Eyewitness

New York City janitor Daryll Deever is an avid fan of television reporter Toni Sokolow. He follows her work closely and imagines a connection with the city’s glamorous media world.

Aldo, another janitor, is fired after a confrontation with Mr. Long. Daryll tries to intervene by speaking to Long, hoping to reinstate Aldo, but discovers the firing was due to Aldo being disrespectful and possibly reflecting xenophobic sentiments from his Vietnam War experiences.

One night, Daryll discovers Mr. Long strangled to death. The police become suspicious of both Aldo and Daryll since Daryll found the body and Aldo had motive.

Following the murder, the police suspect Aldo; he lies about where he was that night. Later, he shows up with more money than he ever had. Daryll grows sure Aldo killed Long.

Toni believes Deever knows something about the crime and starts pursuing him for information. Daryll allows the pursuit because he is romantically interested in her, and they begin meeting regularly, developing feelings.

One night, Long's Vietnamese associates attempt to kidnap Toni to learn what she has discovered. Toni manages to jump out of their car onto the street, where Daryll rescues her on his motorcycle. They go to Daryll's place.

At Daryll's place, he takes care of her wounds, and the two eventually sleep together. Their relationship deepens as they bond over danger.

Aldo is revealed to be innocent of the murder; he lied due to loans from two rival loan sharks. He got two huge loans to start a business with Daryll, who refuses to be involved. Daryll tells him to return the money.

Joseph, Toni's fiancé, suspects Daryll and tries to kill him by strangling. He is revealed to be the murderer of Mr. Long, acting under threats from Long's organization that helped smuggle Jews from the Soviet Union.

Toni decides to break up with Daryll and marry Joseph to fit class; Daryll agrees to a meeting with her and her parents at Toni's place.

Joseph calls Daryll pretending to be Toni's father and tricks him into going to a different address.

Daryll arrives at a horse stable on a deserted street. He is attacked by Joseph and an associate. Daryll uses his knowledge of animals and a firecracker to trigger a stampede, disarming Joseph and scattering his ally.

Joseph and Daryll fight hand to hand until the police arrive. Lt. Jacobs shoots Joseph dead, thinking he is armed. Toni arrives and embraces Daryll, relieved he is alive.