Violence

Violence

Year: 1947

Runtime: 72 mins

Language: English

Director: Jack Bernhard

DramaCrime

Magazine writer Ann Mason goes undercover with the United Defenders, a public‑service group that is secretly a front for a racketeering operation. While gathering evidence, she suffers a bout of amnesia that jeopardizes her disguise and puts her investigation at risk.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Violence (1947)

Trace every key event in Violence (1947) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Interrogation and murder in the UD basement

Stalk interrogates Joe Donahue in the Los Angeles basement and kills him. True Dawson wraps up the meeting, already calculating how the UD scheme will play out. UD secretary Ann Mason covertly photographs the departing attendees with her watch, recording the operation.

Opening scene Los Angeles, UD basement
2

Donahue's death confirms the ruse

Stalk privately informs Dawson that Donahue has been killed, signaling that their public ruse can escalate. Dawson explains the plan to rile up veterans and bilk them for UD dues and Defender novelties.

Soon after the murder UD headquarters, Los Angeles
3

Ann Mason's Chicago connection and editor's note

Ann Mason is presented as an undercover journalist with ties to Chicago. At her apartment she reads a letter from her editor saying she has enough UD material to return home and file the story, then claims a personal trip to Chicago.

Before leaving for Chicago Los Angeles
4

Steve Fuller begins tailing Ann in Chicago

In Chicago, Steve Fuller tails Ann from the UD. She orders her driver to shake him, leading to a crash during the pursuit.

After arrival in Chicago Chicago streets
5

Ann's amnesia and return to LA

Steve locates Ann in a Chicago hospital where she is unharmed but suffering from amnesia. He convinces her that they are engaged and escorts her back to Los Angeles.

Following cab crash Chicago hospital
6

Ann resumes UD work in LA

Remembering nothing, Ann resumes her UD duties. She even joins Dawson in a fundraising pitch.

After returning from Chicago Los Angeles
7

Sally Donahue investigates and finds clues

Sally Donahue searches for her husband at the UD. Steve finds some of the letters Sally wrote to Joe stashed in Stalk's room, and he suspects that the UD killed Donahue.

After Ann's return UD headquarters, Los Angeles
8

Ann challenges Dawson; Stalk slaps her

Ann reports Steve's allegations to Dawson, and seeds of doubt begin to grow. When she questions Stalk about Donahue, he slaps her, reviving her memory and revealing his ruthlessness.

Post-reporting UD headquarters
9

Steve reveals his undercover status

The UD is revealed as part of a broader anti-union network. Steve, who is an undercover Los Angeles detective, exposes his true identity during the tense basement moment.

Confrontation UD basement, Los Angeles
10

Mr. X orders a trap against veterans

A shadowy overseer, Mr. X, instructs Dawson to rough up a group of veterans protesting for affordable housing. Dawson plans to use the melee as cover for murdering Ann and Steve.

Network directive Los Angeles
11

Escape and warn the protesters

Ann and Steve escape from the basement and rush to warn the protesting veterans of the trap. They realize the UD operation is about to be exposed to the public.

Escape sequence Protest site, Los Angeles
12

Confrontation at Stalk's location

Ann and Steve force Dawson to take them to Stalk, who now believes Dawson will take the rap. The confrontation escalates as Dawson and Stalk shoot each other.

Final confrontation Stalk's location, Los Angeles
13

UD exposed; Mr. X escapes

The UD scheme is exposed to the public as Dawson and Stalk lie dead. Mr. X behind the operation escapes detection and capture.

Ending Los Angeles

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:04

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Violence Summary

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Violence Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Violence

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Violence (1947) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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