White Heat

Cody Jarrett, the deranged leader of a criminal gang, exhibits an unhealthy dependency on his mother, 'Ma' Jarrett. His fixation is evident when, during his splitting headaches, he finds solace on her lap while she comforts him with a drink and the phrase, 'Top of the world'.

Jarrett and his gang execute a daring train hijacking, resulting in chaos and multiple fatalities, including crew members and one of his accomplices, Zuckie. This brazen act of crime brings the attention of law enforcement, setting the stage for Jarrett's subsequent troubles.

After the robbery, Jarrett attempts to escape the law by injuring US Treasury investigator Philip Evans during a confrontation. He then fabricates an alibi by confessing to a lesser crime associated with the robbery, securing a one to three-year prison sentence.

Despite Jarrett's conviction, investigator Philip Evans sends his best undercover agent, Hank Fallon, into prison to gather intelligence on Jarrett's operations. Fallon, posing as Vic Pardo, is tasked with uncovering the identity of a key figure known as 'the Trader' who laundered money for Jarrett's gang.

While in prison, Jarrett faces a threat from his ambitious right-hand man, Big Ed Somers, who seeks to take over both Jarrett's gang and wife, Verna. A convict named Roy Parker is ordered to kill Jarrett, but Fallon intervenes and saves his life by pushing him out of harm's way.

During a visit from his mother, Ma, she insists that she will deal with Big Ed herself, raising Jarrett's concerns. The emotional toll causes him to have another severe headache, which Fallon helps alleviate, further fostering camaraderie between the two.

Fallon outlines an escape plan to Jarrett, minimizing risks by involving outside accomplices. However, the news of Ma’s death sends Jarrett into a violent rampage in the prison mess hall, leading to his confinement in an infirmary.

In a desperate move, Jarrett persuades a convict to provide him with a gun while held in the infirmary. Using hostages, Jarrett executes an escape plan that includes Fallon and several other convicts, making their way out of the prison.

After their escape, Jarrett's gang murders a family in the mountains of California to steal their car. In a shocking display of brutality, Jarrett responds to Parker's complaints about the trunk being 'stuffy' by gunning it down, showcasing his ruthless nature.

Jarrett learns from Verna that she conspired with Big Ed, whom he believes caused Ma's death. In a fit of rage, he stalks Big Ed and shoots him, solidifying his control over the gang and eliminating a rival.

With Big Ed out of the picture, Jarrett’s gang increases in size, and they begin planning their next heist. Fallon gains Jarrett’s trust and is treated almost like a replacement for his late mother, as Jarrett shares the gang's spoils with him.

Jarrett devises a plan to rob a chemical plant payroll, using a gas truck to infiltrate the premises. Despite having an insider's help, the plan is fraught with tension and jeopardy, especially with Fallon acting as a double agent.

During the heist at the chemical plant, Fallon exposes the Trader's true identity, causing chaos within Jarrett’s gang. The tension escalates, putting their lives in danger as trust falters amongst the members.

When the police surround the chemical plant, Jarrett, fueled by anger and desperation, refuses to surrender. With chaos ensuing, Fallon manages to escape while Jarrett, facing the consequences of his actions, makes his last stand.

In a frenzy, Jarrett shoots at the gas tanks, culminating in a fiery explosion. His final words, 'Made it, Ma! Top of the world!' echo as he goes out in a blaze of glory, symbolizing the destructive culmination of his life of crime.