

Officer O'Brien
Synopsis
Bill O'Brien is promoted to lieutenant in the police department for his arrest of Mike Patello, gang leader and racketeer, for murder. Ruth Dale, who loves Bill, is concerned when her brother, Johnny, who witnessed the murder, proposes to testify against the racketeer. Meanwhile, Captain Antrim informs Bill that his father has just been released from prison and does not know his son is a policeman. On the way from prison, O'Brien (J. P.) meets Limo, a former cockney pal who recognizes Bill and keeps J. P. from seeing his son; later, J. P. arrives intoxicated and is enraged, forcing Bill to knock him unconscious. J. P. is arrested for robbery but returns the loot to save his son from disgrace; Johnny is killed before testifying against Patello, who is released but confronted by J. P., who proves his guilt and, when he struggles with the police, kills him. Bill plans to resign, but confident of Ruth's love, he decides to remain on the force.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
February 15, 1930
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Tay Garnett
- Screenplay & Story
- Tom Buckingham
- Original Title
- Officer O'Brien
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 12m
- Production Studios
- Pathé Exchange
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Tay Garnett
Tom Buckingham
Department Leadership Roster
Tay Garnett
Director
Tom Buckingham
Screenplay
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Officer O'Brien.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Officer O'Brien
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Officer O'Brien about?
Bill O'Brien is promoted to lieutenant in the police department for his arrest of Mike Patello, gang leader and racketeer, for murder. Ruth Dale, who loves Bill, is concerned when her brother, Johnny, who witnessed the murder, proposes to testify against the racketeer. Meanwhile, Captain Antrim informs Bill that his father has just been released from prison and does not know his son is a policeman. On the way from prison, O'Brien (J. P.) meets Limo, a former cockney pal who recognizes Bill and keeps J. P. from seeing his son; later, J. P. arrives intoxicated and is enraged, forcing Bill to knock him unconscious. J. P. is arrested for robbery but returns the loot to save his son from disgrace; Johnny is killed before testifying against Patello, who is released but confronted by J. P., who proves his guilt and, when he struggles with the police, kills him. Bill plans to resign, but confident of Ruth's love, he decides to remain on the force.
Who directed Officer O'Brien?
Officer O'Brien was directed by Tay Garnett.
Who stars in Officer O'Brien?
The principal cast of Officer O'Brien includes William Boyd, Ernest Torrence, Dorothy Sebastian, Russell Gleason, Clyde Cook.
When was Officer O'Brien released and how long is it?
Officer O'Brien was released in 1930 with a total runtime of 1h 12m.




















