Movie spotlight
Lucky Jordan is a gangster living in New York City and when he's drafted into the army, he tries to escape duty by using an old con woman named Annie to convince the draft board he's needed at home. When that fails, Jordan is sent to boot camp, but he doesn't stay there long. He takes a beautiful USO worker hostage and flees back to New York. There, he learns that a rival gangster is plotting against America.
Shell-shocked GI, Lucky Jordan, a charmingly amoral gangster, escapes from a military prison and tries to make his way back to his former life of crime. He inadvertently falls in with a group of patriotic citizens working for the war effort, mistaking them for criminals. As he attempts to exploit their supposed illicit activities, he finds himself drawn into their genuine patriotism and the fight against Nazi spies.
Lucky Jordan was a moderate success upon its release, appreciated for its blend of comedy and crime elements, with Alan Ladd's charismatic performance being a highlight. While not a critical masterpiece, it served as effective wartime entertainment, offering a lighthearted take on espionage and the home front.
Alan Ladd delivers a charismatic performance as a gangster caught in an unlikely patriotic plot.
The film successfully blends comedy and crime with a wartime espionage theme.
Offers lighthearted entertainment with a touch of suspense.
Google audience: Audience reception data for Lucky Jordan is not readily available.
The film was part of Paramount Pictures' strategy to capitalize on the popularity of Alan Ladd following his breakout role in 'The Glass Key' (1942), showcasing his charm in a more comedic, albeit still crime-tinged, role.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
I never really rated Alan Ladd but he's quite decent in this wartime thriller. He's the gangster "Lucky" who finds himself drafted! Despite the best efforts of his lawyer "Higgins" (Lloyd Corrigan) to get him off, he is duly posted - and pr...