Johnny Eager (1941)

In the shadowy underbelly of the city, the ruthless and charismatic ex-convict, Johnny Eager, weaves a web of deception. To his parole officer, Mr. Verne, he's merely a humble taxi driver. But beneath this veneer of respectability, Johnny is as entrenched in the criminal world as ever, his heart set on a high-stakes venture - a dog racing track. However, securing the license for his new venture is proving elusive. His only ally in this quest is his loyal, albeit alcoholic, partner Jeff Hartnett. Into this fraught world walks the strikingly beautiful Lisbeth Bard, the stepdaughter of District Attorney John Benson Farrell - who just so happens to be Johnny's nemesis and the man who sent him to prison. When Lisbeth is introduced to Johnny by Mr. Verne, she is immediately ensnared by his magnetic charm. Unbeknownst to her, Johnny views their blossoming relationship not as a romantic interlude, but as a means to an end. He cunningly manipulates her, leading her to believe she's committed a crime in his defense. This act sets in motion a sinister plot to blackmail her father, leveraging his love for his daughter to secure the coveted dog track permit. As Lisbeth grapples with the enormity of her supposed crime and her unwavering love for Johnny, her former lover, Jimmy Courtney, steps into the fray. Offering his wealth to Johnny in exchange for Lisbeth's freedom, Jimmy's selfless act leaves Johnny perplexed. However, a visit to the emotionally tormented Lisbeth forces Johnny to confront unfamiliar feelings - those of love and sacrifice, stirring a battle within him. Will he continue down his path of ruthlessness, or will the power of love guide his next move in this high-stakes game? Join Johnny Eager in this thrilling narrative, where crime, passion, and redemption intertwine in a captivating dance.

Johnny Eager is a crime movie featuring Robert Taylor.

Johnny Eager is currently streaming on TCM.