Johnny Dangerously 1984
Directed by
Amy Heckerling
Plot Summary
In 1935, a pet shop owner catches a young boy attempting to steal a puppy, prompting him to share a story to steer the child away from a life of crime. The tale unfolds in 1910, where we meet Johnny Kelly (Byron Thames), a scrappy newsboy in New York City. After defending himself against Danny Vermin (Georg Olden), Johnny discovers that his mother, Ma Kelly (Maureen Stapleton), requires a costly operation they cannot afford. After the execution of his father, known as Killer Kelly, Ma has worked tirelessly to support Johnny and his younger brother, Tommy (Griffin Dunne), who dreams of becoming a lawyer.
As Johnny’s situation grows desperate, he turns to local crime boss, Jocko Dundee (Peter Boyle), to fund his mother’s surgery, leading him to a life of crime that he initially hoped to avoid. During a robbery, Johnny adopts the moniker Johnny Dangerously, much to the chagrin of his rival, Roman Moronie (Richard Dimitri), who vows never to forget his face, comically misusing slang along the way.
Fast forward a few years, and the adult Johnny, portrayed by Michael Keaton (michael-keaton), has fully immersed himself in the dangerous world of crime, gaining the respect of his peers while keeping his real identity hidden from his beloved family. Despite the secret life he leads, both his mother and brother believe he is a legitimate nightclub owner. Meanwhile, Tommy is navigating law school, longing for a more carefree life, until Johnny intervenes with a rather bold public health message.
As tensions rise between Johnny’s gang and Moronie’s crew, comedic chaos ensures, including a bomb dropped from a biplane. Amid the turmoil, Johnny’s romantic interest, Lil Sheridan (Marilu Henner), enters the picture, and their flirtation brings an unexpected spark to Johnny’s chaotic life.
The crime war pushes boundaries, demonstrating the absurd lengths rival gangs will go, including an outrageous attempt involving a robot and explosives. Johnny’s fortunes begin to shift when Dundee retires, allowing Johnny to take the reins, but with great power comes great responsibility—especially when the D.A., Burr (Danny DeVito), turns against him.
The story escalates when Tommy’s ambition leads him to clash with Johnny’s past. Following a series of treacherous events, including an attempted murder by Burr and a near-fatal confrontation with Vermin, the danger intensifies. The climactic moments arrive as Johnny, wrongfully convicted of murder, faces the death penalty. However, his family comes together, uncovering the truth and allowing Johnny to orchestrate an audacious escape.
Ultimately, Johnny takes the leap to save his brother, demonstrating that love and loyalty surpass the shadows of crime. As the narrative wraps back to 1935, the once-stealing boy absorbs the lesson that crime doesn’t pay, while Johnny, transformed from a crime lord back to a humble pet shop owner, delivers a cheeky line about his past: > “Well… it paid a little!”
Timeline
The Pet Shop Encounter
In 1935, a pet shop owner catches a young boy attempting to steal a puppy. To steer the child away from a life of crime, he begins to share a compelling story from his past.
Introduction to Johnny Kelly
The story takes us back to 1910, where we meet Johnny Kelly, a scrappy newsboy living in New York City. His resilience is quickly showcased when he defends himself against a local bully, Danny Vermin.
Family Struggles
Johnny learns of his mother's dire need for an expensive operation that they cannot afford. Ma Kelly, who has worked tirelessly to support Johnny and his younger brother, Tommy, struggles after the execution of Johnny’s father, Killer Kelly.
Turning to Crime
Desperation drives Johnny to seek assistance from local crime boss Jocko Dundee. He hopes to fund his mother’s surgery, but this decision ultimately leads him down a path he initially wanted to avoid.
Becoming Johnny Dangerously
During a robbery, Johnny adopts the notorious moniker 'Johnny Dangerously', marking the beginning of his criminal persona. This new identity irks his rival, Roman Moronie, who vows to get revenge.
Johnny's Double Life
Years later, Johnny has fully embraced his life as a gangster while maintaining the facade of a legitimate nightclub owner. His mother and brother remain unaware of his criminal activities, believing in his honesty.
Tommy's Aspirations
While Johnny thrives in crime, his younger brother Tommy navigates the challenges of law school. Johnny’s interference introduces new ethical dilemmas into Tommy's ambitious plans for a legal career.
Rival Gang Tensions
As rivalries between Johnny's gang and Moronie's crew escalate, comedic chaos unfolds. Notable incidents include a bomb being dropped from a biplane, showcasing the absurdity of their ongoing feud.
Romantic Interlude
Johnny's chaotic life takes a turn when he meets Lil Sheridan, who becomes his romantic interest. Their flirtation adds an unexpected spark, momentarily lightening the burdens of Johnny's double life.
The Power Struggle
With Dundee's retirement, Johnny ascends to a position of power in the criminal underworld. However, this newfound authority comes with serious responsibilities and an emerging threat from D.A. Burr, who starts targeting him.
Sibling Conflict
Tommy’s ambition brings him into confrontation with Johnny’s criminal past. Tensions rise as familial loyalty is tested against the backdrop of their entangled lives in crime.
Near-Fatal Events
Johnny faces attempted murder at the hands of D.A. Burr, and a dangerous showdown with Danny Vermin escalates further. These events create a lethal atmosphere that jeopardizes Johnny's life and those he loves.
Wrongful Conviction
Johnny is wrongfully convicted of murder and faces the death penalty. The situation grows dire, driving him to rely on his family's love and tenacity to uncover the truth.
A Bold Escape
In a thrilling conclusion, Johnny orchestrates a daring escape with the help of his family. Their reunion solidifies their bonds and underscores the triumph of love over the chaos of crime.
Lessons Learned
Returning to 1935, the former crime lord reflects on his journey, having embraced a humble life as a pet shop owner. He imparts a valuable lesson to the young boy, reiterating that crime ultimately does not pay.
Characters
Johnny Kelly / Johnny Dangerously (Michael Keaton)
Johnny Kelly begins as a scrappy newsboy with dreams to escape crime, but his dedication to family leads him down a path of infamy. Full of charm and wit, Johnny embodies the conflict of maintaining his secret life as a notorious criminal while striving for the approval of his family. His evolution captures the essence of a man torn between love and lawlessness.
Ma Kelly (Maureen Stapleton)
Ma Kelly is a resilient and caring mother, tirelessly working to provide for her family after her husband's execution. Her unyielding support for Johnny and Tommy showcases her unwavering love, often sacrificing her own well-being for their futures. She represents the emotional anchor in the midst of chaos, adding depth to Johnny's motivations.
Tommy Kelly (Griffin Dunne)
Tommy Kelly, Johnny's younger brother, is an ambitious law student who dreams of a respectable life, contrasting sharply with Johnny's criminal undertakings. His aspirations for a legal career symbolize hope and the desire for a better life, while his eventual clash with Johnny highlights the tension between familial love and individual ambition. He seeks to uphold justice while grappling with the shadow of his brother's actions.
Jocko Dundee (Peter Boyle)
As a local crime boss, Jocko Dundee plays a pivotal role in Johnny's descent into the world of crime. Charismatic yet ruthless, Dundee represents the alluring yet dangerous side of organized crime, tempting Johnny with promises of power and wealth. His presence serves as a catalyst, pushing Johnny out of his comfort zone and into a life he initially intended to avoid.
Lil Sheridan (Marilu Henner)
Lil Sheridan is the romantic interest who brings warmth and light into Johnny's chaotic world. Her flirtation with Johnny highlights the personal stakes of his dangerous lifestyle while being both charming and supportive. Lil adds an essential layer of emotional connection and serves as a reminder of what Johnny risks losing while trying to navigate crime.
Burr (Danny DeVito)
Burr is a disapproving district attorney who poses a significant threat to Johnny's criminal enterprise. His relentless pursuit of justice creates considerable tension, representing the law's moral stance against crime. His character adds an element of danger, forcing Johnny to confront the consequences of his choices.
Setting
Time period
1910, 1935
The movie unfolds primarily in the early 20th century, a time marked by significant social changes and the rise of organized crime in America. The story reflects the societal tensions of the era, offering a comedic yet insightful look at the lengths one might go to for family. By returning to 1935, the tale encapsulates a moral lesson on the consequences of crime and the redemption that comes with genuine love and loyalty.
Location
New York City
New York City serves as a bustling backdrop for Johnny Kelly's transformation from an innocent newsboy to a notorious crime lord. Known for its diverse culture and relentless ambition, NYC in the early 1900s also presented a juxtaposition of vibrant life and the underbelly of organized crime. The city's chaotic streets reflect the tumultuous journey of its characters, especially within the pet shop where the story begins.
Themes
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Family Loyalty
At its heart, the film emphasizes the importance of family and loyalty amidst the chaos of crime. Johnny's actions are largely driven by his desire to support his mother and brother, showcasing the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. The contrast between his double life as a crime lord and his family's perception of him highlights the tension between personal ambition and familial duty.
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Justice and Morality
The film explores themes of justice with Johnny's transformation into 'Johnny Dangerously' leading him through moral dilemmas. His journey illustrates the blurred lines between right and wrong, especially as crime becomes a means to achieve noble ends. The climax raises questions about the legal system, pointing to the notion that true justice can sometimes be thrust upon the individual through unexpected turns of fate.
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