Character Relationship Map: Underworld U.S.A.

Characters

• Tolly Devlin (played by Cliff Robertson) — protagonist

  14-year-old boy who witnesses his father's murder and vows revenge. He becomes a safecracker, tricks dying mobster Vic Farrar into naming the other killers, and infiltrates the crime syndicate. Workin...

• Cuddles (played by Dolores Dorn) — supporting

  A low-level syndicate money-runner whom Tolly saves and begins a romance with. She becomes a target of Connors' orders alongside other innocent witnesses, prompting Tolly to finally confront the mob b...

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Tolly Devlin → Cuddles (Romantic Partner) — Their romance gives Tolly a personal future beyond revenge and becomes the reason he confronts the syndicate leader.

  Tolly saves Cuddles, a low-level syndicate money-runner, and the two begin a romance. He later plans to marry her.

Story Analysis

A revenge-driven criminal infiltration turns into a fatal attempt to protect a loved one and destroy the syndicate.

Plot Progression

1. A Son's Vow — Tolly witnesses his father's murder and vows revenge. Learning that one recognized killer is already imprisoned, he turns toward crime and safecracking.
2. The Deathbed Clue — During a later prison term, Tolly discovers that the imprisoned killer is dying. He deceives the prisoner and obtains the identities of the three remaining killers.
3. Inside the Syndicate — Tolly infiltrates the crime organization and saves Cuddles, a money-runner. Their romance develops while he secretly informs the police and manipulates both sides.
4. Revenge Turns Dangerous — Tolly's schemes lead to the planned deaths of the three remaining killers. He believes he can leave crime, but police warnings expose the danger surrounding his escape.
5. The Last Confrontation — When Cuddles and innocent witnesses are targeted, Tolly abandons his plan to leave. He confronts the syndicate leader, kills him, and dies from his wounds.