Riley the Cop
Riley the Cop is a 1928 American synchronized-sound comedy film directed by John Ford. It stars J. Farrell MacDonald as Riley, a friendly beat cop in New York who has patrolled the same neighborhood for 20 years without a single arrest. He’s loved by the kids, enjoys joking around, and often bends the rules in good humor. His rival is Hans “Eitel” Krausmeyer, a strict, disciplined cop who serves as Riley’s foil.
Davy Collins, who works at a bakery, loves Mary Coronelli, but Mary’s wealthy Aunt Caroline disapproves and takes Mary to Europe. Davy saves up to follow her. A bakery cash-shortage leads to Davy’s suspicion, so Riley is sent to Europe to find him and bring him back. In Munich, Riley meets Lena Krausmeyer, Krausmeyer’s flirtatious sister, and a comic romance unfolds in a lively beer hall. A telegram from New York reminds him to return to the case.
Riley tracks Davy to Paris. Rather than arrest him, Riley lets Davy escort him back. Paris brings more comic moments, including a lively taxi ride with Billy Bevan. On the voyage home, a cable clears Davy of guilt—the real bakery thief is caught—so Davy and Mary can be together.
Back in New York, Riley returns to his beat, still cheerful and kind. He tips his hat to the couple as neighborhood life resumes, and he glances at Lena with a hopeful smile.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:23 (CET).