness and charm drive the plot and bring about the final alliance.

🎯 Helpful 💡 Clever

Kayo McClure (Robert Armstrong)

A famous fighter who uses his strength and presence to protect those around him. He is wary of trouble but warms to Tommy's bravery and offers support and friendship. His protective stance helps steer events away from danger and toward a resolution.

🥊 Fighter 🤝 Protective

Baby Face (Ginger Rogers)

The charismatic woman who is closely tied to McClure and pulls strings behind the scenes. She combines glamour with a sharp, practical mind, contributing to the plan to keep loved ones safe. Her actions reveal a protective side beneath a public persona.

🎭 Charismatic 🔒 Mysterious

Edna (Joan Peers)

Edna is Nick Vatelli's fiancée, drawn into the gang's schemes and then sheltered by McClure and Tommy. She is brave and decisive, playing a key role in the escape plan. By the end, she finds autonomy and love with Tommy.

💍 Engaged 💞 Romantic

Nick Vatelli (Ralf Harolde)

The gang leader who orchestrates threats against McClure and his circle. He drives the tension in the apartment and ball scenes, representing the criminal force the heroes must outwit. His downfall comes through the clever ruse and the unlikely alliance formed by the protagonists.

💰 Wealthy 🚨 Menace

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:30

Major Themes – The Tip-Off (1931)

Explore the central themes of The Tip-Off (1931), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Disguise

Mistaken identities and staged appearances drive the plot. Tommy's radio trick helps clear the apartment of the gang, while Baby Face's public image adds tension and suspense. The deception fuels both danger and humor, until honesty and cleverness prevail.

🤝 Loyalty

Tommy's quick actions earn McClure's gratitude and his protection. The trio forms a bond that helps them outwit Vatelli and his men. Loyalty to friends and partners ultimately leads to safety and a hopeful future.

💖 Romance

Romance threads through the story, from the ball to the final union. Edna's position with Nick complicates matters, while Tommy's rescue and care pave the way for a life together with Edna. Love and courage intertwine to resolve the conflict.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:30

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 Tip-Off

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

The Tip-Off Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Tip-Off, 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 Tip-Off Summary

The Tip-Off Timeline

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

The Tip-Off Timeline

More About The Tip-Off

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Tip-Off: 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 Tip-Off