Bodyguard

Bodyguard

Year: 1948

Runtime: 62 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard Fleischer

ThrillerCrime

A Real “Who-done-it” Thriller A cop on suspension is framed for murder when he noses in on a murder investigation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Bodyguard yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Bodyguard (1948)

Trace every key event in Bodyguard (1948) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Suspended and resigns

Mike Carter is placed on suspension by the LAPD, and in a flash of anger he punches Lieutenant Broden and quits the force. The confrontation shows his stubborn integrity and willingness to walk away rather than compromise. This departure sets the stage for his uneasy path into a perilous case.

Day of suspension LAPD
2

Baseball game encounter

At a baseball game a few days later, Fred Dysen approaches Carter and offers him a job as bodyguard for his aunt, Gene Dysen. Carter refuses, signaling his distrust of the Dysen family and the dangerous entanglements ahead. The encounter plants a seed of trouble that will soon pull him deeper in.

A few days later Baseball stadium, Los Angeles
3

Mysterious envelope

Back at his apartment, an envelope stuffed with $2000 is slipped under the door. Carter hurries out to confront the sender, only to find the person has vanished into the night. The taunting money hints at a setup linked to the case.

That night Carter's apartment
4

Dysen mansion visit and gunfire

Carter drives to the Dysen mansion in Pasadena, pushes his way in, and meets the members of the household who distrust a bodyguard. Mrs. Dysen is uninterested in hiring one, and Carter returns the money to Fred; just then someone fires a shot at Mrs. Dysen but misses. The incident heightens the tension and suspicion around the Dysen family.

Same visit night Dysen mansion, Pasadena
5

Overnight stay and entanglement

After the shooting, Fred convinces Carter to stay the night, and Carter takes back the money. Fred's insistence keeps Carter under observation and intensifies his involvement with the Dysen affair. The uneasy alliance hints at deeper fraud and danger.

That night Dysen mansion
6

3:45 a.m. discovery and attack

At 3:45 a.m., Carter catches Connie Fenton digging bullets out of the wall and sees Mrs. Dysen drive away. He tails her car to Downtown Los Angeles, where he is knocked unconscious. He awakens in his car with Lieutenant Borden dead beside him and a train rushing toward the tracks.

3:45 a.m. Dysen mansion; Downtown Los Angeles
7

Framing becomes evident

Realizing he’s being framed for Borden’s murder, Carter asks his fiancée Doris Brewster to investigate Borden’s cases. Doris drives him to the Dysen home, but Mrs. Dysen isn’t there and the plant isn’t available either. He resolves to uncover the truth behind Borden’s murder.

Shortly after the assault Dys​en home
8

Stone’s death and new leads

Among the files, the death of Inspector Alex Stone at the Continental Meat Packing plant stands out. Carter confronts Mrs. Dysen again and gets a plausible explanation, then asks Doris to bring more on Stone’s death. At Stone’s brother Adam’s insistence, Carter learns that Stone’s sight was not as faulty as the accident report claimed.

Following initial inquiries Dysen home
9

Glasses maker break-in

To dig deeper, Carter tracks down the glasses manufacturer after hours and breaks in to obtain the evidence he needs. He pieces together a link between the faulty eyesight story and the meat-fraud scheme. He calls Captain Wayne and arranges a meeting at the Dysen home.

After hours Glasses manufacturer
10

Doris observes the plot

Meanwhile, Doris spies on Fred and Fenton at the plant and uncovers evidence of their fraud. Her surveillance places her in danger as the conspiracy closes in. Carter uses the new information to push forward toward the confrontation.

Concurrent with investigations Continental Meat Packing plant
11

Confrontation and plan reveal

At the Dysen mansion, Carter confronts Mrs. Dysen again; she reveals that Freddie suspects Fenton has been adding water to the meat to boost profits. Stone’s murder was a cover for the scheme, and Carter suspects Fred is in league with Fenton. Realizing Doris is in danger at the plant, Carter steals a police car to rush to her side.

After further discoveries Dysen mansion
12

Final showdown at the plant

At the plant, Fred reveals his scheme to frame Fenton and exonerate himself, and notes that Fenton is already dead. Carter arrives in time to stop Fred from shooting Doris; a struggle ends with Fred knocked unconscious as the police intervene. Carter and Fred are placed in custody, and Doris is saved.

Final confrontation Continental Meat Packing Plant
13

Honeymoon in a police cruiser

The newlyweds Mike and Doris Carter depart for their honeymoon in a police cruiser. The couple's union is celebrated against the backdrop of a case closed by law enforcement.

End Police cruiser

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:30

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Bodyguard Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Bodyguard

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Bodyguard

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