Plot Analysis Summary
A former gangster's attempt to protect his rebuilt life is complicated by betrayal, violence, pursuit, and an unexpected bond in hiding.
Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases
A Respectable Life Threatened
Martin Martin has rebuilt his life as a legitimate Manhattan businessman, but his criminal past remains dangerous. Dane Cory's proposed testimony creates a direct legal threat.
Key Events
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Manhattan Business Life — Martin Martin is presented as a legitimate businessman in Manhattan. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Manhattan
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Criminal Past Revealed — Martin's former gangster life is connected to his past partnership with Cory. Characters: Martin Martin, Dane Cory
Location: Manhattan
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Immunity Deal Proposed — Cory is offered immunity in exchange for testimony against Martin. Characters: Dane Cory
Location: Manhattan
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Martin Becomes Target — The proposed testimony makes Martin the target of a legal pursuit. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Manhattan
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Warning Reaches Martin — Martin is informed about the immunity arrangement involving Cory. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Manhattan
The Escape Begins
Martin learns about the immunity arrangement and narrowly avoids arrest. He decides to confront Cory rather than passively await the consequences.
Key Events
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Warning Reaches Martin — Martin is informed about the immunity arrangement involving Cory. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Manhattan
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Narrow Escape From Arrest — Martin narrowly escapes arrest after learning about the deal. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Manhattan
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Martin Seeks Cory — Martin goes to Cory in an attempt to stop the testimony. Characters: Martin Martin, Dane Cory
Location: Manhattan
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Demand To Stay Silent — Martin tries to dissuade Cory from testifying against him. Characters: Martin Martin, Dane Cory
Location: Dane Cory's residence
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Meeting Becomes Shootout — The confrontation between Martin and Cory escalates into a shootout. Characters: Martin Martin, Dane Cory
Location: Dane Cory's residence
Violence At Cory's Home
Martin asks Cory not to testify, but the meeting becomes a shootout. Martin is wounded, kills one of Cory's henchmen, and escapes.
Key Events
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Meeting Becomes Shootout — The confrontation between Martin and Cory escalates into a shootout. Characters: Martin Martin, Dane Cory
Location: Dane Cory's residence
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Martin Is Shot — Martin is wounded during the shootout at Cory's location. Characters: Martin Martin, Dane Cory
Location: Dane Cory's residence
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Henchman Killed — Despite being shot, Martin kills one of Cory's henchmen. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Dane Cory's residence
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Flight From Cory — Martin flees after the violent confrontation with Cory's group. Characters: Martin Martin, Dane Cory
Location: Manhattan
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Picture Hits Newspapers — Martin's picture appears on newspaper front pages after the shooting. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Manhattan
Wanted In Manhattan
Martin's image reaches newspaper front pages and a reward is placed on him. He retreats to an abandoned house to recover and remain hidden.
Key Events
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Reward Placed On Martin — A reward is placed on Martin, increasing the danger surrounding him. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Manhattan
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Abandoned House Refuge — Martin hides in an abandoned house while wanted and wounded. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Abandoned house
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Wound Recovery — Martin recovers from the gunshot wound in hiding. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Abandoned house
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Final Assault Prepared — While recovering, Martin prepares for a final assault against Cory. Characters: Martin Martin, Dane Cory
Location: Abandoned house
A Companion In Hiding
Martin prepares for a final assault against Cory while recovering from his wound. An injured stray dog enters the hideout, and Martin adopts and names him Johnny One-Eye.
Key Events
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Final Assault Prepared — While recovering, Martin prepares for a final assault against Cory. Characters: Martin Martin, Dane Cory
Location: Abandoned house
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Injured Dog Arrives — An injured stray dog wanders into Martin's hideout. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Abandoned house
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Dog Is Adopted — Martin adopts the injured dog while remaining in hiding. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Abandoned house
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Johnny One-Eye Named — Martin names the adopted dog Johnny One-Eye. Characters: Martin Martin
Location: Abandoned house
Johnny One-Eye was adapted from one of Damon Runyon's lesser-known stories. Martin Martin and Dane Cory were former partners in crime who have long since split up. When a new district attorney puts the heat on, Cory, anxious to save his own hide, accuses Martin of an unsolved murder. Holed up in abandoned house, Martin is befriended by a little girl and her dog. It so happens that the girl is the daughter of the crusading DA, and thereby hangs the rest of this tale.