Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases
The Rise of Vic Morono
Introduction to Vic Morono, his gang 'The Four Deuces', and his position in the Prohibition-era crime world.
Key Events
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Introduction to Vic Morono — Vic Morono introduced as high-ranking mobster Characters: Vic Morono
Location: City streets
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The Four Deuces Speakeasy — Vic's speakeasy introduced Characters: Vic Morono, Mickey Navarro, Ben Arlen, Smokey Ross
Location: The Four Deuces speakeasy
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Vic Meets Wendy — Vic encounters gorgeous blonde Wendy Characters: Vic Morono, Wendy Rittenhouse
Location: Nightclub
Love in the Underworld
Vic falls for Wendy Rittenhouse, complicating his life as a mob boss.
Key Events
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Vic Meets Wendy — Vic encounters gorgeous blonde Wendy Characters: Vic Morono, Wendy Rittenhouse
Location: Nightclub
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Vic Falls for Wendy — Vic develops romantic interest in Wendy Characters: Vic Morono, Wendy Rittenhouse
Location: Private room
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Chico Hamilton Introduced — Vic's rival Chico Hamilton appears Characters: Chico Hamilton, Vic Morono
Location: Rival territory
War with Rival
The escalating conflict between Vic and his arch-rival Chico Hamilton threatens to destabilize the criminal underworld.
Key Events
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Chico Hamilton Introduced — Vic's rival Chico Hamilton appears Characters: Chico Hamilton, Vic Morono
Location: Rival territory
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War Escalates — Conflict between Vic and Chico intensifies Characters: Vic Morono, Chico Hamilton, Mickey Navarro, Ben Arlen
Location: City streets
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Wendy Joins Gang — Wendy becomes involved with Vic's gang Characters: Vic Morono, Wendy Rittenhouse, Chip Morono
Location: The Four Deuces
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Major Confrontation — Violent clash between Vic and Chico's gangs Characters: Vic Morono, Chico Hamilton, Mickey Navarro, Ben Arlen, Smokey Ross
Location: Warehouse
Gang Loyalties Tested
The members of 'The Four Deuces' face challenges as the conflict intensifies, testing their loyalties to Vic.
Key Events
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Major Confrontation — Violent clash between Vic and Chico's gangs Characters: Vic Morono, Chico Hamilton, Mickey Navarro, Ben Arlen, Smokey Ross
Location: Warehouse
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Crisis Point — Critical moment in the gang war Characters: Vic Morono, Chico Hamilton, Wendy Rittenhouse, Chip Morono
Location: The Four Deuces
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Final Showdown — Decisive battle between Vic and Chico Characters: Vic Morono, Chico Hamilton, Wendy Rittenhouse, Chip Morono, Mickey Navarro, Ben Arlen, Smokey Ross
Location: City docks
Final Showdown
The climactic confrontation between Vic and Chico, with the fate of the gang hanging in the balance.
Key Events
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Final Showdown — Decisive battle between Vic and Chico Characters: Vic Morono, Chico Hamilton, Wendy Rittenhouse, Chip Morono, Mickey Navarro, Ben Arlen, Smokey Ross
Location: City docks
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Resolution — Conflict resolved, Vic's position secured Characters: Vic Morono, Wendy Rittenhouse, Chip Morono, Dolly Morono
Location: The Four Deuces
This is a tongue-in-cheek crime melodrama that became a 'Late Late Show' fixture in the 1980s, according to the DVD sleeve, Jack Palance plays Vic Morono, a high-ranking Prohibition-era mobster with a weakness for women who is waging an ongoing war with rival hoodlum Chico Hamilton (Warren Berlinger). Vic falls for gorgeous blonde Wendy (Carol Lynley). The film's title refers to the name of his speakeasy, and to his gang, which consists of himself, Wendy, and a brace comic-relief hoodlums. The Four Deuces opens with cartoon credits, and attempts a stylish comic strip look. Expecting some wit upon seeing the name Don Martin in the credits will drive you stark raving nuts - this is not the cartoonist who worked for "Mad" magazine. Light bondage and female flesh scenes might have upped ratings for those 1980s "Late Late Show" airings. Perhaps most notable is the that Ms. Lynley and Mr. Berlinger worked much more memorably together in the stage and film versions of Blue Denim
