The Big Switch story
Gangster Sam Dunleavy wants to murder his ex-girlfriend, Goldie, so he has his friend Barney arrange for him the perfect alibi. Barney has it staged as though he and Sam are playing a game of poker in Barney's back room. Sam sneaks out successfully, but is unable to kill Goldie when she claims that she is pregnant. When Sam returns to Barney's backroom, Barney has accidentally shot himself, and Sam is arrested for murder. Directed by: Don Weis. Story by: Cornell Woolrich, Richard Carr.
8 total · 5 major · 3 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| how to murder someone and get away with it | major | The story was premised on the idea that with a false alibi, you can get away with murder. |
| ironic twist of fate | major | After an elaborate plot to get away with murder, Sam's intended alibi accidentally shot himself and Sam was booked for a murder he didn't commit. |
| murder | major | Sam plotted to kill the girlfriend who ran out on him. |
| the desire for vengeance | major | Sam wanted to kill the girlfriend who ran out on him. |
| the gangster stereotype | major | Sam was a stereotypical low-level gangster. |
| law enforcement | minor | A police lieutenant dropped by to check up on Sam and ask him to leave Chicago. |
| master and pet | minor | Sam spoke notably to his bird and cat. |
| mercy | minor | Sam took mercy on Goldie when he heard about her supposed baby's name. |