Officer James O'Malley, a true believer in law and order, treats even the smallest offenses with the utmost seriousness. But O'Malley brings bad publicity to the force when his pigheaded ethics become the subject of a scathing news story, and he's subsequently relegated to traffic cop. While on the beat, he tickets impoverished family man John Phillips, unaware that his stubbornness will set off a series of devastating events for Phillips.

Pat O'Brienas James Aloysius 'Jim' / 'Jimmy' O'Malley
Humphrey Bogartas John Philips
Ann Sheridanas Judy Nolan
Frieda Inescortas Mrs. Philips
Donald Crispas Police Captain Cromwell
Henry O'Neillas Defense Attorney
Craig Reynoldsas Motorist Honking Horn
Hobart Cavanaughas Reporter Pinky Holden