Lucky Jordan

Director: Frank Tuttle
Actors: Alan Ladd, Helen Walker, Sheldon Leonard
PlotJordan is a skilled but unscrupulous New York gangster with a knack for navigating the underworld. He is swept into a new reality when he receives his draft notice from the military, which disrupts his comfortable life of crime and luxury. Ever the schemer, Jordan decides to use his cunning to dodge service. However, his attempts are thwarted, and he soon finds himself enlisted in the army, facing an unfamiliar world that requires discipline and sacrifice. Reluctantly, he goes through basic training but retains his sly ways, using every opportunity to exploit those around him for personal gain. The structured military life grates against his freewheeling nature, setting up a number of comedic and tense situations as he constantly seeks a way to return to his former life.
Throughout his military journey, Jordan encounters Jill, a determined and principled USO worker who believes in the cause and sees through his act. Despite their clashing ideals, Jill becomes instrumental in challenging Jordan's selfish outlook, presenting him with a model of selfless service and dedication—values he's never held dear. As they interact, Jill becomes both a formidable adversary and an unexpected ally. Meanwhile, Jordan’s criminal past catches up with him when one of his former associates tries to involve him in a scheme against national security, forcing him to choose between his old life and the one he has stumbled into. As the plot unfolds, Jordan must confront what truly matters in life and whether he can rise above his self-centered ways.
Writers: Darrell Ware, Karl Tunberg, Charles Leonard
Release Date: 16 Nov 1942
Runtime: 84 min
Rating: Passed
Country: United States
Language: English
Physical Media Reviews
Lucky Jordan
Blu-ray Review
Score: 71
Kino's Blu-ray of "Lucky Jordan" offers a vibrant 2K master with solid audio, though the film's uneven narrative and cliches are better suited for dedicated fans.