Harper

Private investigator Lew Harper is distracted from finalizing his divorce when he is approached with a case involving the disappearance of multi-millionaire Ralph Sampson. His client is Ralph's wife, Elaine, who is worried that Ralph is dissipating their wealth, potentially jeopardizing her inheritance.

As Harper starts his investigation, he meets Allan Taggert, Ralph's private pilot. Taggert's insights into Ralph's life offer Harper valuable leads, while also introducing him to Taggert's flirtatious daughter, Miranda, adding complexity to the case.

Harper discovers a glamorous photograph of a starlet in Ralph's bungalow, leading him to seek out Fay Estabrook, an aging alcoholic. The photograph sets off a chain of events that deepens the mystery surrounding Sampson's disappearance.

In a bold move, Harper intoxicates Fay to extract information about Ralph. However, he faces a dangerous situation when Fay's husband, Dwight Troy, confronts him, nearly leading to violence until Harper cleverly pretends to be a lovesick admirer.

Harper tracks down Betty Fraley, a lounge singer, hoping for more answers. Instead, she immediately recognizes Ralph's voice, leading to a dangerous situation when her bouncer, Puddler, is sent after him, although Taggert intervenes just in time.

While continuing his search, Harper uncovers a message from Ralph to Elaine, instructing her to convert $500,000 in bonds. This discovery raises alarm bells for Harper, who starts to suspect foul play and a potential kidnapping.

During a visit to a remote property, Harper finds pot of beans cooking and familiar tire tracks. He later uncovers a ransom note at the Sampson estate, instructing Elaine to deliver cash that night, solidifying his suspicions of a kidnapping plot.

During the ransom drop, chaos ensues when the messenger collecting the money is shot. This shocking turn of events propels Harper to investigate further, leading him to a sleazy bar called The Corner, where he learns more about the unsavory elements involved.

Harper's investigation reveals a larger smuggling operation run by Troy. A tense confrontation ensues but Harper manages to escape with critical information about the roles players like Taggert, Betty, and Eddie had in Ralph's kidnapping.

In a dramatic sequence, Albert Graves, Ralph's attorney, shoots Taggert amidst the chaos of the investigation. This shocking moment deepens the mystery, as Harper realizes the stakes are even higher than he initially thought.

Harper makes a desperate attempt to save Betty from the clutches of Troy and his gang. His determination shines through as he fights to free her, but both he and Betty are soon faced with heartbreaking news regarding Ralph's fate.

In a tragic moment, Harper and Betty find Ralph dead inside an abandoned oil tanker. This devastating discovery confirms Harper's worst fears, marking a turning point in the investigation and unleashing a wave of emotions.

As Harper pursues Betty down a hillside, a tragic accident costs her life. This heartbreaking event leaves a lasting impact on Harper, complicating his feelings about the case and the people involved.

Ultimately, Harper confronts Albert Graves after piecing together the truth about the criminal plot. Faced with moral dilemmas, he must decide how to handle the betrayal, leading to a tension-filled showdown between right and wrong.

As the narrative reaches its climax, Harper grapples with the consequences of his actions and the betrayal by Graves. The film concludes with Harper surrendering to his fate, leaving viewers questioning the complexities of justice.