Storyline
Bill O'Brien is promoted to lieutenant in the police department for his arrest of Mike Patello, gang leader and racketeer, for murder. Ruth Dale, who loves Bill, is concerned when her brother, Johnny, who witnessed the murder, proposes to testify against the racketeer. Meanwhile, Captain Antrim informs Bill that his father has just been released from prison and does not know his son is a policeman. On the way from prison, O'Brien (J. P.) meets Limo, a former cockney pal who recognizes Bill and keeps J. P. from seeing his son; later, J. P. arrives intoxicated and is enraged, forcing Bill to knock him unconscious. J. P. is arrested for robbery but returns the loot to save his son from disgrace; Johnny is killed before testifying against Patello, who is released but confronted by J. P., who proves his guilt and, when he struggles with the police, kills him. Bill plans to resign, but confident of Ruth's love, he decides to remain on the force.
Cast & Crew
William Boyd
Bill O'Brien
Lead
Ernest Torrence
John Patrick O'Brien
Dorothy Sebastian
Ruth Dale
Russell Gleason
Johnny Dale
Clyde Cook
Charlie "Limo" Lewis
Ralf Harolde
Mike Patello
Arthur Housman
Tony Zurick
PH
Paul Hurst
Captain Antrim
What People Are Saying
3.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Tay Garnett's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Officer O'Brien is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
