Mr. Soft Touch (1949)

In the frost-laden heart of Christmas, war-ravaged veteran Joe Miracle returns to a home that is anything but welcoming. His sanctuary, a once thriving nightclub, has been usurped by the ruthless gangster, Barney Teener, who has not only claimed dominance over Joe's domain but has also stained his hands with the blood of Joe's partner. Fueled by desperation and revenge, Joe pilfers $100,000 from the club's safe, swiftly diving into the shadows of the city. His salvation comes in the form of a settlement house, run by the compassionate Jenny Jones. Mistaking Joe for a destitute musician, she shelters him from the biting winter and the relentless pursuit of his adversaries. Immersed in this haven of hope and humanity, Joe begins to perceive the vital importance of Jenny's noble mission. However, Joe's world is once more thrust into chaos when "Early" Byrd, an observant newspaper columnist, discerns his true identity and splashes it across the city papers, inadvertently setting the bloodhounds on his trail again. Teener and his ruthless gang seize the opportunity, torching the settlement house and reclaiming their stolen wealth. Unbowed and undeterred, Joe executes a daring countermove, stealing the money once again. In a poetic display of defiance, he returns to the smoldering ruins of the settlement house clad as Santa Claus, gifting the plundered fortune to Jenny to resurrect her sanctuary from the ashes. But as the Christmas bells peal, Teener and his gang close in on Joe, leading to a showdown that will determine his fate.

Mr. Soft Touch is a crime movie featuring Glenn Ford.

Mr. Soft Touch is currently streaming on TCM.