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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Asphalt Jungle (1950). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


A band of seasoned criminals, led by the tenacious Dix Handley (Sterling Hayden), is drawn together by the cunning mastermind Doc Riedenschneider (Sam Jaffe) for an ambitious jewel heist. The mastermind has devised a meticulous plan, and their connection for unloading the stolen treasure is a duplicitous lawyer, Alonzo Emmerich (Louis Calhern), who harbors intentions of absconding with their loot to Europe.

As Doc sets the plan into motion, whispers of treachery reach his ears, hinting that Emmerich may not be as trustworthy as initially believed. In light of this disquieting rumor, Doc enlists Dix’s help to ensure they retrieve their earnings from the shifty lawyer. The heist unfolds with suspense, but not without a hiccup: one member of their crew, Louis (Anthony Caruso), suffers a grave wound at the hands of an armed guard. The robbery is executed successfully, but peril lurks close.

Upon delivering the jewels to Emmerich, Dix is faced with an unforeseen confrontation when he takes aim at a private detective, Bob Brannom (played by Brad Dexter), whom Emmerich has summoned for protection. The intensity escalates as Doc persuades Emmerich that impending police arrest looms unless he launder the jewels back to the insurance company. In this precarious negotiation, Dix finds himself unexpectedly shot during the encounter with Emmerich, his condition deteriorating rapidly as he and Doc make their escape.

As the law closes in on Emmerich, he ultimately succumbs to despair, choosing to end his life. In the throes of their escape, Dix implores Doc to seize a portion of the money and flee, as he is determined to return to his roots in Kentucky to evade the authorities. However, fate has other plans. In a poignant moment, Doc is captivated by a young girl’s dance, a fleeting distraction that leads to his capture by the police.

In a somber twist, Dix and his companion, Doll (Jean Hagen), journey back toward his homeland, but tragedy strikes when Dix succumbs to his injuries before he can muster the strength to surrender to the law. The intertwining fates of these characters illustrate a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the unpredictable toll of crime—a narrative that leaves behind a haunting echo of choices made under the veil of desperation.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Asphalt Jungle (1950) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


The Team Assembles

A group of seasoned criminals, led by crime mastermind Doc Riedenschneider, come together for a high-stakes jewel heist. Among them is Dix Handley, who is eager to partake in the operation, unaware of the treachery that lies ahead.

Connecting with the Fence

The crew establishes contact with Alonzo Emmerich, a corrupt lawyer who will fence the stolen jewels. However, tensions arise as Doc suspects that Emmerich has ulterior motives, prompting him to ask Dix for assistance in ensuring they receive their share.

Executing the Heist

The jewel heist is executed, but chaos ensues when an armed guard opens fire, wounding one of the crew members, Louis. The group manages to secure the jewels, but the injury raises alarms within the team about their growing peril.

Confrontation with Emmerich

Dix and Doc deliver the stolen jewels to Emmerich, but the situation escalates when a Private Detective named Bob Brannom, brought in by the lawyer for protection, is killed by Dix. This violent encounter further complicates their plans and heightens the stakes.

Emmerich's Deception

Doc convinces Emmerich that he needs to sell the jewels back to the insurance company to avoid police retaliation. They orchestrate a plan, but the atmosphere grows more mistrustful as Dix remains wary of Emmerich's intentions.

Dix's Injury

During the exchange with Emmerich, Dix is shot, leading him to weaken significantly as they attempt to escape. The injury not only complicates his plans but also becomes a race against time for both him and Doc.

Emmerich's Demise

As police close in on Emmerich, he faces imminent arrest for his complicity in the jewel heist. Rather than face capture, Emmerich takes the final and desperate decision to end his own life, creating a void in the operation.

The Escape Plan

Dix tries to persuade Doc to take some money and flee, expressing his desire to return to Kentucky to evade law enforcement. The two share a poignant moment as Dix reflects on the gravity of their situation, revealing his longing for a simpler life.

Caught by Police

Doc, momentarily distracted by a young girl dancing, is apprehended by the police. This stark moment underscores the unpredictability of their criminal lifestyle and how quickly plans can unravel.

Final Journey

Dix, now gravely wounded, drives back to Kentucky with Doll, his companion, who urges him to turn himself into the police. Despite her pleas, Dix succumbs to his injuries before he can make that choice, leaving Doll to grapple with the weight of their situation.

Kentucky

Characters

Explore all characters from The Asphalt Jungle (1950). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Dix Handley (Sterling Hayden)

Dix Handley is a hardened criminal drawn into a dangerous heist, torn between his desire for wealth and his deep-rooted connection to his home in Kentucky. He embodies the struggle between ambition and morality, and his fate serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of his choices. His character arc captures the essence of desperation in the criminal world.

🕴️ Criminal 🌪️ Desperate

Doc Riedenschneider (Sam Jaffe)

Doc Riedenschneider is the mastermind orchestrating the heist, showcasing a blend of cunning intelligence and vulnerability as he grapples with the reality of betrayal. His character represents the complexity of criminal ambition, driven by both the lure of riches and a deep sense of loyalty to his crew. Doc’s tragic arc illustrates the futility of trust in the world of crime.

🡸 Mastermind 🤝 Loyal

Alonzo Emmerich (Louis Calhern)

Alonzo Emmerich is a corrupt lawyer whose greed and self-serving nature lead him down a treacherous path. He embodies the moral decay prevalent in the story, acting as both a facilitator and betrayer in the heist. Emmerich’s desperation to escape exemplifies the destructive power of greed.

⚖️ Corruption 💼 Lawyer

Setting

Learn where and when The Asphalt Jungle (1950) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The movie's events transpire in a post-World War II setting, a time marked by economic growth and crime resurgence in urban areas. This era reflects both the aspirations and downfalls of individuals chasing the American Dream amidst a backdrop of moral ambiguity.

Location

New York City, Kentucky

The story unfolds predominantly in New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its criminal underbelly and vibrant yet dangerous streets. The plot also connects to Kentucky, symbolizing Dix Handley's rural roots and longing for redemption amidst his criminal life.

🏙️ City 🌄 Nature

Themes

Discover the main themes in The Asphalt Jungle (1950). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


💰

Greed

Greed drives the plot as characters are motivated by the allure of wealth and the promise of a better life. The jewel heist becomes a symbol of their desperation and moral compromise, ultimately leading to their downfall. The consequences of their avarice highlight the thin line between ambition and moral decay.

🔫

Betrayal

Betrayal weaves through the narrative, particularly in the relationships forged among the criminals and their corrupt lawyer. Trust is broken when characters seek to double-cross each other for personal gain. The fragility of loyalty amidst crime is poignantly illustrated in the characters' tragic fates.

🚓

Desperation

Desperation is a central theme as the characters pursue a high-stakes heist that ultimately spirals out of control. Their quest for freedom and wealth leads to a relentless game of cat and mouse with law enforcement. In the end, their choices reveal the harsh consequences stemming from their desperation.

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