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Ocean's 11 1960
Directed by
Lewis Milestone
Made by
Warner Bros.
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Ocean's 11 (1960). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A group of World War II veterans from the 82nd Airborne Division finds themselves embroiled in a daring scheme concocted by the charismatic Danny Ocean and his trusted ally Jimmy Foster. Their audacious plan? To execute a meticulously orchestrated robbery targeting not one but five prominent Las Vegas casinos—the Sahara, Riviera, Desert Inn, Sands, and The Flamingo—during the electrifying atmosphere of New Year’s Eve.
With the precision and meticulous planning reminiscent of a military operation, the gang embarks on this thrilling adventure. Josh Howard, part of the ensemble, takes on a seemingly mundane job driving a garbage truck, while the others delve into their roles. Among them, Sam Harmon entertains guests in one of the lounges, adding an air of authenticity to their ruse. Meanwhile, elaborate demolition charges are strategically planted on an electrical transmission tower, while backup electrical systems are surreptitiously altered in each casino.
As the clock strikes midnight and revelers across Las Vegas join in singing > “Auld Lang Syne,” the chaos unfolds. The tower is detonated, plunging the city into darkness. In this opportune moment, the backup power opens the cashier cages, granting the inside men unfettered access to the cash reserves. Quick on their feet, they stow their ill-gotten gains into garbage bins before seamlessly blending back into the crowd as if nothing had occurred.
Everything appears to go according to plan until fate intervenes. Their ace electrician, Tony Bergdorf, suffers a heart attack on the bustling Vegas Strip, leaving the team in a precarious position. This unexpected twist arouses the curiosity of the police, who begin to suspect a deeper connection to the events surrounding the heist.
Enter Duke Santos, a reformed gangster with a stake in recovering the casino bosses’ money for a price. After learning that Ocean and Foster are in town, he soon realizes the tangled web connecting them—Foster being the son of Duke’s fiancée. As Santos pieces together the clues, it doesn’t take long for him to confront the gang, demanding half of their spoils.
In a desperate maneuver, the crew hides the money within Bergdorf’s coffin, setting aside $10,000 for the widow, Willes. However, their plans take a dark turn when the funeral home persuades Bergdorf’s widow to hold the funeral in Las Vegas. This misguided decision leads to a shocking revelation when the coffin is cremated along with all the money, leaving the gang to grapple with the consequences of their actions. The once-thrilling heist now devolves into a desperate scramble, as the stakes continue to rise and fate unleashes its merciless hand.
Timeline
Track the key events of Ocean's 11 (1960) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Recruitment of the Gang
Danny Ocean and Jimmy Foster gather a group of World War II 82nd Airborne veterans to execute a grand heist. The gang members are selected for their unique skills and backgrounds, each contributing to the elaborate plan that lies ahead.
Planning the Heist
The gang meticulously plans for the New Year's Eve heist, treating it with military precision. They set their sights on robbing five Las Vegas casinos in a single night, highlighting the ambitious nature of their operation.
Infiltration and Scouting
As part of the heist preparation, gang member Josh Howard takes on a job driving a garbage truck. Meanwhile, other members work to scout the various casinos, ensuring they understand the layout and security measures in place.
Entertainment Distraction
Sam Harmon entertains guests in one of the Las Vegas hotel lounges. His performance serves as a distraction, allowing the other members to execute the heist without drawing too much attention to their activities.
Demolition and Rewiring
The gang plants demolition charges on an electrical transmission tower and covertly rewires the backup electric systems within each casino. This critical step ensures that when the lights go out, their plan can unfold seamlessly.
The Heist Begins
At the stroke of midnight, as patrons of the casinos sing 'Auld Lang Syne', the gang executes their plan. The tower is blown up, plunging all of Las Vegas into darkness and allowing them to spring into action.
Accessing the Cashier Cages
In the chaos of the blackout, the inside men bypass the emergency protocols and gain access to the cashier cages. With the backup systems opening the cages instead of lighting up the rooms, the thieves quickly collect the money.
Escape and Concealment
After successfully gathering the loot, the gang members blend in with the crowds as the casino lights flicker back on. They dump the bags of cash into garbage bins outside, preparing for their getaway.
The Garbage Truck Pickup
Josh Howard drives the garbage truck to collect the bags of stolen money. In a crucial moment, they manage to pass through a police blockade, making it seem as though the heist has gone off without a hitch.
Tony Bergdorf's Heart Attack
In a tragic turn of events, Tony Bergdorf, the gang's ace electrician, suffers a heart attack on the Las Vegas Strip and dies. His unexpected demise raises suspicions among the police about the gang's activities.
Confrontation with Duke Santos
Reformed gangster Duke Santos steps in, offering to help recover the stolen money for a price. He uncovers the connection between Ocean and Foster while determining their involvement in the casino heist.
Hiding the Money
In a desperate attempt to protect their stolen earnings, the gang hides the money in Bergdorf's coffin. They allocate $10,000 specifically for his widow, believing it will be a safe way to transport their gains.
Funeral Plan Backfires
The plan goes awry when Bergdorf's widow decides to hold the funeral in Las Vegas, leading to unforeseen complications. At the funeral, the body is cremated along with all the money that was hidden inside the coffin.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Ocean's 11 (1960) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Danny Ocean (Frank Sinatra)
Danny Ocean is a charismatic leader and mastermind behind the heist, showcasing intelligence and charm. He is determined to execute the perfect robbery while dealing with various obstacles, including betrayal and complications within the crew. Ocean's confidence and resourcefulness make him a standout character in the heist film.
Jimmy Foster (Peter Lawford)
Jimmy Foster is a pivotal member of the crew, known for his connections and resourceful nature. As the son of a reformed gangster's fiancée, he carries the burden of family shadows while attempting to prove himself in the elaborate scheme. His relationship with Danny Ocean adds depth to his character and motivations.
Josh Howard (Sammy Davis Jr.)
Josh Howard serves as the crew's driver and is an integral part of the team, showcasing loyalty and determination. His role highlights the importance of every member, regardless of their primary function in the heist. Howard's charismatic personality adds a layer of charm to the crew dynamic.
Sam Harmon (Dean Martin)
Sam Harmon is an entertainer with a smooth personality, performing in a lounge while contributing to the heist planning. His charm and musical talents provide a unique element to the group's strategy. Harmon represents the glitz of Las Vegas while playing a crucial role in the heist's execution.
Tony Bergdorf (Richard Conte)
Tony Bergdorf serves as the crew's skilled electrician, critical for the heist's success. His untimely heart attack introduces unexpected complications that heighten the tension among the thieves. Bergdorf's character shows the risks involved in the high-stakes operation they are undertaking.
Duke Santos (Cesar Romero)
Reformed gangster Duke Santos is a morally ambiguous figure who complicates the heist with his own agenda. As someone connected to the crew through familial ties, his motivations intertwine with those of Ocean and Foster, making him a formidable obstacle. His charm masks a ruthless practicality as he seeks to recover losses.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Ocean's 11 (1960), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1960s
The movie takes place during the early 1960s, a time of social change and innovation in America. This period saw the rise of the counterculture, the civil rights movement, and the popularity of Las Vegas as a gambling and entertainment destination. The 1960s were also marked by significant pop culture influences, reflected in the music and fashion of the time.
Location
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, is famous for its vibrant nightlife and 24-hour casinos. The city is characterized by its flashy decorations and themed hotels that attract millions of tourists every year. It's also home to some of the most luxurious and iconic entertainment venues, making it a hotspot for those seeking thrill and excitement.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Ocean's 11 (1960). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Heist
The central theme of Ocean's 11 revolves around the meticulous planning and execution of a heist. The clever strategies employed by the gang highlight themes of teamwork and deception, as they aim to outsmart the casino security. As they navigate through challenges, the thrilling aspect of pulling off a daring robbery keeps the audience engaged.
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Betrayal
Betrayal plays a critical role in the unfolding plot, especially as connections between characters complicate the heist. The unexpected alliances and duplicity among the veterans raise the stakes and create tension. This theme reflects the consequences of trust and loyalty in high-stakes situations.
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