Daybreak – 1948 | 75 mins | Thriller, Mystery | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Eddie keeps a barber’s shop. Only his assistant Ron knows that he has another trade, briefly indicated by the names of jails scribbled in his pocket-book, middle-aged Eddie is the public hangman. He meets and marries a pretty waif, Frankie. When he inherits his father’s barge business, he gives the barber’s shop to Ron and makes a home for Frankie and himself on one of the barges.

A conceited young Scandinavian seaman, Olaf, hardly troubles to disguise his interest in Frankie. She is attracted to him against her will; she pleads with her husband not to leave her alone any more. Eddie, unable to explain the real reason for his frequent absences, tries in vain to reassure her. When next he has to keep an ‘ official engagement ‘, Frankie asks an old bargeman, Bill Shackle, to remain with her. He has to refuse, and when Eddie unexpectedly returns that night he finds Olaf on the barge.

After a savage fight, Eddie is knocked overboard. Police are called to the barge and arrest Olaf for his murder. Suddenly a revolver shot is heard; in contrition and despair, Frankie has committed suicide. But Eddie has dragged himself ashore to take secret shelter with Ron. Eventually he has the duty of carrying out the death sentence on Olaf. He relishes the opportunity of avenging Frankie’s death. At the last moment, however, he reveals his identity and returns to the barber’s shop to end his own life.