The Informer 1935
Directed by
John Ford
Made by
RKO Radio Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Informer (1935). 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.
In the turbulent Dublin of 1922, we meet Gypo Nolan, an outcast from the Irish Republican Army (IRA), who was expelled for failing to take the life of a Black and Tan responsible for the murder of a fellow IRA member. Driven by anger, Gypo witnesses his streetwalker girlfriend, Katie Madden, struggling to fend off a potential customer. Unable to contain himself, he aggressively tosses the man into the street. Katie, in her despondency, reveals her need for £10 to escape to America and begin a new life.
Amidst this turmoil, Gypo encounters his friend Frankie McPhillip—a fugitive marked with a £20 bounty on his head. Tired of a life on the run, Frankie yearns to see his mother and sister, Mary. Under the cover of night, Gypo naively decides to betray Frankie in exchange for the reward that would allow them both passage to America. Tragically, the British forces track Frankie to his home, leading to a violent confrontation that costs Frankie his life. As a cruel twist of fate, Gypo receives his blood money from the British and walks free.
In a desperate bid to fabricate a convincing story, Gypo buys a bottle of whiskey and lies to Katie about acquiring the money by roughing up an American sailor. At Frankie’s wake, his behavior raises suspicions when coins spill from his pockets. Although the men around him dismiss the notion of him being an informer, Gypo’s conscience begins to plague him as he moves to deflect blame onto a man named Mulligan. However, words spoken in his intoxicated state lead others to question his innocence.
Meanwhile, Mary reports that the only person Frankie conversed with before his demise was Gypo, prompting the IRA to launch an investigation into the murder. Gypo, desperate to locate Katie, stumbles into an upper-class gathering where his drunken antics spiral out of control. His former comrades soon apprehend him, taking him to a makeshift tribunal, where Mulligan is interrogated. The group, however, chooses not to believe Gypo’s accusations, providing a detailed account of how he spent the £20. Ultimately, Gypo’s guilt compels him to confess his treachery.
Secure in a cell yet fearing for his life, Gypo seizes an opportunity to escape through a ceiling hole and rushes to Katie’s apartment, where he confesses his betrayal. Despite her fervent pleas to Commissioner Dan Gallagher, he coldly refuses to spare Gypo, citing the risk of him turning the entire organization over to the police. Meanwhile, other IRA members, upon overhearing Katie, converge on her apartment and fatally shoot Gypo, leaving Katie devastated as she hears the gunfire.
In his final moments, Gypo seeks refuge in a church where he encounters Frankie’s mourning mother. He implores her for forgiveness, and she graciously absolves him, stating he acted without understanding the consequences of his actions. In a poignant moment of redemption, Gypo passes away content, calling out joyfully to Frankie as he lies on the church floor, embraced by a sense of peace.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Informer (1935) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Gypo's Expulsion from the IRA
In 1922, Gypo Nolan finds himself ostracized from the Irish Republican Army after failing to kill a Black and Tan responsible for a comrade's death. This act of betrayal marks the beginning of Gypo's tumultuous journey as an outcast burdened by guilt and frustration.
Katie's Desperate Dream
Amidst the chaos of Dublin streets, Gypo's streetwalker girlfriend, Katie Madden, confides in him about her urgent desire to escape Ireland. She reveals that she needs £10 to flee to America and start afresh, igniting a spark of desperation in Gypo as he processes their harsh reality.
Betrayal of Frankie McPhillip
Gypo reunites with Frankie McPhillip, an old friend and fugitive with a bounty on his head. In a moment of misguided determination, Gypo decides to betray Frankie to the British, believing that the reward money will provide both of them a way out of their current plight.
Frankie's Death
Gypo's betrayal leads to a tragic outcome when British forces discover Frankie's hideout. In a violent confrontation, Frankie is killed, and Gypo, instead of facing his guilt, receives the blood money, allowing him to escape the consequences of his actions.
Lying to Katie
Attempting to cover his treachery, Gypo concocts a story about acquiring money through violence against an American sailor. His deceit weighs heavily on him, and Katie, unaware of his betrayal, is drawn deeper into Gypo's web of lies.
Suspicion Arises at Frankie's Wake
During Frankie's wake, Gypo's actions raise suspicions among the attendees when coins abruptly spill from his pockets. This incident plants seeds of doubt about his loyalty, leading Gypo to deflect blame onto Mulligan, revealing his desperation to escape scrutiny.
IRA Investigation Launches
Mary, Frankie's sister, reports that Gypo was the last person her brother spoke with, prompting the IRA to initiate an investigation. This places Gypo in a precarious situation as he attempts to navigate the mounting pressure from his former comrades.
Gypo's Public Downfall
In a moment of reckless abandon, Gypo crashes an upper-class gathering, his drunken behavior drawing attention and raising further suspicions about his allegiance. Soon, he is apprehended by his former comrades who take him before a makeshift tribunal.
The Tribunal's Verdict
During the tribunal, Gypo's accusations against Mulligan are dismissed by his peers, who provide a detailed account of his whereabouts, further isolating him. Gypo's intense guilt spirals as he grapples with the reality of betrayal and his lost honor.
Gypo's Attempted Confession
In jail, Gypo is consumed by remorse and realizes the weight of his actions. He attempts to confess his betrayal to his peers, which sets off a chain of events leading to a tragic showdown with his former allies.
Desperate Reunion with Katie
Seizing a chance for redemption, Gypo escapes to Katie's apartment where he reveals the truth about his betrayal. However, Katie’s attempts to plead for Gypo's life fall on deaf ears as the authorities remain unmoved by his plight.
Final Confrontation
The situation escalates when IRA members, alerted by Katie’s distress, converge on the apartment. In a harrowing climax, they fatally shoot Gypo, unleashing a torrent of pain and sorrow upon the unsuspecting Katie.
Gypo's Moment of Redemption
In his dying moments, Gypo collapses in a church where he encounters Frankie's heartbroken mother. Seeking forgiveness, he finds solace in her compassionate response, marking a poignant moment of understanding and absolution before he fades away.
Gypo's Final Breath
As life slips away, Gypo calls out joyfully for Frankie in a moment of peace, suggesting repentance for his earlier actions. This final act underscores his desire for redemption amidst the chaos he had caused.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Informer (1935) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Gypo Nolan
Gypo Nolan is a conflicted character whose choices lead to catastrophic outcomes for those around him. Initially portrayed as desperate and misguided, his journey reveals a deeper sense of regret and the struggle between loyalty and self-preservation. Gypo's tragic arc embodies the consequences of betrayal and the search for redemption.
Katie Madden
Katie Madden is Gypo's girlfriend, a resilient streetwalker caught in the struggles of survival. Her desperation for a better life motivates Gypo's decisions, showcasing her vulnerability amid the chaos. Katie's character represents the emotional toll of the war and the personal sacrifices made for love and survival.
Frankie McPhillip
Frankie McPhillip is a fugitive and Gypo's friend, whose yearning for family and normalcy starkly contrasts with Gypo's choices. His tragic fate underscores the real consequences of war and betrayal, serving as a catalyst for Gypo's internal conflict. Frankie's character illustrates the high stakes of loyalty in a time of chaos.
Dan Gallagher
Commissioner Dan Gallagher represents the cold, hard authority of the British forces. His refusal to show mercy towards Gypo highlights the societal pressures and repercussions of betrayal. Gallagher's character serves as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by individuals during this turbulent period.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Informer (1935), 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
1922
The year 1922 was marked by political strife in Ireland, following the Anglo-Irish Treaty that led to the establishment of the Irish Free State. It was a time of division and conflict within the Irish Republican Army as factions argued over the future of the nation. The societal unrest shapes the motivations and actions of the protagonist.
Location
Dublin
The film is set in Dublin, a city rich in history and culture. During 1922, Dublin was a focal point of Irish nationalism and experienced significant social and political turmoil. This turbulent backdrop serves as a crucial element influencing the characters' decisions and fates.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Informer (1935). 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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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme in 'The Informer,' particularly highlighted by Gypo's decision to betray his friend Frankie for personal gain. This treachery leads to devastating consequences, driving the narrative and showcasing the moral complexities of survival amidst turmoil. Gypo's internal struggle and ultimate regret poignantly reflect the theme of loyalty versus self-interest.
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Redemption
The quest for redemption is poignantly illustrated through Gypo's journey, as he grapples with his guilt and seeks forgiveness. His final moments in the church symbolize a yearning for absolution, painting a complex portrait of a flawed character striving for peace. This theme resonates deeply, portraying the impact of guilt and the hope for forgiveness.
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